Vesterheim Brings Decorah Into Nationwide Handwork 2026 Celebration

When your school board votes, Decorah News is there to report. Chip in to keep your voice in the room. DECORAH — This year, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum joins more than 250 institutions participating in Handwork 2026, a major initiative marking the nation's 250th anniversary. Presented by Craft in America, the project highlights the importance of handmade objects in shaping the country's identity. Through exhibitions, educational programming, a PBS documentary series and a national publication, Handwork 2026 connects communities across the United States in a shared exploration of craft traditions. Vesterheim's contribution will center on its National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition, a long-running showcase of contemporary artists working in traditional Norwegian forms such as rosemaling, weaving, woodworking, blacksmithing and knifemaking. Artists may submit work from May 1-20. The exhibition will be on view June 12 through July 25 and will overlap with Nordic Fest, scheduled for July 23-25, when thousands of visitors are expected in Decorah. Andrew Ellingsen, Vesterheim's director of folk art education, said participation in the initiative expands the museum's reach. "Vesterheim is honored to be a participating organization in Craft in America's Handwork 2026 project," Ellingsen said. "By participating in this project, Vesterheim is able to connect to a national and international audience who are interested in folk art and handcraft." Ellingsen said the museum has already seen interest from people who discovered Vesterheim through the Handwork 2026 website. He said preserving and evolving Norwegian folk art traditions is central to the museum's mission, describing them as part of a broader "intangible cultural heritage" that helps maintain cultural diversity. "Visitors are able to take classes where they can learn to make the objects they see in the museum," Ellingsen said. "That connection helps people better understand the lives of the people who made them." The exhibition, first launched in 1967, includes a judged component. Artists receive feedback from experts, and top entries earn ribbons that accumulate toward the Vesterheim Gold Medal. Gold medals are awarded at a reception during Nordic Fest. Ellingsen said visitors can expect a wide range of both technical and creative work. "The level of artistry demonstrated by the participating artists is incredible," he said. "The range of interpretations of these traditional handcrafts is inspiring." Beyond the exhibition, Vesterheim offers more than 150 classes annually, drawing participants from across the United States and abroad. The museum also offers discounted tuition for local residents on a standby basis. Those interested in taking a class or applying for the Local Standby Discount are encouraged to reach out at folkartschool@vesterheim.org. Handwork 2026 is a yearlong, multi-platform initiative developed by the team behind Craft in America's Peabody Award-winning documentary series. The project includes four new PBS episodes exploring regional craft traditions, educational materials for K-12 students, and a book, "Handwork: Handcrafted Things That Made America," scheduled for release in April 2026. A central exhibition will be held at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, with additional exhibitions and events hosted by institutions across the country, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. For a current list of all participating institutions, visit www.handwork2026.org/participants. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.