Vesterheim offers after school programs for youth this fall

Posted: Mon, Aug 26, 2019 8:46 AM

Another school year is here and the Folk Art School at Vesterheim is excited to again take creative young minds on an adventure, exploring traditional Scandinavian folk arts and language.

The youth classes include: Norske Skole; Whittling Klubb; Rosemaling Klubb; Fiber Klubb; and Forging Klubb. Each of these affordable classes includes 5-6 sessions, starting at $35, and welcomes newcomers as well as returning students.

"What I love about these classes is that the instructors return but the curriculum changes. Teachers can both differentiate for new students as they start their folk-art journey and help returning students build on previous skills learned in past classes," said Vesterheim's Director of Folk Art Education Lea Lovelace.

Norske Skole is for ages 8-10 and is led by students from the Luther College Nordic Studies Department. Participants become acquainted with the Norwegian language while exploring cultural activities of Norway through folk arts, songs, and games.

Rosemaling Klubb is led by local rosemaler and retired Children's Librarian at Decorah Public Library Sally Stromseth. "Come and welcome the colorful autumn weather with beautiful colors on the palette," Stromseth said. This class is for ages 10-17 and there will be projects for the beginner, as well as new projects for returning students.

Local weaver Laura Demuth will lead Fiber Klubb, where students will explore Viking braiding techniques, an ancient type of knitting called nålbinding, and more. This class is for ages 10-17.

For more Viking fun, sign up for Forging Klubb, where students will learn to form metal at the fire and forge. This class is for ages 13-17 and is taught by Brian Fuhrmann. Students will learn basic forging theory, shop safety, and proper use of tools. In the shop they'll use forges, anvils, hammers, and tongs to make their own key rack or coat hook.

Whittling Klubb students will learn all sorts of different carving techniques in the company of other young carvers. This fall we will have two classes of Whittling Klubb for ages 10-17 to accommodate both beginning students and intermediate students alike. These classes are taught by Rebecca Hanna, retired teacher and master woodcarver, and a new folk-art youth instructor, Stephanie Hughes, who is a woodcarver and has been apprenticing with Rebecca for the last year.

Classes fill quickly, so register today at vesterheim.org.

Weaving

Rosemaling

Whittling

Forging