Vesterheim's Folk Art School announces a new schedule of online book groups, family programs, conversations, museum collection tours, and classes

There will be plenty of on-line options for people wanting to learn more about Scandinavian folk art from Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Sign up for classes has started at www.folkartschool.vesterheim.org.

Luther College Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director Maren Johnson will lead a monthly book group focused on Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. The first session is July 23th at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. There is no cost.

Vesterheim Family Book Adventures will go live on Vesterheim's website on Saturday, July 11th. The monthly program of intergenerational reading and outdoor adventure is $20 per family, which covers the cost of a kit which will be delivered to participants' homes. Decorah schools librarian Shannon Horton will help participants get reading, thinking, creating, and leading scavenger-hunt-type adventures.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30th, infectious disease researcher and painter Natalie Vestin will lead a Zoom presentation on "From Dala to Data Horse: Scandinavian Folk Art Responds to COVID-19." There is no cost for this program.

Vesterheim is also offering a "Collection Connections" series of monthly hosted conversations between the museum's collections staff and folk-art school instructors. Each gathering will highlight a piece or two from the collection as explained, interpreted, and appreciated by a master folk artist. The schedule includes metalworking at noon on Wednesday, July 22nd, with blacksmith Tom Latané; woodworking at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23rd, with woodworker Rebecca Hanna; weaving at noon on Wednesday, July 29th, with fiber artist Laura Demuth; and rosemaling at noon on Thursday, August 13th, with painter Andrea Herkert. All "Collection Connections" cost $20 per person.

Along with these programs, Vesterheim Folk Art School is offering online classes, beginning with jewelry making and more options coming throughout the fall.

For more information on the museum's classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, visit  vesterheim.org or call (563) 382-9681.