New exhibit opens Thursday at Vesterheim

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum on Thursday will open a new fine-art exhibition, "Sigvald Asbjornsen, Sculptor."

An opening reception is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, with free admission thanks to Vesterheim's "Free Thursdays" sponsored by Decorah Bank & Trust.  The exhibition is sponsored by a bequest from Helen M. Heitmann, a granddaughter of the artist.

The exhibition will be in the newly-renovated gallery on the first floor of the museum's Main Building. In honor of Sigvald Asbjornsen, the gallery will be dedicated later as the Asbjornsen Gallery in a private ribbon cutting ceremony by the Queen during the visit of their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway in October.

The exhibition explores the life and work of Norwegian-American sculptor Sigvald Asbjornsen, who lived from 1867 to 1954 and was a well-known figure in Chicago's Norwegian art community. Busts, reliefs, and interpretive works are featured in the exhibition, along with the pastel drawings Asbjornsen preferred in his later years. Most of the pieces on view are from Vesterheim's collections, with a few from private owners and other institutions, including Luther College and the Marquette Regional History Center. There are also text panels with photos and information about his outdoor sculptures.