Vesterheim is offering class discounts for Decorah residents, students and others

Vesterheim instructor Harley Refsal (second from right) teaches a wood carving class

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is announcing discounts for Decorah area residents and young people to take classes at the museum.

Vesterheim is offering 50 percent off full class tuition on a space available, stand-by basis to any year-round resident of the Decorah area. "Send in your class registration along with a $50 deposit and we will put your name on our stand-by list and you will be notified about availability of class openings one week before the starting date of the class," says Vesterheim Education Specialist Darlene Fossum-Martin.  The discount has already been used by a number of local residents this year.

Vesterheim is also offering a 25 percent reduction in class tuition for youth ages 17 and under, as well as all full-time Luther College students.  "The museum strongly believes in the importance of keeping Scandinavian traditions alive by passing them on to our young people," said Fossum-Martin.

Vesterheim's Education Program includes sculpture, drawing, rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), woodworking, fiber arts, knifemaking, cooking, and other traditional arts. Each class is geared toward different levels of experience, from beginning to advanced.

A list of all upcoming classes for the year can be found by calling 563-382-9681 or by visiting www.vesterheim.org.