2024 EDUCATIONAL
*educational appearances subject to change
Twin Cities Rosemalers
Rosemaling is the decorative folk art of rural Norway that flourished in the 1700's and 1800's. Rosemaling (rose painting) could be found on walls, ceilings, and furniture throughout Norway in homes and churches. Rosemaling was also found on smaller wooden objects such as trunks, ale bowls, stools, chairs, and jugs. The smaller wooden items were typical items used in daily Norwegian life.
The term rosemaling is likely based on the flower “rose” and “maling” meaning “painting.” However, some dialects within Norway use the word “rose” to mean “to decorate”.
Norwegian emigration to the U.S. brought with it rosemaling. The revival of rosemaling in America is often credited to Per Lynse, born in Lærdal, Sogn, Norway and emigrated in 1907 to Stoughton, Wisconsin. We however are lucky to live in Minnesota where Norwegian Rosemaling classes are still taught.
Gary Legwold
Stop by Gary Legwold’s booth to watch The Lefse King in action! He will Keep it Rolling by showing how the making of lefse is done! Gary also teaches classes on how to make lefse.
Forging Community
Forging Community exists to educate, to the best of our abilities, the general public about the art and craft of metalsmithing. We will teach all who wish to learn and practice the craft with us, deepening and broadening our knowledge of the art, thus ensuring the survival and sustainability of metalsmithing into the future. Stop by to see our hand forged (blacksmithed) items, home decor, camping, tools, other items.
Jock Holmen
Master Woodcarver in the Scandinavian Tradition
Jock Holmen began his professional woodcarving and woodworking career over 40 years ago in his shop in Chicago. He named his company "Norwegian Termite", showing his pride in heritage and his whimsical sense of humor. He has trained under numerous Norwegian and American master woodcarvers, both in the United States and in Norway
You will find no catalog or storefront. Each project is considered unique and personal for each client. Considerable time and effort is spent understanding each client's
needs and to translate the vision to a one-of-a-kind work of art.
In addition to his commissioned work, Jock teaches beginner through advanced woodcarving and tool sharpening classes at North House Folk School (Grand Marais, MN), Vesterheim Folk Art School (Decorah, IA), Milan Village Art School (Milan MN), and in his own studio in the Twin Cities. He continues his life-long passion for learning through classes and tutoring. http://www.norwegiantermite.com
Daughters of Norway
Stop by their booth to learn how to spell your name in Viking Runic Letters and have it made into a pin.
Magic of Soft Skiing
For many people who have snapped on alpine skis and hit the slopes at one point or another, the sport eventually fades as other priorities in life take hold. Work, family, and other interests often relegate skis to the attic, and when retirement arrives and more time is available, some people think they’re just too old to ski again.
Roger Wangen, a 76-yearold ski instructor at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington, is trying to change that mindset. He specializes in teaching “soft skiing,” a technique developed by renowned instructor and author Lito Tejada-Flores that allows skiers to work less, conserve energy, and ski more safely. “Ski Younger Now,” and a more advanced class, “Brilliance for Boomers” are geared specifically toward older adults. Now that he’s a senior, he wants to help other seniors continue in the sport and give them the opportunity to come back to skiing.”
His students range from their 50s to their late 80s. He makes a point to discuss medical conditions, abilities, and risk factors with each student, but notes that confidence is usually the biggest factor in getting older adults back on skis. The key to soft skiing is making the skis do the work. Through the use of simultaneous foot movements and a focus on body positioning and balance, he teaches students how to make their skis tip, pivot and bend with minimal effort.
Viking Age Reenactment Group
The Viking Age Club-Sons of Norway is a group of reenactors focusing on the history of life during the dark ages in Scandinavia. Between educating through living history demonstrations and live steel combat shows we aim to share as many exciting aspects of what life as a Viking was like. They are a non-profit educational organization based out of the Sons of Norway Lodge #1-517.
Viking Cooking
Renee Petersen will be cooking recipes from her new book, Modern Urban Viking Cooking, while sharing what the Vikings ate and what it was like to cook in the Viking Era. Stop by the Viking area to learn a new way of cooking Viking fare.