Save the dates! Join us for the 58th annual Nordic Fest July 24-26, 2025 in Decorah, IA. Nordic Fest, held annually the last full weekend of July, is a celebration of Scandinavian heritage, culture, and food. Since 1967, Nordic Fest has offered fun and entertainment for the whole family. Â The festival takes place in Downtown […]
The Book Shop will host Luther alum David Ellingson (’69) for a book signing of Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Fjords of Norway.
Who: Kathleen Ernst What: an afternoon celebrating her latest Hanneke Bauer mystery, A Most Perilous Journey Where: Viking State Bank Community Room When: Friday, 7/25 at 1:00pm Iowa author Kathleen Ernst will give an author presentation and Q&A session followed by a book signing on Friday, July 25th at 1:00pm at the Viking State Bank […]
In this class, students will make a Norwegian bruk kniv, or farm knife – a tool meant for everyday use. This is a simple unadorned knife with no silver mountings on it or the sheath – a knife you won’t be afraid to use! Students will pick a blade and handle shape and learn the process of shaping the […]
Students will forge and fabricate a tapered square body with a key slot in one side. The body of the lock will be held together by tenons on the ends of straps until the top and bottom can be brazed in the forge. The shackle will be forged with a flared flange to cover the […]
A tin lamp from the Vesterheim collection serves as the inspiration for this class. Starting with a flat sheet of tinplate, you will cut, shape, and solder tinplated steel to make a reproduction. The intricate designs will be made using a hammer and punches, then the lamp will be formed from the pierced pieces into […]
Discover the ancient art of Varafell weaving, a traditional Viking-age technique closely related to rya weaving. Instead of yarn, this method uses wool locks as floss, creating a thick, warm, and durable textile. The Varafell, a warm shaggy-piled woven cloak, dates back to medieval times and was traditionally woven on a warp-weighted loom. In this class, students will […]
You are invited to a COMMUNITY SONG BATH ALL ARE WELCOME. Nothing is asked of you. Come listen, rest, and receive. Close your eyes and relax as the singers share simple, repetitive songs of courage and comfort. Drop in anytime, stay as little or as long as you like. Come in silence, leave in silence. […]
Join us for family fun and learn some Norwegian language and culture along the way! Through hands-on activities, fun crafts, light-hearted games, and short videos, you and your family will learn and practice your new Norwegian skills. A kit will be delivered right to your home containing supplies for these language activities, a helpful reference […]
Discover the freedom that comes with freehand Telemark painting using round brushes, while finding inspiration from old pieces. Other topics that will be demonstrated include how to finger paint flowers; how to paint fast and beautiful transparent Telemark; how to prepare surfaces with casein-based (milk) paint and linseed oil; and how to glaze pieces after […]
To commemorate the Seed Savers Exchange network—and all that it has accomplished since 1975—SSE will host a celebration and in-person conference on August 8-9, 2025, at its Heritage Farm headquarters outside Decorah, Iowa. The event will feature speakers, farm and garden tours, workshops, demonstrations, seed swaps, and live music.Keynote speakers include Alice Waters, Sean Sherman, […]
Join fellow Norse alumni, parents, coaches, and friends for a day of golf! 4-person Best Shot tournament $125 per player / $500 per team Entry fee includes green fees and riding cart, free range balls, team and hole prizes, and lunch (provided during play) Final Reception, Hole Prizes, and Swag Gifts around 4 p.m. Become […]
Well before the industrial period brought us mechanized power lathes, a foot-powered lathe was an important tool for making round and hollow objects such as bowls, cups, plates, furniture, and farm tool parts. These wooden objects ranged from simple and easily replaceable to finely crafted, treasured works of art. Join bowl turner David Susag for […]
Bentwood boxes are made by wetting a strip of wood and then bending it around a form to dry into a curved shape. We will begin with learning the history of the “typical” Scandinavian bentwood box and its different types and uses. You will learn how to select the wood, make a mold, wet the […]
Join us for an in-depth study of Sebjørn Kverndalen, a masterful rosemaler who also excelled in cabinet making and wood carving. This class will explore Kverndalen’s imaginative artistry, inspired by neoclassical flower garlands, chinoiserie, draperies and medallions, wing-shaped rococo ornaments, portraits, angels, and landscapes. Known for incorporating birds, especially peacocks, his paintings are characterized by […]
