Jeanne Bøe – Norway
(Friday & Saturday only)

Jeanne is a Norwegian actor, playwright, producer, and filmmaker. She will share her inpiration for her most recent work, short film Oxblood. Set against the backdrop of rural Norway, the story follows the last generation of Norwegian farmers as they grapple with the challenges of keeping their family farms alive. The film features a reflection on heritage, resilience, and rural life.

Jane Kalmbach
Folk Painter
Jane Kalmbach, a talented colored pencil artist from Kenmare, ND, will introduce participants to the vibrant world of colored pencils while guiding you step-by-step in creating your own Kurbits (Swedish Folk Art) design. Join her for a fun, hands-on folk art “painting session and discover the joy of bringing tradition to life with color!

Christina Lang
Paper Quilling
Fargo-based artist Christina Lang of See Lang Design is known for her innovative approach to paper quilling, creating intricate designs that blur the line between painting and sculpture. Paper art has roots in cultures around the world, and at Høstfest, Christina will share the Nordic inspiration behind her work while demonstrating the beauty and versatility of this timeless craft.

David Susag
Viking Bowl Maker

David creates wooden bowls and cups using a traditional foot-powered spring pole lathe. Drawing on Nordic folk art traditions, his work highlights the beauty of hand tools, fresh wood, and centuries-old technique. A lifelong enthusiast of Scandinavian culture, David began taking folk art classes at Vesterheim in 2000. In 2024, he was awarded the Gold Medal in Woodworking by Vesterheim, earning recognition for his mastery of traditional techniques

Joan Varty
Rosemaler

Visitors can often find her at the Clog Shop at the Norsk Høstfest, painting clogs with flowing designs that showcase the beauty of this Nordic folk art. Joan is an active rosemaling teacher In Minot and brings this paint form to life in every brushstroke — inviting you to watch, learn, and be inspired.

Amy Lenertz
Hardanger

Amy Lenertz is a skillful practitioner of Hardanger embroidery, the traditional Norwegian whitework technique known for its geometric cutwork and lace-like patterns. She transforms this centuries-old craft into modern visual art, preserving its heritage while making it accessible. Whether you’re encountering Hardanger for the first time or you’re deeply familiar with needlework, Amy’s work offers both inspiration and a thoughtful connection to Nordic textile traditions.

Mike Lusk
Bentwood Tine Boxes

Lusk Scandia Woodworks is based out of Coon Valley, WI where Mike Lusk creates hand‑made pieces inspired by Scandinavian design—from curved-topped trunks and bentwood tine boxes to custom cabinets and traditional wooden ornamentation. Mike learned woodcarving through formative classes at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, earning a gold medal in 1992. His work not only honors tradition but breathes new life into it—melding museum-inspired techniques with modern creative execution. Join Mike for a demonstration and watch heritage craftsmanship come alive on the workbench.

Tarjei Gjelstad
Ski maker

From Norway, Tarjei Gjelstad carries forward the rich traditions of Nordic heritage, blending music, craft, and history to share with new audiences. At Høstfest, Tarjei will demonstrate the art of traditional Norwegian ski making, showcasing historical practices that have connected generations to the snowy landscapes of his homeland. Alongside this rare craft, he also brings the cultural spirit of Norway through music and storytelling — a living bridge between past and present.