Cultural Community: Norwegian
Artform: Norwegian rosemaling
Residence: Southwestern Idaho

Bio: A granddaughter of Norwegian immigrants, Joanne grew up on a farm near Westby, Wisconsin where the Norwegian language and customs were a way of life. She has now lived in Idaho for about 50 years. In 1991, she started learning the traditional art of rosemaling. “Rosemaling” or “rose painting” is a Norwegian term for decorating furniture, household items, and architectural elements.

What once started as a hobby, and then a part-time business, has evolved into part of her daily practice. She paints in part to connect with and preserve her heritage. She has exhibited and sold her rosemaling creations at shows throughout the U.S. Joanne has been instrumental in introducing rosemaling to hundreds of elementary and junior high students in the Boise school system.  She has studied with masters from the United States and Norway, but her use of color palettes and embellishments express her own distinct style and personality.

Honors & Awards: 1994, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2011, Master, Idaho Commission on the Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program; Best of Show at the Sons of Norway International Convention, Coeur d’Alene, 2010

For Services offered, Availability, and Costs, please contact the artist.

Glossary: rosemaling

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