WESTERN ROSEMALERS ASSOCIATION (WRA)
The objective and purpose of this association shall be to:
Promote an interest in the time-honored art of Norwegian Rosemaling.
Exhibit, display, instruct and demonstrate works of art to its members at schools, exhibitions and art shows.
Commit itself to the preservation of rosemaling in its original form
and concepts, not allowing it to lose its identity as a unique art form
Western Rosemalers Association members meet four times a year. Once in January in the Seattle area, in April in the Tacoma area, in June in North West Washington, and in October in Bremerton. The meetings include an educational program and association business. An extensive library is available for the members to check out. Each meeting includes a short program of sharing ideas, experiences and/or instruction of general interest to the members. Often a show and tell period is included to share recent work. Plans for upcoming work shops and classes are discussed. Members of WRA enjoy discounted fees for classes. A pot luck lunch is provided by members living in the general area of the meeting. Information on the meeting times and dates can be obtained by contacting any of the instructors listed here. Visitors are always welcome. WRA has a newsletter called "The Acanthus Vine". It is sent by E-mail approximately two weeks before each meeting to members with computer access and "snail mailed" to those who don't . Membership dues are only $20.00 per year for USA address and $23 for Canadian address. Membership privileges are valid from February 1 to January 31.
Although the objective of the organization is to preserve rosemal art in it's original form, many rosemal painters and decorative artists incorporate elements of other decorative arts into their work. It is very important to note that rosemal painting is a teachable art form. It can be learned by most folks who are interested in it, take lessons from a good instructor, and practice a bit. Western Rosemalers association has many well qualified teachers who teach classes from "first time beginners", to advanced painters. Some teachers specialize in one style or another. Some teachers use oil paints while others prefer acrylics. Teachers and classes are held throughout the year at various times and locations in Washington State and Oregon. If you are interested in seeing rosemal work, or better still in trying your hand at it, contact one of the instructors listed on this page.
ROSEMAL PAINTING:
A decorative folk art originating in Norway. rosemal painting was used to decorate doors, houses, trim, wooden ware and other things around the farm or house.
Rosemaling designs use C and S strokes and features scroll and flowing lines, floral designs, and subtle colors. Script lettering, scenes and figures may also be included
the three main styles are Telemark, Hallingdal and Rogaland named after the region of Norway in which each originated.
Norwegian immigrants brought the art of rosemaling to the United States, and many of the immigrants came from parts of Norway where rosemaling was well established. They carried their belongings in beautifully rosemaled trunks, Some of the immigrants were Rosemaling painters. This generation, however, contributed little to the development of American rosemaling in the 20th century, because rosemaling began to go out of style starting in 1860.
Rosemaling experienced its revival in America in the 20th century. Norwegian-Americans became interested in the rosemaling decorated possessions of their ancestors. American rosemaling began to develop and flourish. The revival of Rosemaling in the United States is often credited to Per Lysne who was born and trained in Rosemaling in Norway. He came to America in the early 20th Century and was employed as a wagon painter in Stoughton, Wisconsin. When business slowed during the Depression he began to rosemal again. Others imitated his work.
Two pieces rosemaled in the"VALDRES" style by LaNean Keller
Tine' painted by Jean Giese in the "TELEMARK" Style Norwegian Courting Bench. "TELEMARK" style. painted by Lois Clauson
You can learn to paint like this after taking a few classes and a bit of practice.
Rosemal painting is very "teachable" art form. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT ROSEMAL PAINTING, CONTACT ANY OF THE INSTRUCTORS OR FILL OUT A wRA MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION. click here for an application form
WRA would love to have you as guest at any of the 4 general membership meetings.
calendar for the remainder of the year:
ART FOR SALE: CLICK
LINKS:
Illinois Norsk Rosemalers Association-- http://www.rosemaling.org/
CALIFORNIA ROSEMALERS ASSOCIATION -- http://www.califrosemaler.org/
Rosemal organizations: If you would like to Link to our site and us to yours, E- Mail me at kellerbill@wavecable.com
TEACHERS/INSTRUCTORS:
LAURA'S STUDIO BY THE BAY -- http://www.laurasstudiobythebay.com/
JOANNE MACVEY -- http://www.joannemacvey.com/
ELIZABETH LEESE, ROSEMALER -- http://www.arts.wa.gov/folk-arts/master-artists/leese.shtml
GAYLE ORAM, ROSEMALER -- http://gayles-art.painters.life.co.jp/contents.htm
LOIS CLAUSON, BREMERTON WASHINGTON AREA : Loisclauson@msn.com
BETTY EDWARDS, AT THE NORDIC HERITAGE MUSEUM, SEATTLE (206) 524-1592
(Teachers, if you would like to be listed here, let me know by E-mail: kellerbill@q.com.
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Next Meeting: June 27 2010 3nd Quarter General Meeting, Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle Wa.
4th Quarter General Meeting: October 17, Bremerton Sons of Norway