Summer Nordic Studies Institute

Sally Stromseth was first introduced to rosemaling at Nordic Fest in 1981, when Bergljot Lunde was the demonstrating artist from Norway. Sally says that everything about her painting fulfilled a need she had for artistic expression. She has taught rosemaling in adult education, Elderhostel, at Vesterheim, and occasional private lessons in her home. Sally lives on a farm north of Decorah. She retired from Decorah Public Library after having served 20 years as children’s librarian.

Norma Refsal developed a passion for metalsmithing began when her family lived in Telemark, Norway, in the late 1980s. After gaining experience, she began creating jewelry for the twenty-first century based on traditional Scandinavian-inspired, or neo-Nordic, designs. She creates jewelry for daily wear out of silver, leather, wood, and enamel, finding the simplicity of the design to be both timeless and elegant. 

Birgitta Meade ’84 is a rural Decorah resident who was taught to make traditional Norwegian foods by her great aunts. She teaches environmental education at Luther and is offering this course with the support of the college’s fabulous culinary team.

Jon Jensen ’89 has been a professor in Philosophy and Environmental Studies since 2002, with a focus in environmental philosophy and science. Currently, Jon also serves as the director for the Center for Sustainable Communities at Luther. Some of his course topics include Environmental Philosophy and Forays. 

James Miller ’19
James’s fascination with carving began at age 11 when he decided to explore the spontaneous and simple joy of creating 3-dimensional figures in wood. Soon after, his skills were honed by a supportive Community Education woodcarving group, where he discovered the Scandinavian style figure carving. Since then, this journey has led James to create hundreds of carvings, teach classes online and in-person, create instructional articles, books, and videos, and even travel to Norway.

Mark Potvin ’01  is conductor of Cathedral Choir and Norskkor at Luther. He teaches conducting, secondary choral methods, musical theatre, and assists in the supervision of student teachers. He is actively involved with the award-winning productions of Christmas at Luther as a member of the artistic team, technical director, and primary drama coach. 

Schedule Overview

Tuesday, July 25

Late morning – Check-in at Dahl Centennial Union; lunch on your own.

Courses will meet from 1 to 4:15 pm

Group picnic at 5 pm

Optional evening activity: Scandinavian Sounds – learn and sing! Led by Professor Mark Potvin ’01. Explore how Nordic voices shaped the Lutheran choral tradition in the upper Midwest.

Wednesday, July 26

Breakfast in the Cafeteria.

Courses meet from 9 am to noon.

After lunch in the cafeteria, two optional activities:
1:30 guided tour of Vesterheim Museum.
3:30 guided beer tasting at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company. 

Dinner in the cafeteria.

7 p.m. Optional evening activity: Scandinavian Sounds – learn and sing!

Thursday, July 27

Breakfast in cafeteria

“Friluftsliv” – optional morning walk to the real Pulpit Rock!

Courses meet from 9 to 12 noon.

Closing session -Program evaluation and remarks by Professor Maren Johnson on how Nordic Studies enhances the mission of Luther College.

For those staying on, the Nordic Fest Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:45 pm in front of Decorah’s courthouse.   

Full Resident Bundle (housing, meals, course fee and materials): $395 per person (single or double occupancy)
No Housing Bundle (meals and course fee, no housing): $325 per person

If you have a spouse, partner or child that will be accompanying you, but not participating in the Nordic Institute, housing is available for a fee of $75 per person. Meals are not included. Adults are invited to participate in all of the optional activities listed in the schedule.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Prior to July 1 – $50 administrative fee
July 1 or after – $100 administrative fee

Farwell Residence Hall provides air-conditioned rooms with spartan furniture, including basic twin beds. Linens are provided, but you may want to bring your own pillow, an extra blanket, and a reading light. Bathrooms are shared.

Those who wish to extend their stay for Nordic Fest can indicate that upon registration. The cost will be $37 per night for a single room; $34 for a double. The Luther cafeteria is not open during Nordic Fest but there are plenty of eateries downtown.