Rosemaling on display

Detail from Lorentzen’s artwork, which will be on display at Arts by the Bay Gallery in Havre de Grace, Md.

Arts by the Bay Gallery in Havre de Grace, Md., opens summer exhibit with rosemaling by Lise Lorentzen

Roy Jorgensen

Hopewell Junction, N.Y.

The Arts by the Bay Gallery in Havre de Grace, Md. has opened its summer show, which includes the rosemaling work of Lise Lorentzen.

Rosemaling is a Norwegian decorative art traditionally done on wood that began its development in the late 1600’s. Due to Norway’s rich artisan heritage, this decorative painting was expanded upon and developed into numerous styles. It is a thriving art form with participants from all over the United States, Norway, Canada, Japan and many other countries.

Lise Lorentzen has been rosemaling since the age of 12 and covers over 30 years of experience, specializing in custom painting of woodenware, furniture and home interiors. Her work can be found throughout the United States and Norway and her commission work continues to present day. Her expertise covers the Hallingdal, Rogaland, Vest Agdar and Valdres styles, but she specializes in Telemark Rosemaling. While living on Staten Island, N.Y., she was also known as a muralist, decorating many an interior with her other painting skills throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Lise has been fortunate to study under many renowned Norwegian and American artists. Before moving to Maryland, she completed the New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) folk arts apprenticeship program studying with master artist Eldrid Arntzen, a National Endowment of the Arts recipient. She has also studied and taught Rosemaling at the Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in Ludlow, Vt. for 20+ years. Her work has been exhibited at the Staten Island Museum and The Norwegian Seaman’s Church in New York City.

Arts By The  Bay Gallery is located at 500 Warren Street Ste B, Havre de Grace, MD. Summer hours: Fri. and Sat. 12 – 5 p.m., Sun. 1 – 5 p.m. Tlf.  (410) 939-1818. www.artsbythebaygallery.com

This article originally appeared in the June 14, 2013 issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.