Lars Fletre was a Norwegian-American artist known for his work in sculpture, woodcarving, painting, and glass art. Born in Voss, Norway, in 1904, he immigrated to Chicago in 1923, where he studied at the Chicago Painting School and The Art Institute of Chicago. The Great Depression deeply influenced his early work, including Labor, a mahogany sculpture depicting an African-American laborer, and Nattelogi, a linocut showing homelessness in urban Chicago. In 1934, Fletre moved to Oslo with his wife, Swedish author Helen Svensson. There, he expanded into glassblowing and etching, producing decorative and sculptural works. The family returned to Chicago in 1954, where he founded Voss Art Studio and remained active until his death in 1977 during a visit to Oslo. As Fletre went back and forth between Chicago and Norway, he established studios and businesses and left behind an artistic legacy of remarkable range: glass, wood, stone, metal, paintings, and prints, including works for shows, private commissions, and public monuments. Fletre’s art reflects themes of migration, labor, and social realism, blending Norwegian tradition with American experience. His legacy endures through a diverse body of work rooted in empathy and craftsmanship. For more information on the exhibit, click here. To celebrate the opening of this exciting exhibit, Vesterheim will be hosting an event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a gallery talk at 2:30 p.m., followed by refreshments in Hanson Vesterheim Commons. Vesterheim will also have a family-friendly event, Free Second Saturday, which offers free admission to the museum and family activities. After visiting the exhibit, design and create a floral or freehand design on an acrylic coaster inspired by the sandblasted designs of Lars Fletre from 11 am to 2 pm in Hanson Vesterheim Commons. More information on Free Second Saturday is available here.
The National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School located in Decorah, Iowa #vesterheim #vesterheimfolkart More info here:
