“Wise and Foolish Virgins”, Vesterheim collection 2002.047.001 “Wise and Foolish Virgins”, Vesterheim collection 2002.047.001

Gold Medal In: Weaving, 2002

  • Life Dates Born 1944, Chicago, Illinois
  • Occupation Housewife
  • Residence at Time of Award Saugatuck, Michigan

Ribbons

  • 2000 Red ribbon for a purse
  • 2000 White ribbon for a table runner
  • 2001 Red ribbon for “The Weaver” wall hanging
  • 2002 Blue ribbon for “Wise and Foolish Virgins” tapestry

Artist Statement

My grandparents on both sides of my family immigrated to the United States from southern Norway in the early 1900s and settled in Brooklyn, New York. When I started weaving almost 40 years ago, it was natural for me to explore the rich tradition of fine Norwegian weaving. For many years I concentrated on functional fabric for clothing and found particular inspiration from the Norwegians’ use of double weave and wadmal. In 1998 I changed my focus to tapestry weaving and, although I have been influenced by tapestry weaving from France, Germany, Africa, and the Middle East, I have continued to enjoy creating tapestries that celebrate my Norwegian heritage.

2008