"Lars Fletre: Resistance, Resilience, Artistry" Exhibit Opening Event
Schedule
Sat, 11 Apr, 2026 at 02:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
502 W Water St, Decorah, IA, United States, Iowa 52101 | Decorah, IA
Advertisement
"Lars Fletre: Resistance, Resilience, Artistry" Exhibit OpeningApril 11, 2026 | 2-4 PM | Free Admission
To celebrate the opening of this exciting exhibit, Vesterheim will be hosting a free event from 2-4 PM with a gallery talk at 2:30 PM, followed by refreshments in Hanson Vesterheim Commons.
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.
April 11 is also Free Second Saturday, which offers free admission to the museum and family activities. 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!
This exhibit at Vesterheim is supported by a generous gift to the annual fund from Rob and Evy Alsaker.
Free Second Saturday is supported by a grant from McElroy Trust with additional gifts from The Depot Outlet and Black Hills Energy.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
502 W Water St, Decorah, IA, United States, Iowa 52101Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
