As Norwegians immigrated to the United States, many brought with them the traditional folk art of rosemaling in the form of learned skills and heritage objects. Developed in the 18^th century, rosemaling proliferated throughout Norway during the 19^th century. Defined by an earthen color pallet featuring regional variations of stylized two-dimensional floral and geometric motifs, rosemaling typically graced interior walls and flat surfaces. In 20^th century Wisconsin, local rosemalers stretched this painting technique’s form by applying it to everyday objects. Drawing on the notion that material culture has a “social life,” this presentation examines how rosemaling can transform objects into symbols of ethnicity reflecting individual and community values. Examples featured will include a spindle-backed hospital chair, a pair of hot pink pumps, and an aluminum percolator.

Our presenter, Jared L. Schmidt was born and raised in rural southwest Minnesota. He holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.S. in Applied Anthropology, and a second M.A. in Comparative Literature and Folklore Studies. Currently he is working towards his PhD in Folklore Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include heritage, museum studies, foodways, and material culture. Jared is presently working on a dissertation about Old World Wisconsin, where he also works as an interpreter.

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