Community ArtShare

T. B. Scott Library’s Community ArtShare program originated in 2006 with a $10,000 grant from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. with which secure display cases, easels, and other items were procured that have enabled the library to become a place for local artists and collectors to display their creations and hobbies. Displays featuring one or more artists or collectors are featured each month on an ongoing basis.

Norwegian Rosemaling by Peter Engel

November – December 2025

T.B. Scott Free Library is pleased to present our next Beyond Books: Community ArtShare Exhibit: Norwegian Rosemaling by Peter Engel

Peter Engel was raised in the Merrill area. He attended Lincoln Teachers College, Stevens Point University, and Oshkosh University. He minored in Art. While attending Stevens Point, he rented a room from a lady named Mrs. Tesh. She had a plate made by one of the first rosemalers in America. Peter was instantly intrigued.

Peter’s family is of Scandinavian and German ancestry. Several relatives are artists, including his mother and sister. Growing up, he was always surrounded by art. Peter’s grandmother came from Norway and had a beautiful chest with rosemaling. He acquired a book from his sister entitled Norwegian Rosemaling by Margaret Miller and Sigmund Aarseth. This book provided much inspiration.

There are many styles of rosemaling that have developed over the years in isolated valleys. Peter particularly likes the Telemark style. According to Rosemaling Coast to Coast, Telemark is “known as the national rosemaling style of Norway. Telemark is one of the most recognizable and popular styles. From a region located in central southern Norway, Telemark rosemaling is known for its graceful, flowing, asymmetrical design made of scrolls and fantasy flowers.”