For almost 20 years, Suring resident Dora Slang has entered her unique Rosemaling paintings in the Open class competition of the Oconto County Fair. As the fair approaches this month, Slang said there is no plan to stop painting or exhibiting anytime soon.
“From the first time I did it, that’s what I wanted to do,” Slang said. “I am still so thankful that I can paint.”
Slang began painting in the 1980s, taking on the Norwegian style of Rosemaling because of her late husband Orvil’s ancestry.
Rosemaling is a traditional Norwegian folk art that displays stylized flowers and scroll shapes with blending colors and fine outlines.
Slang works on her projects in a small studio her husband built in their home as a way to keep her paints out of the kitchen.
“He didn’t like all of my stuff on the dining room table,” she said, laughing.
In her studio, Slang paints wooden plates and bowls, cabinets, clocks, figurines and furniture in many of the different styles of Rosemaling.
“You can do Rosemaling on just about anything,” she said.
One special piece is a plate she bought from Norway and painted in the style of Rogaland which she will display at the fair this year.
Slang said she first began bringing her pieces to the fair when her children became involved in 4-H and were entering projects of their own.
“I realized a lot of people didn’t know what Rosemaling was,” she said. “I thought, maybe if I take it to the fair they would understand what it was.”
In addition to her paintings, Slang began wood-carving about six years ago, creating animals and artistic pieces.
“I really enjoy doing it,” she said. “It’s a little tedious, but I guess I kind of like the little details.”
Slang’s work can be seen in the Open class competition of the fair, which includes divisions for juniors, nursing home residents and adults.
Open class Superintendent Durham Herzog said Open class is a lot of fun and has many opportunities for exhibition.
“It gives the adults and youth who are not involved with 4-H or anything an opportunity to exhibit at the fair,” Herzog said.
Participants do not need to preregister, and exhibits for Open class will be accepted at the fairgrounds from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 20 and 8-11 a.m. Aug. 21, with judging beginning at 1 p.m. Aug. 21. For entry information, visit ocontocountyfair.org and click on the exhibitor information tab, or check the local library for premium books.
This year, Slang will exhibit her paintings on a plate, bowl and clock, along with her wood-carving projects of a duck, large mouth bass, spoon and a serving tray.
Slang said she enjoys having her artwork displayed at the fair.
“I have done a lot of different things, and it has all been a real nice experience,” she said.
“She does a beautiful job,” Herzog said. “She is an outstanding exhibitor.”
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