Norwegian+American+Artwork

Norwegian American By Kevin Anderson The Garden of Gethsemane by Herbjorn Gausta The Norwegian Immigrants started to emigrate to the United States in the early 1800's. A lot of the Norwegian Immigrants came in the 1860's. They came to the United States because of the amount of land that was in the United States. Norwegians were mainly farmers they saw this as an opportunity to expand their farms and start over for a small price. The Homestead Act of 1862 opened up a lot more land to immigrants who promised they would farm and live on the land for at least five years. Jobs were offered to the Norwegians in mining, on the railroads and in fishing. The United States also sent people to Norway to recruit them through the churches to get them to establish colonies in Minnesota. The population was growing in Norway and there was not as much farm land available. Finding jobs was difficult and the wages were low. They saw coming to America as an opportunity to escape the over population of Norway, since there were more jobs and better pay for the Norwegian Immigrants in the United States. They saw it as an opportunity and started having mass groups of Norwegians coming to the United States, but they mostly settled in Minnesota.

Herbjorn Gausta was a Norwegian painter who came to America in 1867. He was the first professional artist of Norwegian origin. His artistic contributions to the art world were very significant. He is best known for his paintings of alters in Norwegian-American churches in Minnesota. His landscape paintings portray the beautiful landscapes of Minnesota. Gausta is best known for his painting of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Greta Nissen was a Norwegian dancer and actress. In 1924 she made her New York Broadway debut as a ballerina. She was known for her graceful dancing style. During her dancing career she was discovered by a producer and went into acting in the movies. The Wanderer, The Wife and The King On Main Street were a few of her famous movies. She starred in over twenty films during her career.

Herbjorn Gausta paintings of landscapes and churches alters were and important part of America. They were able to be seen by Americans in different parts of the country, They gave a beautiful insight to the scenery and landscapes of Minnesota. Many people were now able to see the inside of churches and there beautiful symbols. Greta Nissen dancing career showed graceful dancing expressions. Her acting career brought entertainment to many viewers. Through painting and acting both of these Norwegian immigrants contributed to the American arts.