Testimonials from patrons

Elizabeth Leese is an outstanding artist and teacher of the Scandinavian folk art painting tradition of Rosemaling. She has had work exhibited at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle and at the Island County Fair on Whidbey Island where I have been Superintendent of Arts and Crafts for a number of years. She has organized our rosemaling exhibit. This exhibit, which features rosemaled furniture as well as small chests, platters and bowls, shows off her skills, and those of many of her students and other island residents. She also prepares historical descriptions of educational value to our fair visitors; the rosemaling area always wins a Blue Ribbon for educational display.

Elizabeth Leese herself is of Norwegian ancestry. She and her daughters have participated in the Whidbey Island Scandia Dancers and two years ago traveled with that group to Norway and performed there. They are active members of the Esther Moe Chapter of the Daughters of Norway. They also participate in the Whidbey Island Scandia Fest every November.

Elizabeth Leese’s rosemaling is exquisite. I am an avid art collector and am the proud owner of several of her pieces. She does not simply repeat the same design over and over. Instead, she researches ever new and more challenging traditional designs and paints/teaches them to perfection. Her daughters and others have a fantastic opportunity to learn this folk art tradition from her. As you know, the Seattle area has a rich Scandinavian heritage which will be so important to impart to younger generations.

Clearly, Elizabeth Leese is a Master Rosemaling artist. I feel strongly that both her skills as an artist and as a teacher are worthy of support.

Diane Divelbess
Professor Emerita, Fine Arts
California State University, Pomona

Our National Grand Lodge Convention commissioned Elizabeth to create a Norwegian art piece for one of our outgoing officers and our committee were well pleased with her beautiful work. We believe that you as well will be pleased with the quality of her work.

Tove Van Der Maas
Grand Lodge President
Daughers of Norway

As a professional artist, I recognize in Elizabeth a continuing desire to grow in her proficiency and broaden her horizons, and a willingness to share what she learns with others.

Her patient and encouraging personality make it very natural for Elizabeth to spread both skill and inspiration. She is well known and loved by the Scandinavian community in the Pacific Northwest. I see her at cultural gatherings surrounded by people of all ages. Especially I’ve noticed Elizabeth sharing with children. I commend Elizabeth for her generosity of spirit, her wise use of every penny in her purse, and a continuing artistic excellence.

Sharyn Sowell

Elizabeth is a dedicated advocate of Nordic culture who has spent many years perfecting the art of rosemaling.  As part of out local Ester Moe Lodge of the Daughters of Norway, she has mentored her peers in this art, as well as needle arts, home making and the preparation of traditional Norwegian foods. She and her daughters have been active members of the Young Skandia Dancers here on Whidbey for many years, and as such have shared their talents, resources, farm, sheep and wool to help educate people about Norwegian culture. They have all been part of the annual Nordic Fest with rosemaling, lefse-making and dancing.

The preservation of this culture through the generations is very important to Elizabeth. We traveled to Norway together with the Young Skandia Dancers and she participated fully in every opportunity to meet and learn from the folk artists. She was constantly commenting on the lovely homes and hand-made things, and how impressed she was with folk arts and music.

Cynthia Kaul

A mother of six children, Elizabeth epitomizes the best of womanhood in her roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend and artist. She has taught rosemaling on Whidbey Island for several years and I have been one of her students for the past three and half years.

Elizabeth is a wonderful, talented teacher—patient and inspiring. She has the gift of being able to work with all levels of students, encouraging them, and is dedicated to carrying on Norwegian folk art.

She has painted several items for our Daughters of Norway lodge, some on request and some as gifts from the heart; enters her workin county fairs; sells many rosemaled pieces at local bazaars and in a nearby Scandinavian shop. Elizabeth lives what she does: her folk art decorates her home and shines with warmth in every room.

Sheri Sayre