We had a successful 2017 CRA Convention with 75 attendees!  We will be posting photos in the future!

Details for the 2018 CRA Convention will be decided in early 2018, so stay tuned!



In 1974, JoSonja was awarded a Master Teacher's Certificate by the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters. In 1980 the Silver Palette award was bestowed by the same organization in recognition of outstanding contribution to the advancement of Decorative Art. In 1996, the Vesterheim Gold Medal (VGM) in Rosemaling, from the Norwegian American Museum in Decorah, Iowa was awarded. In 2007 she was awarded the Presidents Commendation award for service by the Society of Decorative Painters.

The project will be an heirloom quality Chicken Tine hand-crafted by Lusk Scandia Woodworks of Wisconsin.
Chicken Tine
Jo Sonja has beautifully painted it in the Vest Agder style.  Wood, Patterns, Paint and mediums are provided, but you should bring your own basic painting supplies. 

Prep work is done on Thursday, November 2 starting at 11am.  Classes are Friday thru Sunday,  from 9am  to 5:30pm (Sunday class finishes at 4:30).  There is a 2 hour lunch break during class days.  The hotel will offer a box lunch to purchase or you are welcome to visit the many restaurants within walking distance.  Detailed Schedule - Click Here

The banquet will be held Saturday night at the Red Lion.  Your $250 registration fee includes this banquet.  You may bring guests for an additional fee. See banquet meal choices below.

Our convention was sold out in 2016 and we expect it to be very popular again this year.  We have decided to give priority registration to 2016 members  for a limited time.  This is to ensure that our members in good standing have an opportunity to attend.    Registration opens on January 21, 2017 through March 15, 2017 for 2016 members only.  If you were not a 2016 member, you can still apply for registration and we will register you after March 15 if there is room. 

A non-refundable deposit of $75  is due at the time of registration (plus annual dues for 2017 of $15 if not previously paid). 

The convention is $250. Annual dues for 2017 are $15 (if not previously paid). 

Once the convention is filled the registration applications will be put on the wait list.  Last year we called all the people on the wait list so sign up.  As you register, you will be notified by email that your registration has been received, and also when your payment is received.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone and learning from the best!

The convention also provides a way for you to buy and sell things on the trade floor.  Details are on the Trade Floor page.

We suggest that you make travel and hotel arrangements as early as possible.

Banquet Meal Choices - Served with green salad, rolls and butter and a chef’s choice dessert.  Served with freshly brewed coffee, decaf, iced tea or lemonade.

  • Mustard Encrusted Pork with apple chutney

  • Chicken Marsala

  • Shrimp Carbonara

  • Roasted Vegetable Wellington




Contact Us Registration