Wooden Boat Show 2023

Wooden Boat Show

Fri, Jun 16, 2023 - Sun, Jun 18, 2023

Overview

Summer's arrival in the North deserves to be celebrated! The Wooden Boat Show features craft demonstrations, community food events, speakers, kids activities and of course, wooden boats as we celebrate the summer solstice. In 2023, the event includes an extra special birthday celebration with our friends from Sätergläntan Institute for Slöjd and Handcraft Community as they celebrate 100 years of handcraft education. A delegation of Swedish craft teachers from the school will join us for coursework, demonstrations and naturally, cake! Expect updates on the schedule of events throughout the winter months, with a full schedule posted in mid-May.

Event Details

Coursework: June 12-15

North House is honored to welcome a delegation from Sätergläntan Institute for Handcraft in Dalarna, Sweden. Founded in 1923, Sätergläntan has trained generations of craftspeople, preserving and carrying forward centuries-old Scandinavian handcraft traditions in woodworking, weaving, sewing and metalwork into the 21st century. Sätergläntan welcomes students from around the world and continues to be a wellspring of inspiration and learning. There will be a variety of evening gatherings and opportunities for sharing with all of the Swedish guests throughout the week and during the Wooden Boat Show.

On Campus Events: June 16-18, 2023

Crafting on the Commons

Friday-Saturday

Witness skilled traditional craft artisans as they join up in community over the weekend to celebrate the process of craft. Demonstrators will be on hand outdoors Friday-Saturday, welcoming your curiosity, questions and interest.

Wooden Boat Display

Friday-Saturday

Wooden boat builders and enthusiasts from across the Midwest are invited to display their crafts on campus throughout the weekend. Admire the work of others, get your questions answered and perhaps feel inspired to build one of your own. Registration begins in early spring.

Family Drop-In Crafts

Friday-Saturday

Bring the whole family down to the Boat Show and drop by the Family Area. We’ll have craft supplies for all ages to join in the fun as we get creative on the theme of boats, water, and fish! Perfect for imaginative folks ages 2-102. We will host a number of short drop-by activities for family small groups on campus.

Boats-to-Tools Auction

Friday-Saturday

Find boats, unique craft, tools, books, and other treasures for sale at our annual auction!

Interested in supporting North House's mission by providing a donation? If you have a boat you are interested in headlining the auction, contact Libby (llarson@northhouse.org). We'll begin accepting all other items in late May. For more information, visit the Boats to Tools auction page.