Wooden Boat Show
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.
- Nordic Rosepath Weaving with Susanna Ayton
- Traditional Swedish Linen Shirt, Sewn by Hand with Johanna Runbäck
- Ullkorg: Crafting the Traditional Swedish Wool Basket with Beth Moen
- Brazing Cowbells: Traditional Metalwork with Johan Säfström
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.
Community Gatherings
Harborside Pie Social
Friday, June 16 | 5-7 pm
Lake Superior Chowder Experience
Saturday, June 17, 2023 | Noon -1pm
Updates throughout Winter 2023; Full Schedule available early May.
Course Offerings

Brazing Cowbells: Traditional Metalwork
9am-5pm each day

Traditional Swedish Linen Shirt, Sewn by Hand
9am-5pm each day

Nordic Rosepath Weaving
9am-5pm each day

Ullkorg: Crafting the Traditional Swedish Wool Basket
9am-5pm each day