Onlookers pore over the details of handmade tiles. Each tile represents the work of someone either currently or formerly working at North House and features wood carvings, felted patches, and even working gears.
On Friday, Jan. 13, current employees, former interns, and community members gathered at North House Folk School’s North classroom to celebrate the start of its 20th year of operation.
The main attraction of the evening was a large group art installation made up of six by six inch wood tiles that represented the work and lives of more than 100 instructors and interns associated with North House. This “Community of Craft” project showcased the unique personalities of sailors, cobblers, knitters, bakers, and more, that have passed through North House’s doors.
When asked if there was a remarkable moment in his tenure as executive director at North House, Greg Wright said, “Yes! It was just three days after I had gotten hired and one of the buildings had started on fire. I wasn’t even up in Grand Marais at the time but the community responded so beautifully without even being asked.”
The support from Cook County’s community that North House has received through its growth is something Wright hopes to reflect back in the next 20 years.
“We want to make sure to serve our community and our students, to keep alive the story of the north and northern craft,” Wright said. “I hope folks know they’re always invited to come on down,” he added.
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