We are oh so lucky to have three summer students with us for our busy season. There job description is simply anything and everything! From membership, visitor services to curatorial…their roles are endless!
Sydney, Kate and Ben are settling in well— their tours are polished, they know volunteers by name and are expert canoe dusters. Out of all their responsibilities though my absolute favourite has to be their artisan projects. What could be better than sitting amongst our collection, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship and passing along their new found skills to passers-by?!
Learn where to find them and how to try it out for yourself with a word from Sydney…
Among the many skills Kate, Ben and I will be developing at The Canadian Canoe Museum this summer, we will be mastering an artisan craft from the fur trade era.
I will be set up in our cozy Artisan Gallery where we showcase intricate textile work. I will be demonstrating the rhythmic motions of finger weaving as my ceinture fléchée comes together one strand at a time. With focus and patience you can weave your own mini sash!
Ben will be carving a beautiful cherry wood paddle in our New France canoe workshop. Stop in and take a seat on a shavehorse alongside him – follow his lead and you too can master paddle carving!
Find Kate amongst our beautiful collection of Hudson Bay Company wares as she sews a pair of custom designed mittens. Learn all about the many uses of Hudson Bay blankets and sew your very own finger puppet!
Help us pass on these time-honoured crafts by asking questions and giving them a try yourself. It is a perfect opportunity for adults to try out a few of our artisan workshops and for kids to explore their creativity and learn new skills.
Stop by the Museum and find us in the galleries or follow our progress here on The Canadian Canoe Museum blog!
-Sydney Jacklin