Southeastern Iowa Spoonfest 2024

Spoon carving (along with the carving of scoops, spatulas, bowls, plates, etc.) was a necessary handcraft passed down generationally during frontier times and is making a resurgence today. This year’s Southeastern Iowa Spoonfest will have both full-day and half-day spoon carving classes, along with booths of carvers with their own wares and who will be doing carving demonstrations during the weekend. An axing demo to prep carving blanks along with a tool sharpening demo will be held Sunday, June 9 in the morning. A full-day spoon carving class is available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Learn the intricacies of wood types best for carving, reading woodgrain to axe your own blanks, different techniques involved to prep the wood, and then learn to carve your own spoon. Or take in the shorter spoon carving class on Sunday afternoon to just learn the basics of carving. Sign up at the Art Center located at 825 Ave G or online at fortmadisonart.com The cost of registration includes a carving tool that you will take home along with a chance at a variety of giveaways that have been donated including a hatchet and carving books. Food vendors will be on hand at our beautiful Central Park as you take in booths of hand carved wares, demonstrations of spoon carving, axing, and tools sharpening. The FMAAA is looking forward to sharing this experience with the community. Carving can be a relaxing and satisfying artisan skill to learn.