Hovland Arts Festival: Local Art on the North Shore

The Hovland Arts Festival kicks off the summer arts season on Minnesoa’s North Shore of Lake Superior! Now in its 17th year, the Hovland Arts Festival features 40 local artists, live music, storytelling, food, and an eclectic, all-are-welcome vibe.

 

When is the Hovland Arts Festival?

About the Hovland Arts Festival

You wouldn’t guess that Hovland, MN would have such a popular event! It’s located far up the North Shore MN, about 18 miles northeast of Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

But the Hovland Arts Festival draws a wide attendance because of its variety of high-quality arts and crafts created by some of the most coveted local artists.

Organizer and artist Rachel Rae Klesser said, “We started this festival as a platform for our local art community to showcase their crafts. We are such a close-knit community that has known each other for decades. It’s such a great way for us to get together and support each other while sharing our crafts with the community and visitors.”

The event is held at the Hovland Town Hall, next to the historic (and beautiful) Trinity Lutheran Church. Artists are set up in tents outside in the yard, as well as inside the town hall building. Enjoy music by local musicians, food by Trinity Luthern Church, a picnic pavilion, and a playground for the kids.

Good Vibes, Great Art at the Hovland Arts Festival

The quality of the crafts is impressive. Highlights include hand-crafted jewelry and beads, weaving, pottery, Native American beadwork, homemade beeswax candles, and much more. Most of the artists are from the Hovland/Grand Portage/Grand Marais area, which makes it a treasure trove of locally-made goods.  

Who are the artists at the summer 2023 Hovland Arts Festival?

Jo Wood Bead Paintings

Live Music at the Hovland Arts Festival

The incredible local talent of the North Shore is showcased at this festival, not only by visual art and crafts but also by music and storytelling. The entertainment for the summer festival includes:

• Jim McGowan, Saturday 10:30 – 12
• Jim Miller, Saturday 12:30 – 2
• Bump Blomberg, Saturday 2:30 – 4
• Joe Paulik, Sunday 10:30 – 12
• Tim Quarberg, Sunday 12:30 – 2
• Pete Kavanaugh, 2:30 – 4
• Shannon Crossbear, Storytelller, Saturday & Sunday 10, 12, & 2.

Historic Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church serves food inside the church, which shares a parking lot with the Hovland Town Hall. Admire the unique architecture and design of the historic church. It was built in 1946 and was said to be a “collaboration leading to an exciting adventure in realizing God’s creativity.” That speaks to the community that built the church as well as the building’s use of natural rock, local wood, and design that harmonizes with the rugged setting of the North Shore. 

The meals provided by the church are a fundraiser for kids and activities in the community.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Hovland, MN

You may also like these

Amazing Sculpture Yard, Covill, MN

Best Places to See the Northern Lights and Milky Way

10 Beautiful Picnic Areas on the North Shore