Woods Hall is a community of artisans and supporters

Woods Hall fosters and nurtures community for artisans and others on Madeline Island. It also is a place of teaching, sharing and learning.

Our artisans contribute their time, performing maintenance and work in the shop in exchange for an increased percentage of sales of their wares.

Our members reach out to other islanders in search of the joy of creating, inviting them to join in our supportive, productive community.

‘When people purchase a rug, ceramics, jewelry or another product, not only are they buying distinctive art, they also are helping sustain the financial well-being of someone right here on Madeline Island. Also, the creation of crafts in the Woods Hall studios is a productive and constructive activity for islanders, especially all winter long.’

– Michele Auger, weaver

 

Passionate about arts, creativity and Madeline Island

Meet our team

Joan Watts

Our cashier has filled many Woods Hall roles. She retired in 2017 but returned because the place is so important to her.

Dolly Schneeberger

Our weaving studio co-manager and longtime islander loves sharing skills with a new generation of weavers.

Michele Auger

Our weaving studio co-manager found her passion at Woods Hall. She teaches and mentors in addition to weaving.

Megan Soma

Our jewelry studio manager helps our artisans create items that glitter, sparkle and satisfy their creativity.

Sally Brown

Our ceramic studio manager isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty in the name of creating and helping others create.

Louise Parker

Our board chair made and sold jewelry here as a teenager. She now leads the team of volunteers charting strategic direction.

Susan Sabre

Susan, our bookkeeper, has been involved in Woods Hall since 1989 when she discovered her love of weaving. Sewing was her first art, and she loves working with fibers to create beautiful things.

Our local artists

View our artisans

Upcoming news & events

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Our story

Seasonal island economy

Madeline Island has always had a seasonal economy, with work primarily available from late May through early September. Because of this, year-round islanders historically struggled with providing for themselves and their families during winter.

Building community

St. John’s United Church of Christ founded Woods Hall in the early 1950s as a community outreach initiative. The goal was to help islanders stay busy during the winter weaving rugs and creating other craft items, which then could be sold during summers to supplement income.

When the program showed promise, the church built the craft shop and studios, with generous contributions from the Woods family, longtime summer residents and in-kind contributions from island carpenters, craftsmen and volunteers.

Today

Woods Hall still helps islanders generate income. Because the island community of year-round and summer residents is close-knit, Woods Hall opens membership to anyone with an island connection.

Throughout the year, the island and its visitors benefit from the studios, workshops and camaraderie, as well as the opportunity to buy and sell art—much of it with special island themes and meaning.