07/18/2026
What a fantastic afternoon exploring the art and history of scrimshaw!
Together we traced the story of this uniquely maritime folk art, from the age of whaling and life aboard 19th-century ships to the remarkable creativity of sailors who transformed long months at sea into opportunities for artistic expression. Along the way we talked about traditional materials, engraving techniques, the use of crosshatching and stippling to create shading, and the importance of preserving the history while choosing ethical modern materials.
Then it was time to create. Each participant designed and engraved their own scrimshaw-inspired piece, discovering firsthand just how much patience, planning, and craftsmanship go into every line.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and shared your creativity. Every piece was unique, and it was a pleasure watching each one come to life. Swipe through the gallery to see some of the incredible work from the workshop!