Fred Livesay
Fred Livesay is a Minneapolis-based artist whose work is heavily influenced by the traditional crafts and artistic practices of Scandinavia. Much of his work, though new, relies heavily on historic prototypes. He practices the same kind of tool use as his cultural predecessors while also using modern tools, materials, and techniques. The result work is traditional at times, but also fresh and new
Fred was mentored from childhood by a craftsperson heavily versed in Scandinavian handwork. At age 10, he began demonstrating birch bark basketry at FinnFest and international cultural events. At 14, spent seven years as an apprentice wheelwright and Cartwright learning formal woodworking skills. He’s continued to take coursework abroad to further his education in the woodworking field. He continues to demonstrate his crafts and skills every year at folk schools, festivals, private schools, Scandinavian shops, parks and recreation events for counties and cities, and church events.
Meet Fred at the 2026 UPFF!
Traditional Craft Workshop – Wooden Spoon Carving
9:00am-4:00pm in Peninsula IV
$40 for Public, $20 for NMU Students, tickets available through tickets.nmu.edu
