Arts and Humanities Day: A Celebration of Carpentry and Hands-On Work
The University hosted its 45th annual Arts and Humanities Day event series on October 18, featuring guests such as author Amitav Ghosh, photographer Sally Mann, and writer Roxane Gay, with over 4,000 total visitors.
Students, faculty, and staff were offered free tickets to all of the day’s programming, including the closing program with actor, author, and woodworker Nick Offerman, known for his role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation.
The closing program, held in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, was a multimedia event that included a lecture, musical performance, woodworking tips, and interview portions, featuring Nick Offerman and fellow carpenter Lee K. Buchanan, as well as professor Leslie Buxbaum.
Nick Offerman spoke (and sang) to a sold-out crowd, sharing his passion for carpentry, family, and the pursuit of hands-on work in the digital age.
The event celebrated the importance of hands-on work and creativity, with Offerman and Buchanan sharing their experiences and insights on the value of woodworking and self-sufficiency.
Author's summary: Nick Offerman and Lee K. Buchanan inspire with their love of carpentry.