Handshouse is a non-profit, innovative, educational organization that creates adventurous hands-on projects through community-service, building projects with partners around the world as a way to illuminate history, understand science, and perpetuate the arts.
Notre-Dame Project, La Forêt Model. A WORK IN PROGRESS: Model of the Notre-Dame de Paris roof framework, 1:10 scale, white oak, pictured here in the workshop at the University of Georgia, Lamar Dodd School of Art in Athens, GA, Fall 2022.
La Forêt Model Project Exhibition
Handshouse Studio has expanded participation in the Notre-Dame Project through hands-on workshops collaboratively completing a 1:10 scale white oak model of the intricate wooden roof structure known as known in French as “La Forêt” (“The Forest”) that once stood above Notre-Dame de Paris.
Notre-Dame Project: La Forêt Model
will be on exhibition at North Bennet Street School
May 3rd- August 10th, 2024
150 North Street, Boston MA 02109
Hours: Mon–Fri from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00pm
Guided Tours: Tuesdays at 11:00am
Handshouse Studio Notre-Dame Project Rooster Project Leader, Metalsmith Joe Wood reconstruction a 1:1 scale model of the 19th century rooster that perched on the top of the Notre-Dame de Paris spire, until the roof was destroyed by fire on April 15, 2019.
The Rooster Project
As part of the Handshouse Studio: Notre-Dame Project, the full-scale work-in-progress reconstruction of the 19th century Notre-Dame copper rooster, was on display at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. Metalsmith Joe Wood and other Notre-Dame Project participants presented a hands-on exhibition as part of the SITE-Inspired Copper exhibition and the Canton Heritage Festival held at the site of America’s first copper rolling mill.
Handshouse Projects are possible with the Support of our community!
Handshouse Studio is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Our tax ID number is 04-3715575.
To see or find out how to become part of the growing list of the Notre-Dame Project participating institutions, participants, and project donors click here.
Handshouse Studio cofounder, Rick Brown, was invited to TEDx Natick in January 2020
to speak about the unique teaching philosophy he and Handshouse cofounder, Laura Brown, developed that fueled the creation of Handshouse Studio.
Timber Framing: Journal of the Timber Framers Guild, June, 2022/ Articles by Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project from participants.
Atlanta Constitution Journal/ The Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project on display at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta, GA April 2022
Smithsonian Magazine/ The Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project at Catholic University campus in Washington, DC August 2021
Georgia Bulletin/ The Notre-Dame Truss Project exhibition at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta, GA until April 25th. Photo by Johnathon Kelso
ABC News Chronicle 5/ The Handshouse Studio team raising our Notre-Dame de Paris truss reconstruction on the National Mall August 5th, 2021
Members of Congress visited the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland/ Viewing our Gwoździec Synagogue reconstruction!
The Mariner/ “La Forêt” Model Workshop, part of the Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project offered Handshouse Studio in Norwell, MA March 2022
Timber Framing: Journal of the Timber Framers Guild, March, 2022/ Articles by Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project from participants
New York Magazine, CURBED/ The Handshouse Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project workshop in Washington, DC. Photo: Greg Kahn/GRAIN
Timber Framing: Journal of the Timber Framers Guild, September, 2021/ Articles by Notre-Dame de Paris Truss Project from participants
Projects in a Musuem/
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews/
Handshouse Studio’s reconstruction of the Gwoździec Synagogue ceiling painting and timber roof are on display as part of the CORE exhibition at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Warsaw, Poland
The Handshouse Studio Bushnell Turtle Revolutionary War Submarine reconstruction on display in the front lobby of the new International Spy Museum. Check it out!
Washington, DC at L'Enfant Plaza
There’s always room for more hands!
On March 15-17, 2024: sixteen Handshouse directors and advisors gathered in Norwell, MA for a 3-day intensive strategic planning workshop to collaboratively consider the future of the organization. Conducted by the inspired guidance of professional Strategic Planning leader: Lisa Mount of Artistic Logistics.