Shop for one-of-a-kind wooden products at Past & Present Home Gallery
Local craftsman Matt Bakke creates wooden games, bowls, and other items that delight the eye and add warmth to your home or cabin decor.
A trip to Past & Present Home Gallery is always an adventure, whether you’re looking for something specific or out for a day of exploration while on a summer stroll. Located on Broadway in Alexandria’s historic downtown, our store offers a wide variety of collectibles, antiques, and handcrafted items from local artisans. Supporting the community is one of our passions and we reflect this by featuring all kinds of handmade pieces from around the area.
This summer, give us a visit and find your next conversation piece!
Turning Wood Into Treasures
Amid our wide selection of antiques and other retro pieces are turned wooden treasures that are sure to turn your head, created by local artist Matt Bakke. His designs reflect the natural beauty of the wood he uses; each piece holding a personality of its own.
Beginning in his father’s woodshop when he was just a kid, Bakke took interest in the hobby that has influenced him his entire life. With the help of his dad, Woodshop classes in school, YouTube tutorials, and trial and error, he has learned the art of the trade and has now been making specially designed products for the last 7 to 8 years.
Bakke’s range of products includes everything from bowls, vases, and figures such as mushrooms that often showcases the unique grain of the wood it was turned from.
For his stylistic rustic bowls, Bakke keeps a ‘live edge’ which means that the original bark is left around the rim of the bowl. This design brings character to the piece and reflects the natural beauty of its wooden foundation.
All of Matt Bakke’s works come from the wood of many different trees, most of which are procured by happenstance. Whenever he finds local trees that are being cut down—such as Oak, Maple, Birch, Walnut and more—Matt is quick to claim the wood for new projects.
As for the ideas he gets for his distinctive designs? The wood itself ‘speaks to him.’
Modifying the shapes to fit with his vision, Matt spends extra time highlighting the unique flaws and grains found in the wood. This leads to stunning works of art that are impossible to recreate and add immeasurable value to any home décor.
Creative Cribbage Boards and Handcrafted Horse-Play for the Whole Family
Spending a rainy (or excessively hot) summer day indoors doesn’t have to be a day wasted—especially if you happen to have friends or family visiting! Great for small groups, Cribbage is a game that has persevered throughout the decades to be one of the English-speaking world’s, and Matt Bakke’s, favorite pastimes.
Created in the early 17th century by English poet, Sir John Suckling, Cribbage is known for its highly-specific scoring board which includes a series of holes traditionally formatted in a paper-clip design. A fan of the game and having been part of a local cribbage league, Bakke decided to use his artistic gift of woodworking to create unique cribbage boards that you can find available to purchase at Past & Present Home Gallery.
Bakke’s custom Cribbage boards range in several sizes for different gaming experiences. Some of the boards available even come in notable shapes like the great state of Minnesota for those looking to sport their midwestern pride.
You can also take game night to the next level with one of these stunning back-lit boards. Guaranteed to shine bright among the stars, this piece is perfect for a late-night game or two while enjoying a peaceful summer evening beside the lake.
Another game that Bakke was inspired to recreate is the popular ‘Wooden Horse Race’ game. Utilizing 11 wooden horses on sliding tracks to simulate a mad dash to the finish line, this game is an exciting trial of luck and strategy that’s perfect for players of all ages.
Each carefully constructed wooden horse alternates in color from deep brown, white, or blond wood and their corresponding numbers are boldly painted in black, white, and red. Details such as gate numbers and the ‘scratched’ area have also been delicately etched onto the board for easy scorekeeping. Both beautifully crafted and made to last, this game set makes a great addition to family game nights or any other get-together!
Supporting Local Businesses this Summer
As we all know, 2020 was a difficult year for many small businesses and communities. This summer is a great opportunity to get out and support the local shops and creators that make Alexandria such a great place to live and visit—especially during the summertime!
Escape the heat of the season and stop in to Past & Present Home Gallery where you can find these handmade items and more!