About
Weaving Nature – Plant Fiber Projects Blending Culture, Science & Art
with
Melinda West
BARN Members: $195
Non-Members: $254
Pacific Northwest landscapes are home to a wealth of native and introduced plants known to have rich histories of fiber use by the Salish Peoples of this region. Approaching life with the instincts of a child, we learn the most enduring knowledge, as humans have always learned, through use of all the senses, and by observation and engagement with the natural world.
Melinda draws upon her thirty plus years of experience working as a teaching artist in traditional classrooms and non-traditional field-settings outdoors, where she has designed plant fiber projects blending culture, science and art lessons for students of all ages, from pre-school to elder. After teaching thousands of young people, and being unable to keep up with the many requests from teachers to come into their classrooms each year, Melinda is creating a “how-to-guide” for classroom teachers, parents, and for cultural and environmental educators.
This is a workshop for anyone who works with young people, and wishes to build their own skills at:
- incorporating Salish cultural plant fiber uses and perspectives;
- how to easily integrate science and art concepts in any project;
- how to break down the steps in projects to fit the particular needs of your family, classroom, or program.
This weekend of intensive learning is for those interested in helping Melinda workshop this publication. Participants will leave with their own marked-up and corrected draft of the project guide, and samples of more than a dozen projects, each connecting the makers to the natural seasonal rhythm of the Pacific Northwest.
Instructor Bio: Melinda West, of Indianola Washington, has been practicing the art of plant-fiber weaving since 1985. She has studied with many native and non-native weavers and artists, the foremost being Ed Carriere, of the Suquamish Tribe. Her inspiration comes from nature and the First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest whose cultures embrace the rich traditions of natural fiber use; knowledge in the land; and artistic skill development in all aspects of life. Melinda enjoys sharing her love of natural history, environmental stewardship, and an appreciation of indigenous cultures through the arts, teaching at the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic College, Coupeville Art Center, North Cascades Institute, Olympic Park Institute and IslandWood. Melinda’s award-winning art is on display in public and private collections and her work has been featured in books and magazines.
Materials Fee Per Student Payable to BARN at Class: $80 per student
