About

Since time immemorial, Pacific Northwest landscapes have provided an abundance of plant fibers valued by Coast Salish Peoples for use in their physical, intellectual, and spiritual lives. A longstanding relationship of reciprocity with plants is woven deeply into Coast Salish cultures and is transferred from one generation to the next through skills that pass on traditional ecological knowledge such as plant-fiber weaving. Important environmental and cultural knowledge is kept alive by basketmakers who embrace these values of gratitude and reciprocity towards the plant communities. This relationship naturally leads to actions of partnership, preservation, restoration, and environmental stewardship.

With native forests, wetlands, and open spaces greatly diminished, where can we sustainably gather plant-fiber materials today? How do we conscientiously prepare, store, and use plant materials as artists and makers? Can we positively impact the landscapes within our reach? How can we find partners as sources of knowledge and materials? 

During Handwork, join plant-fiber artist Melinda West to delve deeply into these questions through an intensive exploration of ribbed/frame basketry. You'll learn how to identify, harvest, mellow, store, prepare, and weave with an assortment of native, introduced, and invasive plant-fibers. Each day, you'll prepare parts for building three types of ribbed/frame baskets. Techniques include ribbed frame construction and shaping; making cordage from leaves and bast-fibers; limb-bending for basket hoops and frames; pulling cedar bark from a freshly cut tree; peeling willow, fig, and red osier dogwood bark; splitting limbs and roots to make weavers; and preparing vines and other materials for weavers. 

You'll emerge with beautiful organic baskets and empowered to identify useful plant-fibers for your next creative projects — inspired to gather materials in safe, ethical, and sustainable ways.

Details

• Skill level: All levels are welcome but hand strength is very important. Also, if you're sensitive or allergic to many plants, this might not be the class for you. We want you to be safe and comfortable.
• Wear comfortable work attire with apron, garden gloves, an old towel, pruners, notebook, pencil, and a bucket for your materials.

Materials

The cost of all necessary materials are included in the price of this workshop. Other tools and materials are provided by BARN.

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.