Guild Meetings
2021 -2022 Guild Meeting Programs (Sept-August)
- Sept 8, 2021. Cael Chappell – more on basket making in Africa. via Zoom
- Oct 13, 2021. Karen Sherwood – “The Gifts of Birch Bark; An Alaskan Adventure” via Zoom.
- Nov 10, 2021. Holiday Gift Exchange – In-Person and via Zoom.
- December, 2021 – No Meeting. Happy Hollidays!
- Jan 12, 2022. Karen Engel “Finding My Roots” In-Person and via Zoom.
- Feb 9, 2022. Josh Mason “Apprenticing with Ed Carriere”
- Mar 9, 2022. Annual Guild Meeting – Zoom Only
- April 13, 2022. Sherri West – “Craft for Social Commentary”
- May 11, 2022. Nancy Basket – “Kudzu Basketry”
- June 8, 2022. Cathie Harper – “Interwoven”
- Sept 14, 2022. Barbara Shiparo
- Meetings are open to the public and are held on the second Wednesday of the month, except for July, August, and December; 6:30-9:00 PM
- NOTE: Since March 2020 our Guild Meetings have been held via Zoom. Beginning November 10, 2021 we have returned to in-person meetings (pending conditions) at Phinney Neighborhood Center, but with a twist. We will continue using Zoom to reach our members who cannot attend in person. For remote participants this will appear somewhat as a normal Zoom meeting; however, one of the participants will be a room of people wearing masks (a costume party?). Remote participants will be able to speak to the “room” and vice versa, with some constraints. Richard Vogt, David Chambers, and Vivien Sharples will be trying to keep things seamlessly working; we expect to learn much in the process!
- Zoom info will be sent to members via eNews the Friday prior to the meeting; non-members should contact Richard Vogt.
- Location (in-person): Phinney Neighborhood Center Room 6 (upstairs), 6532 Phinney Ave. N Seattle, WA 98103.
Click HERE for a map. - 6:30 – Socialize, Library
- 7:00 – Show and Tell.
- 7:15 – Announcements
- 7:30 – Program Begins
September 14, 2022 (Wednesday): Barbara Shiparo
Our September presenter is Barbara Shiparo. More information to follow. Learn more about Barbara from her website: https://www.barbarashapiro.com/gallery/baskets
MEETING DETAILS: Sept. 14 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING by ZOOM: Access Information will be sent by Guild eNews on the Friday before the meeting.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN A ZOOM MEETING:
you know the drill.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO ZOOM:
you will need to have the Zoom Client App on your device (computer, tablet, phone). The easiest way to do this is to go to the following URL: https://zoom.us/test
You will be asked if you want to download the Zoom Client, and given the opportunity to test your connection.
Alternatively, you can use your web browser to go to https://zoom.us/ and download the Zoom Client App (find and click on “Resources” at the top of the page, select “Download Zoom Client”, and follow instructions). Again, go to https://zoom.us/test to test your connection.
When it is time for the actual meeting, you need only click on the URL in the June 5 eNews email; you will be asked if you want to open Zoom, and offered instructions on how to continue.
TEST YOUR CONNECTION: again, after you have installed the Zoom Client App, you can test your connection by going to
https://zoom.us/test in your web browser, and following instructions.
We look forward to seeing all of you!
June 8, 2022 (Wednesday): Cathie Harper - "Interwoven" - Zoom Only
Our June presenter is Cathie Harper, from her home in Yellowknife, Northwest Territory. I think Cathie is our most northern Guild member! Cathie started her career in the forest sector, so it is not surprising that her chosen art form started by using Northern natural materials. (vn)
from Cathie… “Interwoven”: It is over seven years in the planning (COVID did not help), two rejections and over eighty potential pieces, but finally my six-month exhibit at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) in Yellowknife will open in mid June. Yellowknife is a bit far to expect that many of you will be able to visit the exhibit in person so I thought I would bring it to you via Zoom. The June Guild Meeting will be the premiere as it will not officially open until the 10th of June.
The focus of the talk will be on the pieces in the exhibit. The story behind them and the materials and techniques used, and even the odd tips and tricks.
I will also talk about the limitations of trying to exhibit in the north, the challenges of actually getting the proposal selected, and then the logistics of actually putting the exhibit together.
Please join us on June 8th. This will be a Zoom-only meeting. As usual, details on how and when to join via Zoom will be sent prior to the meeting date.
MEETING DETAILS: June 8 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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May 11, 2022 (Wednesday): Nancy Basket - "Kudzu Basketry"
Northwest Basket Weavers Vi Phillips Guild is celebrating our 40th year anniversary. What better way to celebrate than with our very first President, Nancy Basket! Here is your chance to learn about the history of our Guild. All one must do is Google Nancy’s name to see her journey of basketry. The most recent article about Nancy is from January of 2022, https://towncarolina.com/dream-weaver. You may also visit; http://www.nancybasket.com/about.htm
Nancy would love to hear some questions from our Guild members, if you have a question you would like Nancy to answer please email them to Vicky Nickelson, pinebasket@aol.com
In Nancy’s journey of basketry her name goes hand and hand with Kudzu basketry. What an abundance of basket material right at her finger tips. Kudzu is a quick growing vine that has become a pest in the southeastern US. It is known as the invasive Vine that ate the South. It will overtake anything that gets in its path: trees, abandoned homes and telephone poles. I am looking forward to seeing her Kudzu basket creations.
(photo credit: Paul Mehaffey)
Please join us on May 11th. This is currently planned to be a hybrid meeting; Nancy will be presenting from her home in South Carolina but people will be welcome to gather at PNC or participate remotely. As usual, details on how and when to join via Zoom will be sent prior to the meeting date.
MEETING DETAILS: May 13 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
April 13, 2022 (Wednesday): Sherri West - "Ancient Craft for Modern Social Commentary: My Evolution as a Basket Maker"
I’d like to tell you about my journey as a student of basket making and how I came to find my voice through my baskets. My years of learning about basket making and meeting makers from other cultures and environments around the US and the world has helped me to learn about, appreciate, and take care of the resources of the natural world as well as to gain empathy for others and their own challenges in times, cultures, and places very different from my own.
Throughout all of this learning and making, my basket work continues to evolve. I’ve also learned that the baskets that I make have the potential to change behavior by telling a story, and storytelling can be a powerful way to change minds. I am happy if the viewer of my baskets discovers meaning that causes them to think more deeply, to learn, and to begin a conversation with others. I hope that my baskets might even encourage greater understanding of the challenges of our times and inspire coming together with others to create social change.
Learn more about Sherri and her work at https://www.sherriwest.com/
Please join us on April 13th. The meeting will be held on Zoom; decision to hold the meeting in-person as well will be decided closer to the meeting date. Details on how and when to join via Zoom meeting will be sent prior to the meeting date.
MEETING DETAILS: April 13 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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From the Guild Handbook, p12, Article VI Sec. 2: “An annual meeting of the members shall take place in the month of March; the specific date, time, and location of which will be designated by the Board. At the annual meeting, the members shall elect directors, receive reports on the activities of the association, and determine the direction of the association for the coming year.”
Please join us Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30pm for our Annual Guild Meeting via Zoom. Come and hear about the state of the Guild, including our financial health, the status of membership, and an update on the plans for Retreat. We will also be asking for questions and input from the audience. This will be a Zoom only meeting.
At the meeting, we will have our annual changing of the guard on the Board of Directors. We will present a list of nominees for the Board of Directors to replace those retiring. Meeting attendees will be asked if there are any other nominees from the floor and then asked to vote on the final list of names. Please refer to the Bylaws (p.11) and Standing Rules (p.16) of the Guild Handbook for a description of terms and duties for Board members.
After the vote the Board will break away from the general meeting for a few minutes. During this time, the general meeting will have show-and-share, so be ready with your latest accomplishments.
The evening will conclude when the Board returns to present to the membership your new slate of Officers for 2022.
Zoom meeting information will be sent via eNews email and posted here on Friday March 4th.
NWBW BOARD ELECTION, DETAILS:
For a list of the current Board members, their term status and duties, please see p7 of the Guild Handbook: https://www.nwbasketweavers.org/nwbw-membersonly/NWBW_2021_Handbook-Directory(v1c).pdf
We currently have 11 members on the Board of directors, which meets our Standing Rules recommendation of 9 to 12 Board members. However, if opening the floor to additional nominees results in more than 12 potential Board members, we may ask if any nominees wish to withdraw before the vote.
Leaving the Board this year is our President George Hart, and our Treasurer Joyce Lem. Both have served 2 consecutive terms and must now step down from the Board. We currently have two nominees to the Board, both of which are retuning Board members. Below is some background on each of them. Remember we will vote for all the Board nominees as a group and not by individual.
Vicky Nickelson
“I have been involved with the Guild for many years and I am a past President. Our Guild operates strictly on Volunteers and by Volunteering to be Vice-President I hope to help keep our fun activities alive and well. I am also the Co-Founder of the Coiling Convergence. This pass year I moved from Kent and now reside in Yakima. I am enjoying meeting new basket makers here in my area.”
Karen Engel
“My name is Karen Engel and I would like to return to the NWBW Board as a Director. I am thinking positively that 2022 will be a year with the Guild back in action with Retreat, events and classes. Hopefully we will have times we can sit (maybe not quite side-by-side) and weave, learn and socialize together. Several years ago, I retired from the Board as a Past President after 2 terms on the Board. Now I would like to remain actively involved with the Guild and have a supporting role on the Board.”
Please join us on March 9th to say thank you to the members leaving the Board and to cast your vote for our Board nominees. Remember to have your show-and-share pieces ready to talk about. And again, Zoom meeting information will be sent via eNews email and posted here (above) on Friday March 4th.
MEETING DETAILS: March 9 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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February 9, 2022 (Wednesday): Josh Mason - "Apprenticing with Ed Carriere"
For our February meeting we have invited Josh Mason to tell us about his apprenticeship with Ed Carriere. Josh has been apprenticing and traveling with Ed for several years now, not only learning about baskets, but about gathering and the impact invasive species have on our local fibers. Please join us and listen to Josh talk about his travels through the Pacific with Ed and what he has learned.
Our February 9 meeting will be hybrid (Zoom and in-person).
PLEASE NOTE: in-person attendance is limited to 15 (FIFTEEN) individuals (including the speaker), in consideration of the still high Omicron numbers in the Seattle area and our commitment to have a safe meeting. If you wish to attend in-person you will need to RSVP (email) to David Chambers @ vicepresident@nwbasketweavers.org.
COVID RESTRICTIONS FOR THE FEB 9 MEETING: All those attending in-person must be (1) symptom free, (2) wear a properly worn mask (KN95 or N95 preferred) and (3) show proof of vaccination (including booster). No food will be provided due to Covid.
SCHEDULE: The meeting will follow our pre-COVID agenda times as listed in the newsletter. Social time and browsing the library starts at 6:30pm, show and share starts at 7:00pm, and Josh will start about 7:30pm.
Please join us on February 9th. You can attend and participate in the meeting in-person or virtually using the Zoom App. Details on how and when to join via Zoom meeting will be sent prior to the meeting date.
MEETING DETAILS: February 9 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING by ZOOM: Access Information will be sent by Guild eNews on Friday, February 4.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN A ZOOM MEETING:
you know the drill.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO ZOOM:
you will need to have the Zoom Client App on your device (computer, tablet, phone). The easiest way to do this is to go to the following URL: https://zoom.us/test
You will be asked if you want to download the Zoom Client, and given the opportunity to test your connection.
Alternatively, you can use your web browser to go to https://zoom.us/ and download the Zoom Client App (find and click on “Resources” at the top of the page, select “Download Zoom Client”, and follow instructions). Again, go to https://zoom.us/test to test your connection.
When it is time for the actual meeting, you need only click on the URL in the June 5 eNews email; you will be asked if you want to open Zoom, and offered instructions on how to continue.
TEST YOUR CONNECTION: again, after you have installed the Zoom Client App, you can test your connection by going to
https://zoom.us/test in your web browser, and following instructions.
Contact information for help will be in the June 5 email. But first, try the link: https://zoom.us/test
We look forward to seeing all of you!
March 9, 2022 (Wednesday): Annual Guild Meeting
March 9th will be our Annual Guild Meeting. At this meeting you will hear about the state of the Guild and reports from various committees. We will also vote on nominees to the Board of Directors. So far, our nominees are Karen Engel and Vicky Nickelson. Both have a desire to return to the Board because they enjoy the personal benefits of being involved in the Guild.
At the meeting we will also take nominees from the floor. We encourage everyone to consider joining the Board, and to read about the Board and how it operates starting on page 16 of the handbook under Standing Rules.
If we are lucky enough to have a Zoom/in-person hybrid meeting in March the Merchandise Committee will be there. They are excited to show off and sale our latest merchandise and t-shirts.
Details on how and when to join via Zoom meeting will be sent via eNews the Friday prior to the meeting date.
SCHEDULE: The meeting will follow our pre-COVID agenda times as listed in the newsletter. Social time and browsing the library starts at 6:30pm, show and share starts at 7:00pm, and Karen will start about 7:30pm.
MEETING DETAILS: March 9 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
COVID RESTRICTIONS: Per PNA restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to 20 people (more than we typically have at the meetings). AND consistent with the State of Washington’s King County regulations (as of October 25th), anyone attending this meeting in-person will be required to wear a mask and show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours. We will be checking for these at the door.
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HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING by ZOOM: Access Information will be sent by Guild eNews on Friday, March 4.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN A ZOOM MEETING:
you know the drill.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO ZOOM:
you will need to have the Zoom Client App on your device (computer, tablet, phone). The easiest way to do this is to go to the following URL: https://zoom.us/test
You will be asked if you want to download the Zoom Client, and given the opportunity to test your connection.
Alternatively, you can use your web browser to go to https://zoom.us/ and download the Zoom Client App (find and click on “Resources” at the top of the page, select “Download Zoom Client”, and follow instructions). Again, go to https://zoom.us/test to test your connection.
When it is time for the actual meeting, you need only click on the URL in the June 5 eNews email; you will be asked if you want to open Zoom, and offered instructions on how to continue.
TEST YOUR CONNECTION: again, after you have installed the Zoom Client App, you can test your connection by going to
https://zoom.us/test in your web browser, and following instructions.
Contact information for help will be in the June 5 email. But first, try the link: https://zoom.us/test
We look forward to seeing all of you!
January 12, 2022 (Wednesday): Karen Engel - "Finding My Roots"
“My native American roots go back to the 1850’s and 2 sisters. My Great Great Grandmother was Mary Armstrong Riddell and the lives of her descendants’ twine thru my life, this Guild and the present day Shoalwater Bay Tribe. Her sister was my Great Great Great Aunt, Ann Mustaq, a basket weaver known as Satsop Ann or Big Ann. There are 2 old photos purported to be of Satsop Ann, both with Skokomish style baskets. Which one is Satsop Ann? No matter, I am drawn to both women and to their baskets. This year I found and bought a very old basket that reminded me of Satsop Ann and revived my desire to weave a basket in her memory and remember my roots.”
Please join us on January 12th to enjoy Karen’s presentation. Given current Covid conditions (1/6/22) the meeting will be Zoom only. Details on how and when to join via Zoom meeting will be sent via eNews the Friday prior to the meeting date.
SCHEDULE: The meeting will follow our pre-COVID agenda times as listed in the newsletter. Social time and browsing the library starts at 6:30pm, show and share starts at 7:00pm, and Karen will start about 7:30pm.
Please join us on January 12th. You can attend and participate in the meeting in-person or virtually using the Zoom App. Details on how and when to join via Zoom meeting will be sent prior to the meeting date.
MEETING DETAILS: January 7 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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November 10, 2021 (Wednesday): Annual Gift Exchange!
Barbara Osborne has done a wonderful job of organizing our gift exchange with 33 members from 4 states and 2 Canadian provinces signing up for this year’s event. We did the gift exchange via Zoom last year and it was fun; both in-person and Zoom participants will share with each other through Zoom. Come join us this year for the fun, excitement, and probably a few surprises.
This will be our first hybrid meeting where you are welcome to attend either in-person or by using the Zoom App. As usual for this meeting there will be no formal presentation, only social interaction and Gift Exchange. There will be No Potluck this year due to Covid; however, you may bring a personal snack if you need.
October 13, 2021 (Wednesday): Karen Sherwood - "The Gifts of Birch Bark; An Alaskan Adventure"
Birch is a remarkable tree found in the boreal regions around the world. The bark has long been utilized by indigenous peoples from Scandinavia through Russia, Alaska, Canada and New England. Birch bark was traditionally woven or sewn, to create everything from cooking, foraging and storage baskets, to clothing and canoes. It is an amazing and versatile bark with a vast history of functionality merging with creative innovation.
This summer last Karen had to opportunity to travel to Alaska to teach basketry classes during the tail end of gathering season. Trees removed from a power easement offered an unexpected treasure in many sheets of striking bark. With long hours and a little elbow grease the logs were peeled and bark pressed flat to later become beautiful and useful vessels. Through photos taken on this extraordinary adventure, Karen will share insights into ethical gathering and how to process and store bark. A slide show and video presentation will help clarify the process. Additionally, examples of traditional baskets or containers from around the world will be presented to show the versatility of this bark. Birch takes us on an inspired journey bridging cultures around the world and past to present.
Karen teaches ethnobotany programs with the Washington State Department of Ecology. She leads online and in-person classes, sharing over 40 years of experience teaching the identification of wild edible and medicinal plants and the traditions surrounding them. Karen leads basketry classes throughout the county, as well as other earth centered programs through Earthwalk Northwest (https://earthwalknorthwest.com), a wilderness school she co-founded and directs.
Please join us on October 13th to enjoy Karen’s presentation. The meeting will be virtual using the Zoom App. Details on how and when to join via Zoom meeting will be sent prior to the meeting date.
MEETING DETAILS: October 13 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
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Setember 8, 2021 (Wednesday): Cael Chappell – “Adventures in Africa, and Baskets" via Zoom.
For September we have invited Cael Chappell back to tell us more about is basket adventures in Africa. We had hope that this would be our first in-person meeting in a while with a connection via Zoom to all our members. Unfortunately, we are not quite ready yet so this meeting will be via Zoom only.
Cael Chappell has been working in African art and craft for 30 years. Traveling across Africa to meet weavers and other artists, Cael discovered that basketry is as diverse as it is universal. 20 years ago, he pursued his interest in baskets by founding Baskets of Africa, a project designed to support weavers in Africa by providing them with economic opportunity through basketry. The additional missions of women’s empowerment and preservation of culture are also fulfilled through basket weaving.
After being encouraged by weavers in Africa to try weaving, Cael began basket weaving in 2017. After learning the basics of weaving for a couple years, he now attempts to create forms and designs he’s never seen before, but that come to him in his thoughts.
You can enjoy Cael’s basketry work, and his Basket of Africa project at the following links:
https://caelchappell.com/
https://www.basketsofafrica.com/
MEETING DETAILS: Sept 8 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
RESCHEDULED TO 2022: Josh Masson – “Apprenticeship with Ed Carriere" - IN PERSON!!!
Josh Mason is a Master weaver from Squaxin Island. Josh has been apprenticing and traveling with Ed Carriere for several years now, not only learning about baskets, but about gathering and the impact invasive species have on our local fibers.
Please join us on September 8 to learn more about Josh and Ed and their work together. Josh and Ed are pictured here; Josh is wearing the red shirt. One of their cedar baskets is also shown. To learn more of Ed and his work, CLICK HERE.
Josh will be giving his presentation via Zoom. However, we hope that the meeting will actually be in-person, live-streamed on Zoom from the Phinney Neighborhood Center (contingent on PNC getting a much needed and planned upgrade of their internet service). If all goes as planned, members who wish will be able to meet in person at PNC; others will be able to join in via Zoom. More details of the meeting will be available as we learn them; expect an update by mid-August.
MEETING DETAILS: Oct 13 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
NOTE: THIS IS BEING PLANNED AS AN IN-PERSON MEETING, WITH LIVE-STREAMING VIA ZOOM.
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HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING by ZOOM: Access Information will be sent by Guild eNews on Friday, Oct 8.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN A ZOOM MEETING:
you know the drill.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO ZOOM:
you will need to have the Zoom Client App on your device (computer, tablet, phone). The easiest way to do this is to go to the following URL: https://zoom.us/test
You will be asked if you want to download the Zoom Client, and given the opportunity to test your connection.
Alternatively, you can use your web browser to go to https://zoom.us/ and download the Zoom Client App (find and click on “Resources” at the top of the page, select “Download Zoom Client”, and follow instructions). Again, go to https://zoom.us/test to test your connection.
When it is time for the actual meeting, you need only click on the URL in the June 5 eNews email; you will be asked if you want to open Zoom, and offered instructions on how to continue.
TEST YOUR CONNECTION: again, after you have installed the Zoom Client App, you can test your connection by going to
https://zoom.us/test in your web browser, and following instructions.
Contact information for help will be in the June 5 email. But first, try the link: https://zoom.us/test
We look forward to seeing all of you!
2020 -2021 Guild Meeting Programs (Sept-August)
- 6/9/21 (Wednesday) Bill Roeder
- 5/12/21 (Wednesday) Kadey Ambrose
- 4/14/21 (Wednesday) Polly Jacobs Biacchina
- 3/10/21 (Wednesday) Annual Meeting / Board Elections. “Shelter and Share” updates.
- 2/10/21 (Wednesday) Judy Zugish
- 1/13/21 (Wednesday) Emily Dvorin .
- 12/9/20 (December): no meeting
- 11/11/20 (Wednesday) Potluck & Holiday Gift Exchange
- 10/14/20 (Wednesday) Karen Sherwood: “Salmon and Cedar Baskets”
- 9/10/20 (Thursday) Cael Chappell: “Baskets of Africa”
June 9, 2021 (Wednesday): Bill Roeder – “Exploring Skeined Willow"
Explore German skeined willow through the experiences of Bill Roeder. This is a process that is not typically taught outside of Europe. Bill’s first exposure was in Canada and in order to continue skeining he had to adapt Japanese bamboo tools to work on willow. After many years of self-study and tools development he went to study with the masters in Europe. This led to an obsession to obtain more knowledge. Bill’s presentations will explore the techniques of skeined willow, including; growing, peeling, drying, tools and weaving.
Please join us via Zoom on June 9th to learn about this uncommon, but traditional weaving technique. Bill is looking forward to your questions.
May 12, 2021 (Wednesday): Kadey Ambrose - "From Tree to Basket: Appalachian White Oak Basketmaking and the Traditional Craft Mentorship Program at John C. Campbell Folk School"
In the Fall of 2020, Kadey had the rare opportunity to be sequestered in a beautiful Southern Appalachian mountain valley with 8 other craftspeople and the master craftsmen who came to teach them. Under the tutelage of master weavers Bill and Mary Ann Smith, Sue Williams, and Betty Maney, Kadey immersed in traditional Appalachian White Oak basketmaking for the month-long Traditional Craft Mentorship Program at the John C. Campbell Folk School. A truly awesome experience. In this program, Kadey will talk about her experiences as a mentee; a bit about the history of the region and of the John C. Campbell Folk School; and the process and techniques of turning a log into a basket.
Kadey Ambrose is a Guild member and student of The Evergreen State College where she studies basketry by incorporating the fields of botany, ethnobotany and studio art. She currently resides in Olympia, WA.
MEETING DETAILS: May 12 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
“I began by experiencing both independent study of fiber and basketry structures as well as traditional fiber art at San Diego State university. For me there is inspiration in nature, life’s events, and words. Choosing fiber to build my sculpture, enables me to find the flexibility, undulation, and the tactile nature of both natural and industrial salvaged materials. Woven shapes and forms are made to convey and suggest relationships and communicate experiences of substance and environment.I use a multitude of hand weaving techniques that are ancient practices and yet they guide me to contemporary expressions, with tactile abstract surfaces and earthy color.”
Learn more about Polly’s work from her website: https://pollyjgfiberart.com/
MEETING DETAILS: April 14 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING: Access Information will be sent by Guild eNews on Friday, April 9.
From the Guild Handbook, p12, Article VI Sec. 2: “An annual meeting of the members shall take place in the month of March; the specific date, time, and location of which will be designated by the Board. At the annual meeting, the members shall elect directors, receive reports on the activities of the association, and determine the direction of the association for the coming year.”
On Wednesday night, March 10th at 6:30pm the Guild will hold our Annual Meeting via Zoom. Come and hear about the state of the Guild. We will discuss such things as the financial health of the Guild, the status of membership, and give an update on the plans for Retreat. We will be asking for questions and input from the audience.
At the meeting, the Board will present a slate of candidate Directors, to replace those retiring, for consideration by the Membership present; the Membership may also nominate candidate Directors. Descriptions of the Board makeup, terms, and duties are described in the Bylaws (p.10) and Standing Rules (p.16) of the Guild Handbook.
After the vote the Board will break away from the general meeting for a few minutes. During this time, Barbara Osborne and friends will give an update on the “Shelter and Share” project. There may even be time for Show and Share, so be ready.
The evening will conclude when the Board returns to present to the membership your new slate of Officers for 2021.
Please join us on March 10th to stay up to date with your Guild and vote for new Board members.
NWBW BOARD ELECTION, DETAILS:
During the meeting we will have our annual changing of the guard on the Board of Directors. This year three members will be leaving the Board and we have four candidates to join the Board resulting in a total of 11 Board members. This meets our Standing Rules recommendation of 9 to 12 Board members. However, before the vote the floor will be open for any additional nominees. If this results in more than 12 potential Board members, we may ask if any nominees wish to withdraw before the vote.
For a list of current Board members and their term status and duties, please see p7 of the Guild Handbook: http://www.nwbasketweavers.org/nwbw-membersonly/NWBW_2020_Handbook-Directory.pdf .
Leaving the Board this year is Karen Engel who is at the end of her second term and is required to leave for at least a year. During her time on the Board Karen served as our President. She will continue to stay on the Merchandise Committee and is in need of help with sales during events, so please think about it.
Also leaving is our current President Vicky Nickelson. Vicky has served for two years as our President and is at the end of her first term. She is leaving the Board to concentrate on her move to be closer to family.
Our third member leaving the Board is Joan Gallagher. Joan is our current Recording Secretary who was lucky enough to get a job in Hawaii. Unfortunately, because of the time difference between Hawaii and Seattle she is unable to attend meetings and has decided to step down.
During the Annual Meeting we will conduct a vote for our four new Board nominees. Below is some background on each of them. We will vote for these nominees as a group and not by individual.
Becky Drew
“I live on 2 acres in Yakima with my husband, two hair sheep, and 3 cats. This has been home since 1994. I met the welcoming “Ditch Ladies”, our local basketry group, soon after we arrived in Yakima. If I can contribute to welcoming and encouraging others in basket making through being a board member I look forward to the opportunity.”
Willie Ziegler
“Hi, I’m Wilma (Willie) Ziegler. I currently live in El Cajon, California (East San
Diego county). I lived in Seattle from 1959 to 1999. I have been a Guild member since either the 3rd or 4th year it existed. I am an eclectic weaver interested in all types of techniques and materials. I enjoy classes that teach me something new, and I enjoy teaching to pass on what I have learned.
“Other than being a royal pain in the butt I don’t know what else to say. Oh, I have been President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer for 12 years, and on various committees.”
Cathie Harper
“Hello. I am Cathie Harper from Yellowknife, NWT, Canada (62° 27′ 13″ N Latitude). I have been making baskets since 1996 and I’ve been a member of the Guild since 2007. I have attended most Retreats since 2007 and have taught at Retreat since 2017. I have been on the Retreat Committee since 2019 and on numerous Arts and Crafts boards in the NWT. I have thought for years that I would like to participate on the Guild Board and with the advent and success of Zoom, I now feel that I can.”
Beth Breakey
“I joined the Guild sometime in the 1990’s. I was encouraged to join by Mary Barrett after many get togethers in Yakima with “The Ditch Girls”. I am now retired, living in Alger, Washington, and looking for a way to give back to the Guild. I am a retired CPA and I hope that my accounting skills will be a benefit.”
Please join us on March 10th to say thank you to the members leaving the Board and to cast your vote for our Board nominees.
MEETING DETAILS: March 10 @ 6:30PM, Wednesday (normal meeting day).
It all started in 1998 when Fishsticks led the Basketmakers’ Tour of Japan.
Judy’s gypsy spirit was ignited!
The joy of connection in faraway lands has drawn for her a mosaic pattern of learning and exploring; a map of discovery and friendships from shore to shore. Each journey has left its mark: materials, history, technique, tradition, energy and a sense of place. In each, Judy has shared the magic of our own Pacific Northwest–the tradition and the innovation we exemplify as ambassadors. A blessing it surely is: the generosity of makers hands and hearts.
Most recently, residencies in Australia took Judy deep into two very different landscapes, one a rainforest of abiding rhythms, traditions and culture; the other a bright stimulating academic scene devoted to the arts and exploration. Come join Judy from home as she shares pictures, stories, and some lovely memories until next years’ travels to the land “down under”.
I call myself a sculptural basket maker. My work focuses on transforming common materials into innovative, urban vessels that reflect abstract ideas, including societal excess and throwaway consumerism. I strive to give the viewer a process of discovery. What at first seems like conventional fibers may turn out to be a subtle arrangement of piano innards, shoulder pads, forks, curlers, spools, or my favorite, cable ties. I believe anything can be basket material.
My goal is to create contemporary interpretations of a tradition craft using non-traditional ingredients. Thus, I can explore the concept that even objects we take for granted can become works of art. My pieces represent the eternal truth that wonder can be found anywhere and everywhere, as long as you remain open and determined to find it.
Everyone, we are having the traditional potluck and gift exchange for our November 11th meeting. However, since we are having this meeting via Zoom you are on your own for potluck choices. Maybe a small selection to nibble on during the meeting?
The big event of the evening is the virtual gift exchange that has been orchestrated by Barbara Osborne. A total of 36 members, including one of our newest members Cael Chappell, have agreed to participate. All participants will have received their unopened gift before the meeting. During the meeting we will see the look of surprise, or confusion, on their faces as they open their gift in front of us all.
Please join us on November 11th to catch up with old friends, make some new friends, and find out what everyone is up to. Then kick back with some snacks and watch the gift exchange extravaganza!
Fish skins are an amazing resource that are often overlooked as a basketry material and simply discarded as waste. Who knew that they could be utilized to make unique and beautiful baskets! Join us online to learn how to prepare and cure this amazing weaving material.
Northwest basket weaver Karen Sherwood shares the process of fish skin curing, which she learned from Athabascan basket maker Audrey Armstrong while visiting Alaska. The program will begin with a slide presentation on salmon skin basket making followed by a demonstration on the process of fish skin preparation and curing. Karen will show samples of different types of skins she has cured as well as a display of her baskets showing the unique, new direction she has taken this old tradition.
Cael Chappell’s basket making grows from his love of basketry. Seventeen years before weaving his first basket, Cael founded Baskets of Africa, a fair-trade company committed to economic empowerment for basket weavers from over 15 countries. Traveling across Africa to meet weavers, Cael discovered that basketry is as diverse as it is universal. After years of commitment to the art of basketry, Cael wove his first basket in 2017. He is inspired by global weaving traditions to create his own unique baskets.
Please join us on September 10th to hear Cael talk about his Baskets of Africa project, selling over 25,000 baskets a year, and how it inspired him to begin making baskets himself. The meeting will be virtual using the Zoom App.
MEETING DETAILS: Sept 10 @ 6:30PM, Thursday
2019-2020 Guild Meeting Programs (Sept-Aug)
- 1/8 Melinda West – Weaving Nature
- 2/12 Dorothy McGuinness – Conferences, Galleries & Exhibits.
- 3/11 Cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
- 4/8 Annual Meeting – Cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
- 5/13 Cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
- 6/10 George Hart – Basket Making in Spain (via ZOOM)
- 7/9 (Thursday) July General Guild Meeting (ZOOM).
July 19, 2020 : General Guild Meeting
Join Guild Members on ZOOM for an informal round-the-table Show and Share. Show baskets you’ve been working on, share other activities you’ve been doing, say hello to friends you’re missing!
MEETING DETAILS: July 9 @ 6:30PM, Thursday. Note the day is not our usual meeting day.
June 10, 2020 : George Hart - Basket Weaving by the Sea in Spain.
A virtual Guild Meeting will be held on June 10, starting at 6:30 PM, featuring George Hart. George will share his experience participating in the September 2019 Weaving By The Sea workshop in Spain. Last year George received a NWBW grant to take basket classes in the Catalan area of Spain. Please join us at 6:30pm on June 10th, via Zoom, when George will tell us about his adventure. He will talk about the classes he took working with a great variety of techniques and materials used by many Catalan, Spanish and international makers. He will also talk about his travel to the Salt Basketry Fair in Salt, Spain with its demonstrations, exhibitions, activities and workshops.
Dorothy McGuinness will share her extensive knowledge on conferences, galleries, and exhibitions. Conferences she has attended include the one that started the National Basketry Organization in 1999 and was hosted by the Handweavers Guild of America, as well as the latest NBO conference in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She will talk about her experiences at these conferences, and what to expect if you are thinking about attending one yourself.
Dorothy will also talk about entering juried exhibits and dealing with galleries, including where she finds exhibits and galleries to show her work, and the drawbacks and pitfalls to look for when applying.
Winter is the best time to do the hard work of transformation, especially if you are a Western Red Cedar Tree. This is the season when the layer of leather-like inner bark, that generations of Salish weavers have gathered each spring, will become a layer of wood, in a growth-ring that may one day be counted.
Melinda West will share a presentation that highlights some of the transformative experiences and lessons she has learned from the plants, and from her students, over the nearly four decades of sharing the art and culture of plant fiber weaving.
Melinda will take us on a short power-point journey through the seasonal round of gathering materials, with examples of how those plant materials can be used in various projects to help students gain skills, have fun making things, and develop their knowledge of culture, science and art.