Thank you to everyone who joined us for our White Oak Gathering on Friday and Saturday, and a BIG thank you to all the basket makers who took time to share their craft! Leona Waddell, who is being inducted as a NEA National Heritage Fellow on September 30th, was among the 15 demonstrators who joined us.
Since we had so many great demonstrators, visitors had the opportunity to view a variety of techniques used within the white oak basket tradition as well as techniques for working with other materials, like honeysuckle. Many different styles were represented, both traditional and innovative, which displayed the artistry of basket making.
Students from the Montessori School joined us for Friday’s White Oak Gathering. They asked great questions and took a particular interest in watching Emily Russell Campbell and Bill Smith prepare their weaving materials on their shaving horses. From this and from our Standing the Test of Time exhibit, visitors were able to learn about the entire basket making process, from forest to final product.
Thank you again to everyone who helped us kick off our newest exhibit by attending the White Oak Gathering. We certainly enjoyed it and hope you did, too. Keep an eye out for our next big event, the Hammer In!