Basket Weaving: Black Ash Plaited Basket | Dec 8th, 12-3p

Learn to weave with us!

Black ash plaited baskets feature a beautiful diagonal plaited weave design that is intricate-looking at first, but quite simple and fun in construction. These baskets can be used to hold a variety of goods and foods or used for small storage. The completed basket measures approximately 5” x 5” x 5”.

In this workshop, you will work with specially prepared black ash splint material to create your very own plaited baskets. You will learn to weave the basket in a checkerwork weave pattern for the base, and use the diagonal plaited weave pattern for the walls, finishing the basket by tucking in the uprights into the basket body.

This workshop also includes a log pounding, splint splitting, and material preparation demonstration where you can participate in the intricate process of attaining black ash splint material for basketry. You will also learn about Oneida and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) traditions and history of black ash basket weaving. A display table of baskets and basket books will be available to interact with, and you'll be invited to take home a history sheet of Oneida black ash basket weaving.

All materials and tools provided by the instructor. No prior basket weaving experience is
required. Some hand strength and finger dexterity are necessary. Sessions are geared to ages 14+. 

If you are interested in a more immersive experience, check out our 2-day weekend workshop on basket weaving October 26th-27th. 

Minimum attendees 5, maximum 8.

What to Expect:

Guided Art Project: No previous basket weaving experience required! Our artisan will provide step-by-step guidance to help you create your original work.
Complimentary Beverage and/or Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of coffee, tea and snacks to enhance your creative experience.
Souvenir: Take home your creations! Attendees will leave with a completed black ash basket, and the skills to make more!

About the Instructor | Liandra Skenandore is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and also descends from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and Muscogee Creek Nation. She apprenticed for fifteen months as a black ash basket maker under renowned black ash weaver April Stone (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) through the 2020 Mentor Artist Fellowship program with the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Since completing her apprenticeship, Liandra continues to practice black ash basket weaving and now
enjoys sharing and teaching the craft with various communities. Her work has been supported by the Encouragement Artist Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society and by the Native Craft Artist Readiness Program from the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. Her baskets have received juried awards in art shows and recognition at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, WI and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, IN.