Tue, Aug 20
|Petersburgh
Willow Basket Weaving Retreat - AUGUST 2024
Weave with Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm! Explore the intricacies of willow, from its anatomy to its rich history as a healer and provider. Delve into new weaving techniques under Jes's guidance, crafting your very own woven masterpiece. No experience necessary but strong hands are essential.
Where & When
Aug 20, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 24, 2024, 5:00 PM
Petersburgh, Petersburgh, NY 12138, USA
About
In this comprehensive workshop, offered as a week-long or two-day option, participants will delve into the art of traditional weaving, crafting baskets and other small projects from willow. The rich history of the human-willow relationship, spanning thousands of years, will be explored. Beyond its roles as medicine, building material, and ecological partner, willow has been a robust basketry material across continents. We will also get to know our willow through mindfulness and play.
The focus of the workshop is on creating beginners' round baskets, starting from the base and concluding with optional handles or shoulder straps. Weaving techniques include pairing, waling, randing, and woven rod borders. These functional baskets, known for their sturdiness, find use in foraging, harvesting, or as holders for precious items at home. No prior weaving experience is necessary, but strong hands are essential, and all tools and materials will be provided.
Jes Clark, the farmer and weaver at Willow Vale Farm in Stanfordville, NY, will lead the workshop. Jes's approach involves weaving traditional and contemporary functional pieces, with each basket emerging as a result of a unique conversation with every stick of willow. All willow at Willow Vale Farm is grown without pesticides, embracing regenerative practices and loving care.
Teaching since 2018, Jes has imparted wisdom to hundreds of students, ranging from absolute beginners to experienced weavers refining their craft. Their expertise has been shared at prestigious events like the Stowe Basketry Festival, Northeast Basketmakers Guild, and the New York Botanical Garden, among others, including private one-on-one tutorials.
Beyond the craft itself, the workshop becomes a holistic experience under Jes's guidance. Participants will explore different ways willow can be a teacher, supporting them in processing thoughts and emotions through writing, movement, and expression. The workshop fosters a communal spirit with dinner arranged potluck-style, enhancing the sense of shared learning and community.
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM HERE: FAQ
**This workshop is for those who idenfity as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color**
If you would like to donate to support this workshop and others like it please visit this LINK
Tickets
FRI-SAT sliding scale
this workshop requires a two day minimum registration to ensure you have enough time to finish your project. If you are only staying for two days please note the days for participation will be friday and saturday If you are planning to attend the whole week, please consider paying above the $150 sliding scale. Thank you!
Pay what you wantSold OutWEEK-LONG sliding scale
this workshop requires a two day minimum registration to ensure you have enough time to finish your project. If you are planning to attend the whole week, please consider paying above the $150 sliding scale. Thank you!
Pay what you want
Total
$0.00