2-DAY SESSION | January 18-19, 2025 | 9AM - 4PM each day
Tuition: $300 | MMAM Member Rate: $290 (+ $100 Materials fee)
This workshop is SOLD OUT. Please contact hello@mmam.org to be added to our waitlist. Find our upcoming workshops here.
About the Workshop
Some of the earliest human-made items, dating back at least 10,000 years, were made from willow, whose pliability and durability made it a favored material for baskets across many cultures. Willow is also a vital plant in maintaining healthy ecosystems such as ours in the Upper Mississippi watershed, as it helps prevent soil erosion and supports biodiversity in wetland areas.
Students will learn the traditional craft of weaving hamper baskets using willow that is sustainably grown, harvested, and processed in nearby Sandstone, MN. Willow is a versatile, fast-growing plant often found near water sources, as it thrives in moist conditions. This strong, flexible material has been used for centuries in basket-making due to its sustainability and connection to the environment. Through guided instruction, participants will create their own functional and beautiful baskets, learning a skill that connects craftsmanship, nature, and sustainable practices.
In this class, we will make a willow stake and strand small hamper basket. This is a very versatile style of basket, and many different weaving techniques will be used. We will begin by twining our base. Then add vertical stakes, locking them in with a three-stand twine. As we work up the basket, we will alternate between the French randing and three-stand twine, ending with a 3-behind-1 border. After the border is finished, handles may be added.
About the Instructor
Zac (he/him) hails from Sandstone, Minnesota and began his basketry journey with a year-long apprenticeship in 2008. Zac is a passionate instructor, believing that in an era where the connection to nature is often overshadowed by technology, the revival of earth skills is essential for fostering sustainability and resilience. Everyone, regardless of background or experience, should have access to these vital skills.
Zac now has his own Willow farm in southern Minnesota with about 20 different varieties of basketry and ornamental Willow and continues to practice many different basketry techniques using a variety of materials from around the world with a focus on traditional European willow, and local northern black ash.
Support Comes From
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum studio arts workshop scholarship fund has been made available thanks to a grant funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board. While anyone with financial need is welcome to apply, the goals of the scholarship program are as follows (in no particular order): to increase the diversity of age and race in our student body; to offer opportunities to local residents of the Winona area; to support the learning of those with professional aspirations in a particular craft area; and to make our programming available to those with financial need.
An individual may receive one scholarship per year maximum. Scholarships cover full tuition and materials fee, though participants are required to supply any additional required materials.
