Basket Weaving
Date: Wed. - Friday, November 13 -15
Instructor: Micheal Peterson
Register: Calabogie Lodge
Phone: 844-883-1724
Email: info@calabogielodge.com
Description:
Discover the traditional craft of basket weaving. Michael Peterson makes functional baskets from natural materials such as grapevine, willow, sweet grass, rattan and twine. Michael tells his students that “if you can bend it, you can make a basket out of it”. In this retreat you will learn about the history of basket weaving and finish 2 baskets!
Suitable for all skill levels
Please note: 4 minimum and 12 maximum participants
Agenda:
Wednesday
3 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - check in
4:30 p.m. -Meet and Greet with an introduction to basket weaving and a chance to see our sample baskets
6:00 pm - Free time to prepare a meal in your unit or discover one of the local restaurants
Thursday
9:00 a.m. - Studio session. Let’s weave some baskets!
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. lunch ( will be available)
1:30 pm - 5 p.m. - studio session
7-8 p.m. - independent studio time (No instructor but full access to art studio.)
Friday
By 9 a.m. - Check out
9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Weaving loose ends and Farewell
Costs:
$ 125 Course fee
$ 25 Thursday’s Lunch
$ 240 Cost for 2 night stay at the resort
Total $390 + tax per person
Biography:
Michael Peterson began making baskets about 30 years ago after being intrigued by textile weaving from other countries. He took his first course from Ankaret Dean, a master basket maker. He continued his journey through basketry conferences and acknowledges the influence of Edith Clayton, a prominent Nova Scotian basket maker, and Ray Sark, a Mi’kmag Chief from Lennox Island, PEI.
Michael is always examining baskets to see how they were made, what materials were used and the age of the basket. This love of baskets has led him to seek out makers in other countries he visits and that has resulted in a large collection of baskets from all over the world.
Michael is inspired by the social history of baskets making and how nature has provided the means to make them. He notes that every society makes or has made baskets and they typically use materials from their immediate environment. “Sparked by patterns in woven fabric, patterns in baskets from different cultures slowly revealed themselves and I became more interested in their structure and use. I seek out basketmakers wherever I travel, which has given me incredible experiences and some fine baskets as well.”
