“Westside Historical Society Offers Traditional Basket Making Class”

The Westside Historical Society, in an effort to help save our traditional crafts, will offer their annual class in making woven wood baskets, taught by expert basket maker Susan Taylor. Taylor is never satisfied to make a simple basket. Hers are always special and this year’s will feature an American Flag! A work of art that also is functional!

The class will begin at 10 and last until approximately 3 pm, in Mardela Springs. A minimum of six and maximum of 10 students will be admitted to the class, and since Taylor will need time to prepare the wooden strips, registration must be made by July 1. No walk-ins are accepted. This class, Taylor promises, is a fairly easy one to do. Cost will be $45, and all tools and materials are provided. Students may bring lunch or order in; snacks will be provided. Taylor is a real “hand-on” teacher, ensuring a beautiful, professional looking end result!

The study of basket making as art was virtually ignored until the 20th century ; many thought it to be ordinary and simply a part of domestic life and functional use. But historians see it as a key to learn about the daily lives of people and their lifestyles and very worthy of study and research. And in recent years, basket making has been elevated to a fine art, with exhibits of beautiful hand-woven baskets featured in the Smithsonian and other major museums. The National Basketry Organization promotes basketry as contemporary art nationally. In Maryland, those who hope to save this craft and art form have realized we are losing our basket-making traditions and cultures. The skills, patterns, materials, and forms of baskets woven by Native Americans, watermen, and farmers are being saved and passed on to new generations. The functions of baskets vary widely, from containers for fish and eels, apples and eggs, flowers and herbs to drying tobacco and a host of other items.

Anyone who is interested in joining us for this special tradition and art form – and a fun day -- is urged to contact Sylvia Bradley for more information or to register, either by phone at 410-726-8047, or email westsidehistorical@gmail.com.

EVENT DATE: JULY 15, 2017
DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  JULY 1, 2017