Foraging for Basketry and Wild Crafts Lecture

Tickets will go on sale: March 3.

Instructor Erin Cox will guide participants in exploring the incredible plants of the Pacific Northwest and how to identify, gather, store, and use them to create baskets and crafts that bring nature indoors. Whether in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, there are forgeable weaving materials to be found year-round by developing a keen eye and seasonal awareness.

Plants such as daylily, daffodil, dandelion, crocosmia, iris, cattails, juncus, bulrush, ivy, honeysuckle, wisteria, dogwood, and willow will be discussed.

Erin’s journey into basket weaving has deepened her connection with nature. Each time she picks up one of her weaving plant companions, she reflects on its strength, versatility, and natural habitat. She embraces the rhythm of the seasons, allowing nature to dictate when to harvest and when to weave.

Basketry has evolved alongside human cultures, serving as both a practical tool and a cherished art form. Designed for beginners, this lecture will introduce the fundamentals of basketry through show-and-tell and discussion. It will also provide a meaningful introduction to the Indigenous basket exhibit on May 17, which coincides with the opening of a new trail showcasing native plants significant to the Duwamish people. This exhibit will offer a deeper understanding of the cultural importance of basketry and its connection to the natural world.