Artist in Residence–What’s That?

I was asked to be an Artist in Residence!

I was asked to be the September Artist in Residence at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota several years ago. My stint was to be for four days, Thursday-Sunday, September 22-25, 2016.

North House Folk School is way up on the northeastern edge of Minnesota, located on the north shores of beautiful Lake Superior, only 40 miles from the Canadian border. It’s lovely there and attracts students as well as teachers from around the world.

I’ve taught chair seating and basketry there almost every year since 1999. But this was the first time I’d ever been asked to be the Artist in Residence anywhere before! So what were the requirements, I wondered, now what?

What does an Artist in Residence do?

OK, so I had no idea what an Artist in Residence is supposed to do. But thankfully, I was able to talk to two of the previous Artists and got to pick their brains about it.

Basically, what you do is demonstrate and talk about your craft to people coming on campus for a visit and to learn what classes North House offers. That’s a piece of cake for me!

I just love to talk about the hands-on heritage crafts of all types of chair seat weaving techniques, antler baskets, and other types of basketweaving, showing folks how it’s done and bringing them into the fold!

The absolute best is when I see the sparkle in the eye of a viewer and I know for certain they are hooked on the craft and want to learn more!

Oh, and the kids–they are like sponges wanting to soak up every little drop of what you are saying and showing them.

These young people are the seat weavers of the future; the ones to perpetuate the traditional and heritage crafts to ensure they don’t become lost arts.

So here’s what I Did as an Artist in Residence

I loaded up my car with a variety of chairs, intending to weave seats of a variety of weaving materials, using several weaving techniques and patterns.

I also took antler basket frames with their weaving materials (since I teach those classes at North House Folk School, too) and round rattan reed for making my original design onion baskets.

Thursday and Friday demonstrations were on:

• hole-to-hole chair caning
• wide binding cane weaving
• checkerboard seagrass seat weaving

Then on Saturday from 10am-1pm I’ll be teaching a small, square splint footstool class. Size is limited so register to reserve your spot!

After the footstool class, I started weaving some baskets, just for a diversion and to spice things up a bit. Have you ever watched someone weave up an antler basket or make the very useful Onion Basket?

They make the perfect useful housewarming or wedding gift for that special couple, as do the antler basket sculptures.

Now the fun of being an Artist in Residence!

Were you able to join me up at North House Folk School as I tried my hand as a first-time Artist in Residence position?

For the most part, the weather cooperated so we were able to do this outside, but when it sprinkled, there was plenty of room in the Red or Blue buildings for my demonstrations.

Have questions? Now’s the best time to ask them and get your answers, I’m “all ears” all weekend as the Artist in Residence at North House Folk School.

This is what my wicker business is all about and what has kept me in the field for over 40 years!

Spreading the word about the craft, engaging my viewers through demonstrations and classes, and creating the spark to get them into the seatweaving craft, too.

And then watching as they immerse themselves and blossom in these wonderful, traditional and heritage crafts of chair seat weaving and basketry.

Whenever you see chair seating demonstrations like this, go up and examine the materials, watch the weaving techniques and ask questions. Join in to experience the seatweaving tradition “first hand” and enjoy the day!

Have you ever been an Artist in Residence? If so, please share your experience with us in the comment section below!

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~~Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much ~~

Happy Weaving, until next time!