Project:  Weaving A Cedar Bark Tray

Fiber Arts Instructors:  Kara Horton-Wright, S’Klallam weaver and Melinda West, weaver

From time immemorial until the present, the Pacific Northwest landscape has been cultivated and preserved by Salish peoples to be a place from which everything needed for a rich material and cultural life is available. Learn basic lessons from this landscape as S’Klallam weaver, Kara Horton-Wright, guides you through the process of preparing and weaving the inner bark of the Western Red Cedar, and estuary Sweet Grass.

Kara Horton-Wright, S’Klallam weaver

This tree has been referred to as “Long-Life Maker”, and this grass is known as a favorite basket weavers material, both highly valued by Salish cultures. The cedar bark tray is a project designed to enhance students relationship with native plants of the Pacific Northwest landscapes, and to help students gain insight into the Salish cultures, who for thousands of years have held the knowledge of how to use these plant fibers in practical ways.

Melinda West, long-time plant fiber weaver and IslandWood Artist in Residence, is honored to be assisting Kara. The project is perfect for beginners, but the pattern can also be adapted for experienced weavers. This fun, exploratory experience comes with all materials, and a fabulous gourmet lunch made by the extraordinary IslandWood chefs.

Melinda West, weaver

The Salish Peoples have always known how to use NW plants in fiber technologies such as cordage-making, mat-making, basketry, branch-work, blanket and garment weaving. These technologies are just a small part of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Bank that is passed from generation to generation informing ethics and practices for the uses of plants. The Pacific Northwest landscape has been highly valued and intentionally cultivated and preserved by the Salish Peoples as a place from which everything needed for a rich material and cultural life is available.

Note: This class is suitable for beginners and also will be adapted for those experienced with basketry wishing to explore uses of Pacific Northwest materials. It is important that students have hand-strength and knife safety experience.  A minimum age of 14 years is required for participation.

Included in this workshop:

• The rich cultural history of weaving, including ethical harvesting techniques
• To prepare the inner bark in time-honored traditional style
• Techniques of basic cedar bark weaving
• Enjoy a delicious IslandWood lunch (one hour) in community with one another (dietary restrictions and allergies information will be collected during your registration process)
• Beginners welcome!

This workshop is for adults, or youth over 14 years of age who are mature and self-directed.  Space is limited.  Thank you!

We work to ensure that all reasonable accommodations are in place so that everyone can fully participate and learn during their time on our campus. All indoor spaces and many of our outdoor spaces and field structures were built and are continually maintained to meet ADA code, adhering to WAC 51-50. If you have any questions, please contact us at 206.855.4300.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Community Education Team at [email protected] or 206.855.4384.