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Summer School: Sculptural Basketry
The following description was submitted by the event organizer.
Explore basketry as a medium for free-form sculpture in this intensive led by visiting artist and contemporary basketmaker, Sarita Westrup. Known for her organically shaped vessels that blur the line between functional craft and sculptural art, Sarita creates work that feels both ancient and utterly contemporary—arched forms that seem to breathe and move, built through the patient, rhythmic practice of twining.
This three-day workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a practicing artist who approaches basketry as a sculptural language. Sarita will demonstrate the tools, materials, techniques, and creative approaches she uses to build her signature arched basket forms, guiding students through fundamental skills while encouraging personal experimentation and creative risk-taking.
Day One begins with the foundations: prepping reeds for spokes and weavers, learning basic twining techniques, starting both open- and closed-bottom baskets, and mastering backward twining wedges. Day Two focuses on finishing the lip of your basket and beginning an independent project that reflects your own creative direction. Day Three is dedicated to working on your independent pieces, with plenty of time for questions, troubleshooting, and a casual show-and-tell to close the intensive.
Throughout the workshop, Sarita will also introduce alternative materials and surface treatments, opening up possibilities for how you might continue developing your basketry practice. This class is skill-focused rather than product-driven, leaving lots of room for exploration and discovery. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to work with your hands. Time outside of class may be needed to finish your basket.
In addition to class hours, students in Summer School intensives will have access to open studio hours for the duration of their workshop and be able to work independently on their projects from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.