Foraged Fibre Basketry (Oct. 2021)

IMPORTANT COVID POLICY UPDATE

 

As of September 22, 2021, some New Brunswick businesses will require Proof of Vaccination to access non-essential services. All of SJAC’s programs (workshops, galleries, performing arts events, rental events) fall under the included categories of services.

All people aged 12 and up will be required to show their record of immunization or medical exemption certificate and a government issued identification to be able to access our programs.

For further details, please see our full policy update by clicking here.

 

*Please also note that SJAC is maintaining a mandatory community face mask policy until further notice.*

SJAC is pleased to offer a one-day foraged fibre basketry workshop by plant fibre artist, Ralph Simpson. Locally collected plant fibres will be introduced, including daylily, iris blades and some grasses. Each participant will complete a unique, small basket by the end of the workshop.

In this workshop, participants will learn about:

  • Foraging for plant fibre; 
  • Processing and storage techniques; and, 
  • Preparing the fibres for weaving. 

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate 


Saturday, October 16, 2021 • 9am-4pm, one hour break for lunch from 12-1pm • Cost: $85 (basic materials included, see below for supplies to bring from home) • UPDATE: FULL!

Register & Pay Online


Supplies to bring:

Participants are asked to bring the following:

  • Pruning clippers or kitchen scissors
  • Weavable fibres, including ribbon, yarn, plant fibres from their garden, for example.

About the Instructor:

Canadian plant fibre artist Ralph Simpson has developed an innovative method of weaving, bending and sculpting wood and plant fibre to create three dimensional pieces. His gracefully formed work blends bold colour and innovative material with ephemeral fibres to achieve a perfect balance.

He works in his studio in Fredericton, NB and exhibits his work locally, nationally and internationally, attending residencies and facilitating workshops. When foraging plant fibre he employs principles that respect environmental sustainability.

Ralph was born and raised in New Brunswick with a love of the natural world around him. He studied biology at Dalhousie (BSc ‘77) and forest mycology at UNB (MSc. ‘89). He was employed at the Canadian Forestry Service for 35 years as a Forest Research Biologist and after retirement he attended the New Brunswick Craft and Design College where he studied Aboriginal Visual Art, graduating in 2017.

www.woodfibreartist.com  / Instagram @ralphasimpson