Foraged Fibre Basketry

IMPORTANT COVID POLICY UPDATE

Please note that masks are highly encouraged but not mandatory in workshops.

Workshop Description

SJAC is pleased to once again 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.
Workshop Information
Age group: Adults

Time: 9:30am-4:30pm (1 hr break for lunch)

Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024

Duration: One day

Fees: $150, basic materials included

Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate

Capacity: 10 students

Seniors Discount: Seniors aged 65+ are eligible for a 20% discount on all adult workshops; enter coupon code SENIOR65 at checkout.

Register & Pay Online

Supplies to bring

Participants are asked to bring the following:

  • Pruning clippers or kitchen scissors
  • Weavable fibres, such as ribbon, yarn, plant fibres from their gardens
About your 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.

SJAC’s Workshop Policies