Calendar of Events

The Marshall Handmade Market is held in the Marshall High Studios, a charming 1920’s high school nestled on an island in the French Broad River, 25 minutes north of Asheville. The sunny auditorium is filled with some of the most talented makers in Western North Carolina, and the resident artists of Marshall High spruce up the classrooms-turned-studios and open their doors to share their process and art with visitors.

You’ll find painters, potters, weavers, blacksmiths and leather workers, to name a few, along with delectable treats from one of Asheville’s favorite food trucks and OWL Bakery. Enjoy a delightful day of handcrafted holiday shopping, a stroll around the island, and a wander through historic downtown Marshall, NC.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

Diamond Brand Gear and In Blue Handmade will be supporting the Center for Craft’s Native Bees Workshop with Spriggly’s Beescaping on November 17th, from 2-5pm in downtown Asheville by welcoming the workshop attendees into our Micro-Factory to make a Leather Key Fob, Cuff or Flask with one of many bee stamp options to choose from to stamp your handmade product. At the end of the class you leave with your very own creation (all materials provided). Bring your own sewing machine to learn more about your tool or use one of ours at the micro-factory. At the end of the class enjoy refreshments and an opportunity for additional Q&A with our master sewing wizards. All proceeds benefit the Center for Craft.

Join Spriggly’s Beescaping at the Center for Craft for an informational session and workshop about native bees in our area, and how we can support them. Participants will learn about native bees and plant species, see examples and experiment with the materials used to make a Native Bee Habitat. All participants will have the opportunity to make their very own ‘seed bomb’ to take home and plant in their own home gardens.

Cost to attend the workshop is $5 per person ( children 12 and under are free ). The informational session is free & open to the public.

Refreshments will be served.

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

Join us for our Annual Open House and enjoy cookies, hot cider, live music, handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. New Morning Gallery features custom furniture, lighting, jewelry, pottery and home accessories by over 2,000 American artists housed in an amazing 2 story, 12,000 square foot gallery. Bellagio showcases clothing and accessories from acclaimed designers for your work and play wardrobe. Ten percent of sales during our annual Holiday Open House will be donated to support Asheville Habitat for Humanity locally, and in areas affected by Hurricane Florence.

https://www.facebook.com/events/501668013685108/?event_time_id=501668033685106

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

Mondays 6-9pm
October 22- December 10

Working from a live model each week, students will hone their understanding of basic anatomy, proportions and the mechanics of movement in 3 dimensions. After first creating multiple fast sketches in clay to work out technique, students will then advance to a longer-term sculpture based on a single pose, with more attention to detail. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to work with decorated sculptor, Leonid Siveriver.

Level: All Levels
Tuition: $325 + $75 Lab & Live Model Fee

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

Tuesdays 3-5:30pm
October 23- December 11

A good casserole bakes and presents your food beautifully and certainly impresses at potlucks. But casseroles are complex forms to create and get just right. Join Cayce as he demystifies the process step-by-step, with plenty of one-on-one instruction. Techniques demonstrated will include throwing hollow, making a tight fitting lid, and plenty of variations for knobs and handles. Soon you will be creating beautiful, functional casseroles to use and enjoy for years to come.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Tuition: $310 + $50 Lab Fee

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country getting together to share miles and smiles prior to their meal later in the day. We hope you will make this race part of your annual tradition.

Join us in Biltmore Park Town Square on Thanksgiving morning for South Asheville’s only Thanksgiving Day 5k. Our route will begin and end in front of Fleet Feet Asheville and run through Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood.

Thank you to the ongoing support from our community, iDaph Events, Biltmore Farms, and our many other sponsors/ volunteers.
Our highest priority is our commitment to having a first-class event all around.

All pre-registered participants will receive a 50/50 poly-blend long sleeve t-shirt, personalized name on their race bib, finisher medal upon completion, swag from our vendor partners, raffle tickets, and are invited to stay to enjoy post-race refreshments and fun.

– Packet Pick- Up is Wednesday, November 21st from 4pm- 8pm at Fleet Feet Asheville.

– Race Day Packet Pick- Up is Thursday, November 22nd from 7:30 am- 8:45 am

– Race starts at 9am in front of Fleet Feet Asheville

– Awards and Raffles at 10:15 am

LET’S GO!

https://www.facebook.com/events/254350778752505/

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Thursdays 11am-1:30pm
October 18- December 13
No class November 22

Tile murals can beautifully enhance your kitchen, bathroom, or outside sidewalks and paths. Students will design their own ceramic tiles using the slab roller and press molds, then incorporate ideas and imagery through carving, sgraffito, Mishima, and ceramic decals. Underglazes, glazes, and firing will be covered. Finally, we will learn how to install these finished pieces indoor or outdoor.

Level: All Levels
Tuition: $310 + $50 Lab Fee

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Haen Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to present their 12th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition. The exhibit will run through November.

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation. Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

The Haen Gallery in Asheville is located at 52 Biltmore Avenue between City Bakery and Chestnut. There is a parking garage at the Aloft hotel across the street, another garage just up the hill, as well as street parking.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm. For more information: 828-254-8577 or www.thehaengallery.com. Gallery contacts: Chris Foley, Director; Leslie Logemann, Gallery Manager.

With locations in Asheville and Brevard, The Haen Gallery offers the work of established artists whose distinctive and unique style sets it apart from ordinary and imitative efforts. Visit the website at thehaengallery.com.

Mondays 6-9pm
October 22- December 10

Working from a live model each week, students will hone their understanding of basic anatomy, proportions and the mechanics of movement in 3 dimensions. After first creating multiple fast sketches in clay to work out technique, students will then advance to a longer-term sculpture based on a single pose, with more attention to detail. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to work with decorated sculptor, Leonid Siveriver.

Level: All Levels
Tuition: $325 + $75 Lab & Live Model Fee

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.

Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.

Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.

Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.