Category Archives: Travels

Living History Day at SINM

February 10, 2018 is Living History Day at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum featuring free admission all day 10-4 p.m. Along with other artists, storyteller, Perry Ground, The Ruppets, corn husk doll maker, Bernadette Scott, Herbal Teas and Remedies, Mark Jamerson and myself with Basket Making. Come out and visit us and say hi!

Eel Trap Basket at Seneca Fall Festival 2017

The fall brought us together as a community at the Seneca Fall Festival 2017 on the Cattaraugus Territory. Under the Cultural Arts Tent we had fellow artists from across the territories, carvers, quill work, bead work, pottery and traditional basketry.

I worked with a fellow basket maker, Tonia from Mohawk country on a eel trap basket. It was rough splint, no need for a pretty basket in the waters. The technique was new for me and proved a challenge in some regards but finished it by the end of the weekend. We shared with the public and talked of both the fish trap and eel trap. The double wall and the sharp ends – (which prevented them from leaving the trap) was a new one on me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the learning a new basket and story. I have a few shots to share.

I also rounded up a class with some fellow ladies for their corn wash baskets. They all enjoyed and now know the technique and what needs to go into the making of a basket from step one.

I’ve got other events coming up and will post them soon. Maybe you can stop by and say hello. Always busy, always learning. 

A pleasant surprise

I sent my chip/popcorn bowl basket up to the NYS Fair in Syracuse, NY with a friend to be entered into the Indian Village Art Show – I won a first place ribbon in contemporary baskets. I also sent a fan – round with splint and sweet grass, I had been actually using it because the sweet grass smelled so good. They made the journey home through another friend but still got back to me, thankfully. I was pleasantly surprised when I got them both back with the blue ribbon. Feeling accomplished.

I made a backpack basket for my friend and her doggie, for them to take hikes together. Rather busy with school but I hope it all works out. I thought it turned out rather cute. Can’t wait for her to share pictures!

I began a larger basket but it’s hard on my hands – splints are heavy. It’s a laundry basket. I did a repair for my friend from up North and she wants me to copy the pattern of the basket, it’s quite nice. I will post probably some time next week.

I’m going to be under the Seneca Fall Festival Artists Tent working with a fellow basket from Mohawk territory, Tonia, we (Richie and I) will be working on an eel basket. We will be demonstrating and working on the basket both days, Sept. 10 & 11, Saturday and Sunday from 11-5 – if you get a chance, stop by and say hello. More soon, always busy. Enjoy.

Honored and Humbled

Well, I won 2nd and 3rd place in the Traditional Arts category at the first Hodinosohni Art Show at Ganondagan! What an honor to be chosen. I did not know what I went up against until I saw the photos and went to the show. Everything there was just beautiful. I got to give it to the judges for the tough job of selecting the winners in each category. I was honored to be a winner.

Been extremely busy with family lately. My apologies – things are going better and working out fine.

Completed some repair works, have a few more. Entering a few into the State Fair for display mostly. And working with some girls on their baskets. Photos soon.

Travels and more

Made it to Bar Harbor for the 24th Annual Native American Festival and Basket Maker’s Market. We always have a fabulous visit, got a hike in and the weather was perfect. I love seeing the newest creations and talking with the basket makers from the Land of Dawn People. Congratulated Geo on his most recent win, what an honor for him – he’s a very talented  young one. Glad to see the tradition is passed on to the next generation.

I will be set up at the Seneca Pow Wow this weekend July 15 at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum tent with other artists – we will have demonstrations and talks but I will be in my place from 4-6 pm. So, if you are out in Salamanca stop by and say hello!

Next weekend, I’ll be at the Victor site at Ganondagan for their festival and I will be demonstrating at 1-2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. A nice time to come out and see the site, meet the artists and watch the dancers.

Maybe I’ll see you out there! Have a fabulous weekend! Our hike around Jordan Pond – my reward was popovers at the Jordan House! Clouds moved in but it was still a lovely afternoon. Enjoy,

Two things…oh wait, three.

So, I’m going to be featured at the Seneca Veterans Pow Wow 2017 on July 14, 15 & 16 at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum tent along with a few other artists as well. I’ll have to post the time and day soon.

I’ll also be at the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan the following weekend of July 22 & 23 for my demonstration of the black ash basketry at 1 pm both days inside. The weekend will be filled with things to do at their Native American Dance & Music Festival. A chance to come out and meet the artists, ask questions or watch them work.

In the mean time, I did what I said I was going to do in an earlier post! Finally, got to make a 10″ pack basket, I love it! It’s so cute. So, I have to do the leather strappings but otherwise it turned out pretty nice for my first time. My fellow basketeer, Holly John let me borrow her molds, so I have to make the other size and then I’ll be satisfied. Feeling accomplished. Enjoy!

Heritage Day 2017 at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum

Hi All! I’m finding this difficult some days to get back on here! I am going to be one of the featured artists on this day at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum along with other talented folks. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello. It’s going to be a busy day! I’ll be demonstrating and showing the art form of traditional basketry. So, I’m busy trying to get some actual baskets for sale! Ha! Trying. I’ll get photos soon, if I can! Enjoy your day!

North East Basketmakers Guild 2017 Gathering

I attended the NBG Spring Gathering and had a very nice time learning and meeting with other basketmakers from the NE region.

Small world, met a lady originally from Springville, NY  – just up the road from me. Funny thing was her brother had sent the article in the Buffalo News that had featured my friend, Holly John and the Black Ash Trees and the Emerald Ash Borer last year. She said she had written to those in power (3x) on our behalf. She’s a treasure!

Another notable moment, JoAnne Kelly Catsos was in the house! She recalls 30 years ago (approx.) that Mary Adams (remarkable Mohawk Basket Maker) was there and shared her art with them. Seriously, a small world.

I got to work on a few projects and was pleased with the outcome. I still appreciate the refined look and precision of the works that were shared and taught at the event. Also, met some lovely ladies and appreciate their welcoming me aboard! It was a feel good weekend!

Sharing a few shots. Always learning.