Exhibition Statement

The exhibit will feature 250-300 baskets representing the following themes: “Artistic and Functional Diversity,” “Learning Basketry,” “Contemporary Issues in Basketmaking,” “Marketing Baskets,” and “Masters of Tradition.”  The latter section will include the work of those weavers who have been recipients of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship.

Primary emphasis will be on contemporary objects although selected historical examples will be used to show continuity of tradition, sources of inspiration, etc.  The objects selected will provide as much breadth of representation as possible of basket organizations, tribes, techniques, traditions, and forms. 

The anticipated 2500 square-foot exhibit, scheduled to open in late 2006 or early 2007 at the Michigan State University Museum, is being designed with an extensive use of basket materials and motifs in the design itself; first person Native voice; and contextual photographs of basketmaking and use.  It will include media and interactive elements such as videos of basketmaking, audio excerpts of interviews with artists, and opportunities to touch materials and try basic weaving techniques.

The exhibition will tour to a minimum of six venues in North America; expressions of interest have already been received by a number of venues, including those who hosted To Honor and Comfort: Native Quilting Traditions.  A smaller version of the exhibition will be developed and circulated for smaller venues, particularly tribal museums.  Again, interest in the exhibit has already been expressed by several potential venues.