There is no time like the present to develop a new, daily, creative practice. Light and portable, basketry can be undertaken anywhere at any time. Like knitting and other needle work, basketry is easy to pick up and put down and has been likened to meditation in its power to calm, center and regulate. Weaving circles have long been a feature of female culture here in Australia and throughout the world. Collective care acknowledges the ecosystem we all exist within and that one part of the system can not experience health at the expense of another.

This ticket entitles you to;

- 4 x 2 hour sessions &

- one starter kit of basket weaving materials

More sessions or weaving kits can be purchased at any time.

Open studio is held every Tuesday 6pm - 8pm so you can pick and choose the sessions you would like to come for. A new basket weaving technique and conversation topic are offered every week.

Meet new like minded professionals in a safe and supportive environment where the focus is on collective care and creativity.

Arts Therapist and Experienced basket weaver will be on hand to offer support and basket weaving tuition.

During lockdown, basket weaving materials are posted to participants via Australia post. When it is safe to do so, Open Studio will be held in Cara's home art making space where all materials and tea and coffee will be provided.

Open Studios are bought to you by Old City Arts

Dates

Tuesday evenings 6pm - 8am - you choose the days you would like to attend.

If you have not woven before, please let Cara know and she will arrange for your first session to be 1:1 or in a small group of other beginners - after which you are free to attend any Tuesday night.

Sessions run for 2 hours during which time, weaving support is available. Following this, Zoom will stay open. You are free to leave at any time or stay on for up to another hour, weaving independently and chatting in the virtual space.

Culture and Ethics

Each participant is a custodian of the culture of the group. Your maturity, kindness and inclusivity is what will make this a supportive space for all.

It is a place to connect with like minded souls and practice self care in community.

This group is not a substitute for clinical supervision or peer supervision.

I teach basket weaving practices that are sustainable and can be continued using found and foraged materials. I do not promote techniques that require excessive consumption.

I do not teach Indigenous basket weaving practices. These are the intellectual property of Aboriginal women, refined over millennia. I am happy to refer you to master weavers who you can learn from and remunerate fairly.

This group is a delightful experiment and you are an important part of its creation. Your feedback, ideas and inspiration are gratefully received.

Materials

Materials to get you started are included in the cost. We will be weaving using Fair Trade Madagasgian raffia, hand dyed by me. This is a natural product and colours will vary.

Please nominate your preferred colours / aesthetic and postal address on registration. I will do my best to select something you will be inspired to use and send you a starter pack via Australia Post.

If your practice takes off and you need to replenish, I can guide you as to how to source more materials locally, depending on the type of baskets you want to make.

If you wish to purchase fibers from my supply, I can send you an additional starter pack of your chosen colours for $50 plus postage, however please note you can source and dye your own materials for significantly less than this.

Open Studio will resume face to face in Footscray when it is safe to do so.