MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — Join basket weavers of all skill levels and across cultures on Saturday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Middletown Art Center and on Zoom when the popular WEAVING workshop series continues.

Corine Pearce will lead participants in “Beginning/Intermediate Weaving: Simple Twine Baskets and Acorn Pouches.” The workshop includes a presentation on weaving materials.

“Weaving is part of safeguarding our culture,” said Pearce, whose Pomo name means “basket-flower-woman.”

As a basket weaver herself, as well as an author, educator and lead artist of the WEAVING project, her vision is “to grow the number of traditional basket-makers and inspire more artists. I have spent the last three years harvesting and hand-processing a large quantity of natural, native materials to teach larger classes and to mentor new weavers, especially youth. This project provides a framework to gather generations together. Growing plants, harvesting them, and weaving baskets together will unite us,” said Pearce.

Preregistration is required as there is limited space available at MAC. Zoom access is available to view the presentation and enjoy weaving in-community. Direct instruction for Zoom participants will be limited.

Learn more about the WEAVING project and register at middletownartcenter.org/weaving. Fees are sliding scale and support the project and project documentation.

WEAVING was designed to provide a forum for understanding and sharing of the cultural traditions and history that have shaped Lake County. Using baskets as a vessel for healing and unity, the holistic process of basketry, from plant cultivation and preparation to weaving in community, revitalizes traditional cultural practices, increases non-Indigenous awareness of these practices, and weaves bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The project will culminate in exhibits of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art at the Middletown Art Center Gallery in July in tandem with Pomo heritage basket exhibits at the County’s three Historical Museums.

WEAVING is supported in part by a grant award from the California Arts Council, a state agency.

Find out more about programs, opportunities, events and ways to get involved, support, and celebrate the MAC’s efforts to weave the arts and culture into the fabric of life in Lake County ​at ​www.middletownartcenter.org.​