Join guest instructor Abi Pierson for a hands-on, two-day introduction to threadless coiled pine needle basket weaving. Participants will learn the basics of sustainable material collection, traditional weaving techniques, and explore the cultural roots of coiled basketry from across the world. Everyone will leave the workshop with your very own basket!
Registration ends on Friday, May 22 at 5pm CST
Date:
Day 1 – Saturday, May 30, 2026
Day 2- Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm for both days
Admission:
$120 – General Admission
$96 – Members/Volunteers
Ages: Adults 18 and up
Day 1 – May 30, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Participants will:
- Learn about sustainable pine needle collection, cleaning, and preparation
- Begin their basket by starting the center base and building the initial walls.
- Get an introduction to the cultural history and global traditions of coiled basketry.
Day 2 – May 31, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Participants will:
- Focus on continuing and refining their basket, shaping the walls, and learning how to close the weave if desired.
- Leave with a new skill learned and a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind coiled baskets!
Pine needle bundles will be for sale for future projects at the end of the class.
Please plan accordingly for lunch. Water and light snacks will be available.
Coffee and other refreshments available for purchase at the Momentum Coffee Cart and the Conservatory Gift Shop.
When you register for this workshop, you will be asked to provide any accommodations requests. If you have any questions or would like to request an additional accommodation, please contact [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the event start.
Scholarships are available! Please fill out this Scholarship Application (link opens in a new tab) or contact [email protected] for more information. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is May 15th at 5:00pm CST.
Abeni Pierson, a Chicagoland native, is a fiber artist and educator whose work centers on sustainable, hand‑made American folk art traditions. Trained in Fashion Design at Columbia College Chicago, Abeni was drawn away from the fashion industry to focus on traditional techniques including pine needle weaving, gourd carving, cattail weaving, and broomcorn weaving. Now based in Northern California, they forage, clean, dye, and grow many of their own materials, including broomcorn and gourds, keeping folk art practices alive through hands‑on teaching.
Learn more about Abi on their website: https://www.wherethepinesgrow.com/
For all fee-based programs: If cancelling…
- …two weeks prior –> Full refund
- …between two weeks and 48 hours prior and there is a waitlist –> Full refund
- …between two weeks and 48 hours and there is not a waitlist –> Credit to be used by June 30th*
- …within 48 hours –> Credit to be used by June 30th*
*If there is an upcoming program with the same cost, you can request to have your ticket transferred to that program.
