PPL Maker's Day
Today I had the opportunity to join the Portland Public Library's "Makers@PPL 2017" event. This was "an all-day family event of exhibits and workshops exploring topics in science, technology, food, art, and more, including programs especially for kids and teens." Rather momentously, this was my first opportunity to teach others, outside my own kids, how to make a basket. As a teacher this really exited me. As a relatively new basket maker I'll admit to being a bit scared. But I needn't have worried, as it all went way better than I could have hoped for; I had a great time.
The event took place in various spaces on the lower level of the PPL. I was put in one of the conference rooms partnered with a printmaker that was going to set up after lunch, but in the end she used a different space altogether so I had the room to myself all day. Before things began, I took a quick look around at other presenters as they set up. There was a wide variety of makers including a distillery, making things with business cards, and even another basket maker.
With the room to myself, I set up a display of many different types of baskets that I've been making over the past months. These included willow, black ash, bamboo, and reed baskets. They would give visitors an overview of some of what is possible when weaving baskets. I didn't really know if I'd be demonstrating or having folks actually make baskets, but was ready for either. I had decided to share the making of the Japanese 'Knot' basket. This one was perfect for this situation as it teaches some basics about setting up a basket, is quick to make, and yet results in a seemingly complex weaving; all great attributes for beginning basket makers. Since I had prepped the material beforehand the actually making of the basket could be done in 20-25 minutes, even by a novice. I did run a bit short of materials towards the end of the day as way more baskets were made than expected. But then I didn't expect to do two classes of 6 students each; with that type of production material goes fast. (I'll bring extra next year if I'm are invited back...maybe an assistant too).
It was really the first woman who determined how the day would go. She came in and simply asked if she could make a basket. And so together we did. And then I did it with someone else. And someone else. And 13 more times after that. Lots of great baskets, lots of different ages, some one-on-one, others in groups of 6. It was a whirlwind of teaching. Started the day with these three lovely ladies, one right after the other. Each was very happy to be making, and super excited about the results. (Hey, when's it not to love when you learn something new, and leave with something YOU made and get to keep?) At one point, as a mother & daughter were leaving with the girl's finished basket, I overheard the mother say to a family coming in, "He's a great teacher." That felt good and hearing it never gets old.
Then a family came in, and a son said he wanted to give it a try. And his family was, "if you're doing it I'm doing it." And again, "Well if you're doing it, I'm doing it." And so I went from one-on-one teaching, to my first class of 6. I was not prepared for this, neither mentally or with materials. But some running around made it all work out in the end end. Because I could already see that I would be short of material, I had mom and dad each work with one of their kids. This group produced 4 baskets. And having family members pair up and work together seemed to be a great experience for all.
Next up a more varied group of 7 sat down: a dad and his two kids, two kids who attend school with my own children, and a pair who were clearly best of friends. I had an assistant for this one, supplied by the PPL, and it helped quite a bit as the elementary-age aged kids benefited from a helping hand.
Next were a pair of simply adorable girls, friends I think, rather precocious. They worked together on a basket so when they were done it was time to decide who would take it home. I offered a basket that I had made so that they could both take something home which worked out for everyone. Finally, at the end of the day, a young boy in green, rather serious, sat down and we wove together. He was focused and curious, and asked some great questions during the weaving process. He was a good one to end on.
Overall, the day's activity was a frenetic crescendo followed by a relaxed diminuendo. During the day we made 21 new basket makers, 14 new baskets, ten more given away that I had made ahead, and I found out I like teaching basket-making. I found the sharing of my new knowledge enjoyable, and a great chance to share my enthusiasm about basket making. Thanks PPL! I hope to do it at PPL again next year.
(NOTE: since this writing I have been contacted by a librarian from the Freeport Public Library who I met at the PPL event. I will be doing a day of teaching basket-making in Freeport in Octorber 21st.)