2006 ARAC/McKnight Fellowship to England Trip

These are some of the photos I took on my 10-day travel/study trip to England as the recipient of a Minnesota Arrowhead Regional Arts Council 2005 Emerging Artist Fellowship through an appropriation of the McKnight Foundation.

The trip was made possible on the England side through the efforts of my wonderful host, Olivia Elton Barratt. Olivia is the President of the Basketmakers Association and newly elected Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, serving in 2006-2007.

Olivia arranged all the tours we went on; showing me how both the bulrush and willows were grown, harvested and processed, visiting museums, and meeting basketmakers and seatweavers from all over the country.

We also saw many working willow companies; learning how coffins, willow furniture and gondolas for hot-air balloons are made.

Then shortly before my return trip home, I was able to attend the Summer Meeting of the Basketmakers' Association (BA)at an outdoor exhibition and art fair setting in Oxford. I met many of the people there that I had only read about in the BA Newsletter for the last six years. Now I could put faces, names and craft expertise together!

Last, but not least, I was able to spend the night and visit with Sally Goymer (membership secretary of the BA and professional willow basketmaker) and family before they took me to the London airport to return home. What a wonderful 10-day experience this fellowship grant afforded me!