2011 Workshops

CBBG August Program (August 18) and Workshop (August 20-21)
Jo Campbell-Amsler will present the program and the workshop.

Program - "All Things Willow"
This program will be a summary about the history of willow, its many uses for human kind past and present, and the culture and use of it for baskets, garden structures, conservation, and bio-fuel in today's world.  Slides or Power Point will accompany the talk.

Class - Willow Sewing Basket

Many willow techniques are used in this basket - shaving, scalloming, lashing, filling, making a lid to fit, and this class will cover them all!  The first day will be spent weaving a lovely oval shaped basket.  The second day will concentrate on weaving the two swing lids and the attachment bar.  Come ready for a Willow experience!  (16"L x 7"H x 12"W)
Length of class - 2 days (14 hr)
Tools needed - basket scissors, knife (box cutter), small pruners, 2 old beach towels or 1 bed sheet, large awl, spray bottle

Material fee per student - $95.00
Workshop fee:  $105.00
Total Workshop and Material fee:  $200.00

Contact Marie Curtin at 971-404-5242 or MarieACurtin@aol.com for information or to register for this class.

Artist Bio
 Jo Campbell-Amsler’s background in Horticulture and Design led her to a career in Willow Rib-Style Basketry.  She has specialized in this media since 1981 and works from a home studio in Monticello, IA.  Teaching throughout the US for a variety of schools, guild workshops and as a guest instructor for organizations, she shares her knowledge of willow and creating basket shapes.  While many of her baskets are functional, she is non-traditional in her approach to using objects from nature in her work and likes to push the willow to form some sculptural aspects. Her basket shapes have been on display in a number of basket exhibitions.

Artist Statement
I am a gatherer, and I find an endless source of materials and inspiration in the objects and visual experiences I collect from the natural world. I use many different types of gathered materials, but willow is the foundation or "heart" for all my work.  Finding, gathering and processing willow are all part of the ritual that leads to a finished piece, and the feel, the fragrance, the color and sheen, the essence of willow -- all of these are integral to each piece.  The simple construction and  clear lines of rib-style or frame basketry techniques give shape, definition and strength to my work, whether I design a functional piece or create a free-form sculpture.  My baskets are my way of sharing what I gather from the natural world."
                      Jo Campbell-Amsler

Visit Jo's website:  http://web.mac.com/jocamsler