Willow Fest Northwest is dedicated to sharing the craft, techniques, traditions, and art of willow basketry. We strive to deepen the relationship between willow and weavers by offering an immersive experience with high-quality instruction and Northwest-grown material. Scroll down to learn more, and/or click this pdf to read & download the below information.
A preview of workshops offered at Willow Fest Northwest 2026. Scroll down to learn more!
Willow Fest Northwest 2026 builds on the success of the inaugural WFNW in 2025. This year we are offering members of the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild and the Northwest Basket Weavers, Vi Phillips Basketry Guild four days of workshops with world-class instructors in an engaging and comprehensive class format, plus onsite accommodations. Participation in this immersive willow weaving experience is an opportunity to build skills, share knowledge, and connect with fellow weavers.
Location: We will be at beautiful Reed College (3203 SE Woodstock Blvd) in Portland, Oregon.
Dates: Wednesday evening, July 22 (dorm check-in), through Sunday, July 26, 2026. Dorm checkout is 11 am Monday morning, July 27.
Cost for the four-day workshop: $460 plus materials (see individual workshop information below) plus optional dorm lodging (double room $250 per person/single room $350 for five nights)
You will select your workshop and instructor based on your skill level and experience, and the projects offered. You will remain with your instructor throughout to gain in-depth skills and experience with the techniques she will be teaching. When registering, read the descriptions carefully to determine your qualifications and to know exactly what is being offered by each instructor.
Each workshop will be limited to no more than nine students to ensure an optimal learning environment.
We are encouraging registrants to stay on site in the dorm, allowing for more time as a willow community.
What’s included:
Your registration payment includes a four-day workshop, weaving materials, and lunch each day. No additional charge for parking. Split sessions, i.e., one project rather than two, or two days rather than four, are not available.
Housing information:
We have reserved an air-conditioned dormitory on the Reed College campus. Single rooms ($350 for five nights) and split-double rooms ($250 per person for five nights) are available. Bathrooms are communal. The dorm has a kitchen and common area. We will provide some breakfast items and you may bring your own food. Refrigerator space is limited, so you may want to bring your own cooler. Please note: Reed College prohibits food deliveries (e.g., DoorDash, etc.) to the campus.
Alcohol is allowed in the dorm.
You can request a roommate, and we will do our best to accommodate you, but cannot make any guarantees.
Please note: A limited number of commuter spots are available. If these spaces are full, you may complete an online waiting list form.
There is no onsite camping.
Fest dates and times:
Wednesday, July 22, 4 pm dorm check-in.
Thursday, July 23, 8:30 am commuter check-in.
Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, 9 am - 6 pm PT workshops, with a one-hour lunch break each day. Lunch is included in your registration cost.
Monday, July 24, dorm checkout 11 am.
Your instructors:
Four days immersed in weaving under the guidance of master willow weavers:
– Maria Bullock Swamp Sticks Basketry
– Mo Hohmann Woven Thresholds
– Carol Horvath Columbia Basin Basketry Guild
– Katherine Lewis Dunbar Gardens
– Margaret Mathewson Ancient Arts
This event is sponsored by the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild and the Northwest Basket Weavers, Vi Phillips Basketry Guild for their members.
How to register:
All registration will be done online, at: www.basketryguild.org/calendar You will scroll down to July event listings.
Each workshop requires specific skill levels or techniques. When registering, read the information in the workshop description carefully and critically assess your experience; this is important to do in order for the class to run smoothly for all. Note that costs listed include materials and, as a result, vary.
After choosing your workshop, you must select your housing option – commuter or on-site housing – which appears as a separate product on our site. Those staying on site will select either a single room or a split double (which serves two people).
Everyone must make a housing selection even if you intend to commute. If you do not make a selection, your workshop registration may be cancelled.
You will receive an email from the CBBG Squarespace system when your registration is confirmed, with the subject line “Columbia Basin Basketry Guild: Order Confirmed”. (The confirmation will state “pending.” Ignore this. You are confirmed!)
If your choice is sold out and unavailable, you may register for a second choice, and/or complete an online waiting list form.
If there are only a few spaces remaining and others make it to checkout before you, you could lose your choice because whoever pays for the workshop first will get the spot. If that happens, your cart will show “empty” or only hold items that still are available.
You will select one of the following five workshop options:
Weaving Fundamentals with Mo Hohmann: Round Willow Harvest Basket with Bow Handle & Curvy Round Willow Harvest/Storage Basket with Inset Handles (+ $250 for materials) Skill level: Beginner and beyond.
The Art of the Curve with Carol Horvath: Round Bottomed Sculptural Basket & Round Bottomed Asymmetric Basket with Rod Border (+ $230 for materials) Skill level: Advanced beginners and beyond. Project 2 is an intermediate basket, definitely NOT for beginners.
Textures and Waves with Margaret Mathewson: Wavy Willow Shopper & Textural Technique - an Exploration in Small Willows (+ $220 for materials) Skill level: Advanced beginner through intermediate.
Square Work with Maria Bullock: Trug with corner posts & Blunt-cornered basket (+ $200 for materials) Skill level: Intermediate/advanced
Willow Immersion with Katherine Lewis: Fitched Willow Shopping Basket & Rope Coil Weave (+ $225 for materials) Skill level: Intermediate to advanced.
==> Stay tuned for more detailed workshop descriptions to come! <==
Waiting list:
If your preferred workshop is full, you may fill out a Wait List form. The Wait List will appear as a separate product on our site; you will select ‘add to cart,’ and fill out any forms that pop up. You may use the Wait List form for a workshop and/or housing.
Important dates:
Registration opens: 12 pm PT, Sunday, April 19, 2026
Registration closes: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Last day to cancel to get a refund (minus a $35 processing fee): Friday, May 20, 2026
Communications sent via email with more event details and housing assignments: By Monday, June 1, 2026.
Cancellations:
All cancellations initiated by the attendee require a written notification by the attendee and acknowledgement by the event Registrar. Email is an acceptable means of notification.
There is a $35 processing fee for any cancellation.
Cancellations after May 20 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will incur a $100 fee. They will only be possible where the cancellation does not cause the workshop size to drop below the minimum.
Workshop spots are not transferable; if you cannot attend, please cancel as soon as possible so that we can do our best to fill your spot from our wait list.
WFNW Scholarship and Grant Opportunities:
The Columbia Basin Basketry Guild is offering a limited number of scholarships for Willow Fest Northwest 2026. Preference will be given to CBBG volunteers, especially those who have actively volunteered at the Guild’s Our Table willow plot. Awards will be up to $400 each. Those who have been a CBBG member for at least one year may apply. Complete and submit this application before March 15 to be considered. Awardees will be notified by April 7.
Northwest Basket Weavers, Vi Phillips Basketry Guild has a limited number of grants available. You must have been a member for at least one year to apply. Applications must be received by March 10 to be considered before Willow Fest Northwest 2026 registration opens. Visit https://www.nwbasketweavers.org/grants/#members for more information.
If you have any questions, contact WillowFestNW@gmail.com
You can find Willow Fest Northwest on Facebook and on Instagram (@willowfestnorthwest)