SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Carson City, Nev. — Join master basket weaver, Cat Mena from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday, July 17, at the Nevada State Museum for a hands-on basket making workshop. Designed for beginning weavers, participants will complete a Cherokee Wheel Basket, constructed with naturally dyed reeds using walnut hulls for a rich brown color.
This surface technique is accomplished on an even number of spokes with light wheels on dark dyed background.
“The technique looks more complicated than it is and really makes this basket stand out,” said Deborah Stevenson, curator of education. “The border has a core of natural reed to add contrast and bulk to the top. The traditional Cherokee wheel design is used on Native American white oak and honeysuckle baskets.”
This class is suitable for ages 15 through adult. The $38.00 fee includes all materials, instruction and entrance to museum exhibits. Advanced registration is required. Mail payment by July 12 to The Bead Store, 2188 Hwy 50 East, Carson City, NV 89701 or call Cat Mena at 775-883-8111. For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson at 775-687-4810, ext. 237.
Cat Mena has been teaching basketry workshops for 20 years. She especially likes the traditional, functional baskets and has a passion for natural dyes. The class will concentrate on several different weaving techniques and includes a discussion on natural dyes. Mena is a member of the Great Basin Basketmakers and loves sharing her expertise with others.
This workshop complements the exhibit, Interwoven 2010: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers, on display at the Nevada State Museum through July 24, 2010.
The Nevada State Museum actively engages people in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. Exhibits highlight the state’s history, geology, plants and animals, Native American cultural heritage, Historic Carson City Mint, a replica walk-through mine, and ghost town. Current changing exhibits include Interwoven 2010: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers and Slot Machines: The Fey Collection.
Due to mandatory state budget restrictions, the museum is closed Sunday – Tuesday, and open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Wednesday – Saturday. Please enter through the Dema Guinn Concourse. Admission fee is $8 for adults and free for children 17 and under and museum members. For information, call 775-687-4810.
The Nevada State Museum is one of seven managed by the state Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The Department serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the State Office of Historic Preservation, Nevada State Library and Archives and the Nevada Arts Council. For more information, please call Teresa Moiola at 775-687-8323 or visit the department’s website at www.NevadaCulture.org.
