Mission
The mission of Great Basin Basketmakers is to make baskets, learn everything possible about the traditions and techniques of basketry and to pass this knowledge onto
others.
Meetings
GBB meets the first Thursday of the month at the Larry Johnson Center , 1200 12th St., Sparks, NV 89431 (775) 353-7780. (effective January 3rd, 2008). Business meetings commence at 11:00 a.m. and generally last about an hour. Sack lunch is followed with "Show and Tell" and a program starting at 1:00 p.m.
Profile
Great Basin Basketmakers is a guild whose members create a wide variety of traditional and contemporary baskets. In 1986, Mary Lee Fulkerson, seeking a source of honeysuckle to use in baskets, placed an advertisement in a local paper. Other enthusiastic basket makers including Nadine Tuttle, Diane Schaub, Kathy Ralston, Jeanne McClard and Dora Taylor responded. Mary Lee presented a slide show at the Reno-Sparks YWCA in January, 1987 and the Great Basin Basketmakers (GBB) was born. The group has grown to over 200 members. Recent accomplishments include the publication of a book detailing the various natural basketmaking materials that grow in the Great Basin region, along with illustrations, tips for harvesting and storage recommendations. In 2004, GBB hosted a five day convention in conjunction with Reno's month long ArTown celebration every July. The convention featured nationally recognized instructors and was the first basketry-related convention on the west coast. Several times a year, GBB hosts nationally recognized basketmakers for special workshops.Join Us! Any questions call Pat M. at 775-626-8108 or at highdesertrats@charter.net.