The Fine Arts basket program at the Extension Community Arts Center has been providing high quality basketry education to the Whitley County community for 10 years. Thanks to the time and expertise of a local basket master, Fae. Because Fae volunteers all her time to the extension basket program the Fine Arts Extension has been able to offer classes discounted cost. This has allowed extension to reach lower income populations and to keep this dying art form alive and the interest growing.

The art center averages 2 beginner classes a year and 2-3 intermediate to advance classes. It takes 8-12 hours to finish a basket. A normal class it broken up into 2 days, 4 hours each day. The issue we were facing is that many people were not getting their baskets finished. Fae, who hates the idea of an unfinished basket, was meeting students regularly outside of class to help them finish up. We had to do something to fix the logistical challenge as well as the manage Fae’s time more efficiently. We decided to add a Basket group that meets monthly for 4 hours.

Fae explains, “Everybody was having baskets from other classes that they couldn’t finish and just sat around and you can’t use it in that condition. Anybody is invited and we we’ll do whatever needs to get done. There’s nothing worse than taking a project home that’s not finished and leaving in a corner for 50 years.” The monthly basket group has served its purpose, it created a time and space for students to complete their baskets. In addition, it also allowed time for students to understand the complexities of the trade from measuring for a basket, ordering supplies, and cutting materials. This wholistic approach has provided a more in-depth understanding of the art and added resilience to the fine arts Extension basket program. Because of this group we now have volunteers knowledgeable enough to help Fae with students during classes.

Fae expressed that “she hoped to keep the art form alive, it’s a dying art, mostly due to the cost and time.” Extension Fine Arts, Fae, and other basket volunteers are ensuing that this Appalachian tradition continues in our community.