ph: 802-579-0049
abenaki
Ash and sweetgrass basket making has been a craft in my family for generations. My Great Grandmother, Elvine Obomsawin and her family made their living by making and selling baskets. I have been privileged to be able to Apprentice under Master Artist, Jeanne Brink for the past 3 years through the Vermont Folklife Center Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program along with my son, Aaron Wood. Jeanne Brink is also my cousin, and hearing the stories from our Obomsawin family heritage while learning basket making brought my past alive! When I am making baskets, I feel a deep connection with those who have gone before me. I am at peace and connected. My husband helps prepare the ash by harvesting the brown ash trees and with Aaron, pound and split the ash. With our family working together we create the materials for baskets from the harvest of the tree to the final project. I look forward to teaching future generations this craft. It is part of us, and it is critical to ensure it is never lost. If we lose Abenaki ash basket making, a part of our soul and peoples will be lost.
Phone: 802-343-2525
Email: krwoodvermont@gmail.com
Etsy Shop: etsy.com/shop/AbenakiBasketsbyKRW
Ash Basket Lid
Ash and Sweetgrass Basket
Ash Basket Basket
Demonstrations (as an Apprentice with Master Basketmaker Jeanne Brink)
2016
Darthmouth Powwow, Darthmouth College
Native American Program, Darthmouth College
Vermont History Exposition, Tunbridge, VT
2015
Abenaki History Day, Hartford, VT
Darthmouth Powwow, Darthmouth College, NH
Native American Program, Darthmouth College, NH
Saratogo Native American Festival, Saratoga, NY
2014
Darthmouth Powwow, Darthmouth College, NH
Native American Program, Darthmouth College, NH
Vermont History Exposition, Tunbridge, VT
Awards
2015 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, Vermont Folk Life Center. Middleburry, VT.
2014 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, Vermont Folk Life Center. Middleburry, VT.
2013 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, Vermont Folk Life Center. Middleburry, VT.
Affiliations
Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, Juried Artist since 2016
© 2013 - 2019. Vermont Abenaki Artists Association.All rights reserved.
ph: 802-579-0049
abenaki