CALABASAS, Calif. - The Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center will host an American Indian Basketry Show and Sale, complete with artist talks and demonstrations, on November 16 and 17. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, the free event features historic and contemporary American Indian baskets from California and the Southwest.
Basketry expert Terry DeWald's lectures at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. will describe the materials, tools, techniques and traditions of American Indian basketry. Tohono O'odham weavers will offer live demonstrations throughout the day, as well as a "talking stick" activity for children and adults.
Those interested in making their own Tohono O'odham-style basket are invited to register for a special day-long workshop on Friday, November 15. Instructors Della and Fredrick Cruz, an Arizona couple known for their beautiful baskets and lively human and animal figures, will lead sessions on the designs, techniques and traditions of this unique basket art form. Limited to 15 people, registration is $165 and is available online at www.wnpa.org.
The event is co-sponsored by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, National Park Service and Western National Parks Association. Proceeds from the event help WNPA provide direct support to 66 partner parks across the west.
For more information, call 805-370-2301.
DIRECTIONS: The Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center is located at King Gillette Ranch, near the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
