Collaborative Basket Making

On Friday May 30th 2014, St Augustine’s College, Kyabram, had coordinated a range of activities in celebration and acknowledgement of National Reconciliation Week. 

I was asked to participate in this amazing event by facilitating a weaving workshop. The art teacher and I discussed to introduce COLLABORATIVE BASKET MAKING and for students to experience and learn that by working together - ANY GOAL CAN BE ACHIEVED!

The program layout was unlike I am used to. Each classroom participated in each activity for 20 minutes. Weaving is fun, but difficult to do in a short time like that. So what’s the best way to offer every child the opportunity to participate? 

Before the workshop, I assembled 3 base structures of baskets, around 60cm high, as a starting point and prepared two large, large bags of materials. I’ve done the hard part. The kids get the easy part.

In the beginning of each session I talked about the goal for the activity which was to complete the basket and I demonstrated the weaving style. Because the pre-assembled baskets were so big, it became enough for each class to contribute.

Demonstrating and engaging with the students was fun and it excited the children. During the workshop they were introduced to big words: 

‘Indigenous Australian Grass,’ 

‘Collaborative Basket Making’

‘Ephemeral Public Art.’ 

The biggest challenge for me, which I realise was part of the creative process all along, THE MESS. Grass and raffia everywhere! 1 or 2 kids finding the process difficult! 1 or 2 kids running away to play with the bundle of grass and raffia making an even bigger mess. On carpet. The hardest to clean. Why did I agree to do indoors? 

 

The greatest joy from the whole day was creating those large baskets and observing the progress. Of course its messy, it’s basket weaving and its art. Every student in each class still got exposed to the process of weaving and collaboration and had fun. I am so pleased.

The day ended with 3 Foundation classes, and I instructed to add the final touches - secure the basket and add a handle. Decorated with scentful plants it was a great end to another successful workshop and proudly displayed at Kyabram.