Tule Twined Basket Workshop with Charlie Kennard

Enjoy a delightful day full of hands-on learning in Heron Hall and around the peaceful Laguna Environmental Center grounds with master weaver, Charlie Kennard. Each student will make a lightweight basket of Tule reed, using several different weaves. The basket will be suitable for storing nuts, onions, socks, or anything else you need to tidy up! Tule is an ideal material for beginner weavers, but is also a favorite of more experienced weavers, who can experiment with a variety of stitches, splices and rim treatments. All basket-making materials are included in the registration fee. Participants bring large scissors, a water bowl, small towel, and their lunch. Hot drinks and snacks are provided.

Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and European techniques. He has taught for MAPOM, Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the California Academy of Sciences, the Bay Model in Sausalito, the Oakland Museum, and the one in Heron Hall! You can also visit a basketry plant garden he created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, where he and four friends recently wove a basket 13 feet in diameter. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.