This whole covid-19 thing has put a lot of people out of whack—myself included. Basketmakers are looking at canceled workshops left and right. Many that have been going to GBA for years have probably already heard that it has been canceled—and it wasn’t going to take place until February 2021—that is almost six months away. Yikes!
A few days ago, I posted dates for a new week in September of 2021. It was put together to accommodate a date that would work for a group that had recently been here and requested that they wanted to come back next year. Those dates worked for everyone. We were going to offer a few extra spots to join this original four (Max seven). I was thrilled that it filled within 24 hours.
So last week, I had a student here from Virginia. She’s a great student and basketmaker. And after the week, since I am not traveling because all basket events are shut down until next year, I thought maybe there’s more just like her that just need to make some baskets.
Prior, I didn’t think people would go to a workshop that was scheduled last minute. For those not familiar with the basket making community, workshops are typically scheduled 9 to 12 months in advance. Because of this mindset, it didn’t dawn on me to advertise a workshop one and a half months ahead. In non-covid time I wouldn’t do this.
So here is the plan. I am opening my studio for workshops for a full week each month until the end of the year.
The workshop I had a few weeks ago worked out perfectly. Everyone was responsible, and I grouped people who traveled together at the same table and spread out the others.
Max # of students due to covid will be 4. You can come for 1 day or all 5 days, doesn’t matter at this point. Following are the dates where you can come to Tennessee and make whatever basket you want:
September 28 – October 2, 2020
October 19 – 23, 2020
November 16 – 20, 2020
November 30 – December 4 OR December 7 – 11, 2020. (Whoever responds first will choose the dates). Also, Lynne will have everything decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. So this week will be a holiday party I’m sure.
If you are interested in any of these dates, go to my contact page on the website, which can be found here. Just let us know which dates you want to come to and Lynne will be in touch.
Again, Lynne and I are very diligent in the way we are quarantining. And after the workshop, Lynne, as a precaution, went and got Covid-19 testing here in our town. It was free and took 2 minutes (she was negative btw). So I want everyone safe, but I also want us to continue to make baskets, the craft we all love. If we are all responsible, we don’t need to stop creating!
