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Panel Discussions

The weekend panel discussions were among the most important components of the 1999 Arrowmont Basketry Conference. The panels were made up of the featured speakers, faculty members and Sandra Bolles from HGA. The spirited discussions revolved around the most pressing issues facing basketmakers today. John Garrett expressed concern for the continuation of the craft. He urged those in attendance to get into local schools and plant seeds of interest in young people. Leon Niehues proposed developing traveling displays organized to explain the processes of basketry that could be presented in public spaces like schools and libraries. Carol Eckert suggested a regular juried exhibition targeted for the promotion of emerging artists. Lissa Hunter proposed regularity of national conferences and mentoring programs. Joanna Schanz brought up the idea of apprenticeship programs and touring trunks that include samples of folk art and a short video to be used in schools. This is an idea that the Amana Colonies already uses successfully. Dianne Dixon proposed that any future conference include a public educational component. Jane Sauer reflected on the importance of the field remaining inclusive of both traditional and contemporary work. Jane Sauer and Michael Davis reinforced the importance of getting published in the development of an emerging artist. They both stated that being published for the first time was one of the key elements in their careers. They discussed the importance of Shereen Laplantz' publication The News Basket had made in the careers of so many basket artists and how much that publication was missed. Carol Eckert reminded everyone to share slides of their work with established artists to make them aware of developing talent. Established artists have numerous opportunities to present slide shows and are regularly called upon by gallery owners and exhibition sponsors for suggestions on promising emerging artists.

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