Natural Fibers Group Education & Outreach
From the beginning,
our group has been about reaching out to make others aware of a heritage skill
and art form that has been in decline in the United States for many years.
Basketmaking is an ancient technique that predates pottery. Indigenous people
used plants that were available in their areas to weave utilitarian objects
that helped them in their everyday lives. An art form evolved fueled by their
needs, 
resources,
expertise, and vision.
Today most
baskets are made using patterns and highly processed imported materials, sometimes
giving cookie cutter sameness to what was once a highly individualized craft
that connected the basketmaker to his surroundings. The use of our own materials
has almost been forgotton. We would like to help revive that knowledge, by
perpetuating the tradition of making baskets from what can be gathered, by
sharing knowledge about traditions, plants and techniques relating to natural
basketry and other creative forms.
Young student
learning her first basketry
techniques from Natural Fibers Group
member, Pamela Zimmerman at the 2006
Youth
Arts Festival. Learning with pipe
cleaners and yarn is an easy way for young
children to start.
NFG member, Mark Barnes, demonstrates rib technique with kudzu
2006 Youth Arts Festival, East Carolina University
Weaving a beginners flower at the festival
Member,
Lynn Hoyt, demonstrating 
Proudly
displaying her finished flower with
woven center! Kids are the best students!
2005 Pitt County Fair Display
Another
educational display from the Natural Fibers Group
Members (l to r) Gloria Jones, Cassandra Jones, below, Stephen Jones.
1st place Civic and Community displays.
2005 Youth Arts Festival