Basket Stories: How Weaving Keeps the Columbia Plateau Alive

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture presents a fresh look at basket weaving, proving it’s not just a relic but an active craft. The exhibit runs until May 30, 2027 and features never‑before‑displayed pieces.

Highlights

• Materials & Colors
  Baskets made from cedar, dogbane, wool and bear grass in styles ranging from stark black‑and‑white to vibrant geometric patterns.

• Joey Lavadour’s Contribution
  36 donated baskets showcase bright colors and distinctive designs that stand out amid the collection.

• Diverse Skill Levels
  From flat and Sally bags to root‑gathering, Klickitat bags, and woven hats—pieces span a wide range of expertise.

• Authentic Wear
  Stains from huckleberry juice and cooking marks give the display a lived‑in, genuine feel.

• Youthful Voices
  Newer baskets highlight young weavers keeping the tradition alive.

Curatorial Vision

Curator Tisa Matheson—head of the museum’s American Indian Collection—aims to show how knowledge passes across generations. She chose rarely seen pieces, including works from her own family line of weavers, connecting past and present.

Community Involvement

• Shawn Gunnier (Tribal Liaison) notes that visitors can easily spot Lavadour’s work thanks to its unique patterns.
• Julie Edwards of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation runs monthly weaving classes, having taught over 700 people in nine months.

Mission

The exhibit eschews academic jargon for an approachable layout, inviting curiosity and deeper exploration. Matheson describes it as a conversation starter—encouraging visitors to consider how age‑old skills thrive today.