Discover the Art of Basket Weaving at the Beltrami County History Center

The Beltrami County Historical Society invites you to experience the art of basket weaving in a hands-on workshop led by renowned artist Shannon Lucas Westrum. This unique event, Helena Swinging Handled Baskets, takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Beltrami County History Center, located at 130 Minnesota Ave SW, Bemidji, MN.

 

Designed for beginners and craft enthusiasts, this engaging workshop teaches participants to create their own Helena Basket, featuring a sturdy pine base and an elegant oak swing handle. Under Shannon’s expert instruction, attendees will learn essential weaving techniques, including twining, weaving, and lashing, using natural rattan materials. Participants can also personalize their baskets by selecting from a variety of colorful weavers.

 

The completed basket measures approximately 8.5” x 6” x 5.5” (11” with the handle)—perfect for organizing small items or as a thoughtful handmade gift. This workshop offers an enjoyable and relaxing experience, equipping participants with the skills to continue their basket-weaving journey long after the event. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to ten participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized learning experience.

 

About the Instructor: Shannon Lucas Westrum

 

Shannon Lucas Westrum is an accomplished basket maker, art instructor, and creative visionary whose work has been showcased in galleries and exhibitions across Minnesota. She has dedicated over a decade to teaching and demonstrating basket weaving, bringing this timeless craft to communities across the region.

 

In 2017, Shannon received a Region 2 Arts Individual Artist Fellowship, allowing her to travel to Ireland to work alongside renowned basket maker Joe Hogan and participate in an Artist Residency at Shankill Castle in Kilkenny. In recent years, she has secured multiple grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, supporting her commitment to expanding basket-making opportunities in rural Minnesota. She works primarily with rattan, driftwood, antler, and local grasses, blending traditional craftsmanship with organic textures.

 

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave SW, Bemidji, MN
🎟️ Pre-registration required (limited to 10 participants)

 

Register Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired! Reserve your spot today.

For more information or to register, visit: https://www.beltramihistory.org/event-details/art-is-herstory-shannon-lucas-westrum-teaches-helena-swinging-handled-baskets

This workshop is hosted by the Beltrami County Historical Society as part of the Art is HERstory series, made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, with funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.