Tryon Arts and Crafts School (TACS) is offering a workshop in Appalachian-style ribbed basketry, taught by Carla Filippelli of Asheville, N.C., on Sept. 24.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of Appalachian-style ribbed basketry and will create a traditional potato basket during this workshop. Once the technique is understood; students will be able to extrapolate to other sizes and styles. Instructor will provide a variety of hand-dyed reeds, all tools, supplies and handouts needed for the class.

Tricks of the basket-weaving craft, safety tips and discussion of the rich heritage of crafts in the region will all be topics for discussion and exploration. Bring reading glasses. Some hand strength is necessary.
Filippelli and her husband Greg have been weaving baskets for more than 25 years. As self-taught basket makers, they delight in the intuitive creative process. Today, their free-form style of weaving known as “random weave” has developed into distinctive functional baskets and sculptural art for the walls. They are represented in galleries and exhibitions nationwide and are currently invited artists in the international Arts in Embassies program in Tallinn, Estonia.
Advance registration for all workshops is required. For more information about the instructor or workshop, including tuition and supply costs, please contact TACS at 828-859-8323 or by email at tryonartsandcrafts@windatream.net. More details and examples of projects are available on the Tryon Arts and Crafts website, www.TryonArtsandCrafts.org. A limited number of spaces are available for this class.
Tryon Arts and Crafts is a non-profit crafts school located at 373 Harmon Field Road in Tryon.
– article submitted
by Julia McIntyre