STRUNG TOGETHER BASKET MAKING RETREAT
Bringing together artists and makers in workshops since 2005
September is the time to step back and immerse yourself in four days of inspiration, discovery and hands-on basket making. This STRUNG TOGETHER RETREAT provides a unique creative experience that combines making baskets with making music. While you focus on your handwork, others will be gathering for jams, lessons and performances of Old Time and Bluegrass Music in other parts of the campground. In your workshop, you’ll be part of a small, close knit group, and get all the skills, help and support you need to develop a beautiful basket. It's a chance to take a deep dive and hear your soul whispering while your hands are weaving.
When you're not in your workshop, you’ll be able to balance your work, social and alone time as the mood takes you. The studio stays open before and after class, and we continue to connect with each other, and with our teacher, sharing wonderful farm-to-table meals, taking walks along the beach, and gathering round the campfire after dinner. Creativity is contagious! You will go home grounded and refreshed; and, like a pebble in your pocket, your TOUCHSTONES experience will stay with you long after you leave.
Stephen Jerome Sr., Mik'Maq Master Basket Maker
Stephen Jerome Sr. is a master basket-maker. His craft is rooted in a Mik'maq tradition that has been passed on through generations in his family. Stephen is the only basket-maker of his kind, and is now sharing his practice with young up 'n comers - both women and men - in his community of Gesgapegiag.
When he invites others into his workshop, he creates community, pride, and a resurgence of traditional knowledge.
We're proud to have Stephen bring his traditions to Searsport. In his class you'll learn to make a split ash basket but there will be so much more to the story. Did you know that freshly cut black ash smells of red wine and sugar?
Basketmaking Retreat Schedule
THURSDAY
Settle into this magical world
12-1:30 Registration and Juice Bar
2-5 Class
6-7:30 Cocktails, snacks, introductions and instructor show & tell (included for everyone, veg & GF friendly)
FRIDAY and SATURDAY
Dive deep into your passion
8-9 Breakfast
9-12 Class
12-2 Garden Lunch and Open Botanical Printing Station (included for everyone, veg & GF friendly)
2-5 Class
Friday: Dinner on your own, studios will remain accessible and we'll have a campfire in the garden for your pleasure
Saturday: Dinner and live music around the campfire (included for everyone, veg & GF friendly)
SUNDAY
Re-emerge Gently
8-9 Breakfast (included for everyone, veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12:30 - 3 Lunch, book signing, special shopping, pictures and goodbyes (included for everyone, veg & GF friendly)