Meet The Teachers
MARY BROWN
Texas
CAEL CHAPPELL
New Mexico
Classes: TH-105, FR-210, SA-311, SU-402
Cael was selected as one of Fiber Art Network’s 20 Emerging Artists in 2020 and for Excellence in Fibers 2024. His work has been featured in shows for HGA, SAQA, ATA, FAN, NBO, SDA, and others. He is currently the president of the National Basketry Organization (NBO) and has founded Fiber Arts on 4th in Albuquerque, New Mexico – the ‘Hub’ for supplies, equipment, information, workshops, gatherings and inspiration for Fiber Arts.
DEBBIE HURD
Arkansas
Classes: TH-108, FR-207, SA-304, SU-407
Debbie began weaving over 35 years ago at a community education program in Arkansas. She retired from teaching first grade Reading and is now active designing new baskets, traveling, and just having fun weaving! She has taught in many states for conventions, seminars, small groups and guilds. She also taught on many of the Basket Weaving Cruises.
Bev Larson
Indiana
Classes: TH-106, FR-211, SA-305, SU-409
I have been weaving since 1988 & teaching since 1999. I love to share the joy of basket weaving with those around me and have done so by teaching in IN, IL, FL, KY, MI, NM, NY, NC, OK, TX, WI, and the Caribbean on the Basket Weaving Cruises. Making basket weaving fun, relaxing, and inspiring is my goal. In 2003 I won the Eiteljorg Museums Weavers Challenge. In 2009 I added broom making as an outshoot of weaving and it is now a passion. In 2016 I received the honor of being named an Indian Artisan by the State of Indiana for both broom making and basket weaving.
PAM MILAT
North Carolina
Classes: TH-102, FR-206, SA-307, SU-403
Pam Milat has been designing and weaving baskets for over 20 years. A native of MO, she retired from her corporate career in southeast NC and jumped straight into sharing and teaching multiple techniques of basketry and is a master at her art. She blends and tweaks combinations of self-dyed reed creating vibrant color and texture in her basketry designs. Pam is a member of multiple basket organizations across the country and travels out of state to basket conventions/events each year to teach basketry. Back at home she teaches at the Leland NC Cultural Arts Center and has had the honor of having her basketry art selected for Gallery Shows. She also sells her baskets at the Seaglass Monthly Market in Castle Hayne, NC.
LINDA ORMAND
Texas
Classes: TH-110, FR-201, SA-301
Linda has been weaving baskets for 30 years. When she’s creating, nothing else seems to matter. Linda began teaching locally in 2009. She is a member of the Texas, Oklahoma, Bluegrass, and Missouri Basketweaving Guilds as well as several of the Texas local guilds. She is also a member of the National Basketry Organization and regularly participates in monthly Guild zoom meetings.
Mary Price
arizona
Classes: TH-109, FR-212, FRN-213, SA-310, SU-408
Mary Price, is a dedicated basket weaving instructor who travels full-time. She discovered her passion for basket weaving in 1996, thanks to her sister’s guidance in crafting a market basket. Within a year, she launched her business, showcased her baskets at numerous craft shows around the Chicago area, and began teaching in her Woodstock, IL, home studio. Mary’s enthusiasm lies in creating and teaching others to make practical, functional, and vibrant reed baskets.
sunsetridgebasketry@gmail.com
lorelea roberts
kentucky
Classes: TH-104, FR-209, SA-309, SU-404
Meet Lorelea Roberts, a passionate basket weaver from Louisville, Kentucky. Inspired in Vermont, she has been weaving for over 30 years. Lorelea loves exploring various techniques and materials to incorporate into baskets. As an experienced weaver and educator, she has taught in several states. Join us to connect with Lorelea, make new friends, and witness her unique weaving approach at our convention. Don’t miss out on experiencing her artistic expression!
Linda Scherz
New York
Classes: TH-107, FR-204, FRN-214, SA-302, SU-401
Linda started weaving baskets in the fall 1987 shortly after moving to Northern NY. Her interest in weaving quickly expanded to designing, teaching, exhibitions and juried shows. Linda enjoys working with a variety of materials, including reed, bark that she harvests, waxed linen, beads and other materials. While much was self-taught, she has attended conferences to learn other techniques and to work with other materials. Known for her intricate patterns, eye for color and incorporating different materials in her designs keeps it exciting for her. Through the years she has won several awards for her baskets. Linda teaches her designs throughout the United States for various guilds, conferences, art centers and organizations. She enjoys sharing her basketry knowledge and experience with her students as it’s rewarding to see their progress and excitement with what they have learned and made. You can see more on her website www.AdirondackBasketry.com
AdkBasketry@outlook.com