Make Plateau-style baskets with us! Artist Julie Edwards, an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes of eastern Washington state, will guide you through traditional twining techniques. In this hands-on session, participants will learn foundational basket-weaving techniques to create a small weaving to take home, guided by Edwards’ experience and insight from her artistic practice. This immersive experience connects Museum visitors to Colville cultural traditions.

Offered in conjunction with “Tell Clyfford I Said ‘Hi!’”, this program underscores the ongoing artistic relationships rooted in Colville lands and celebrates creative dialogue between Denver and Colville communities. This program is designed for adults of all experience levels and encourages personal exploration through traditional weaving methods. All materials will be provided.

The program costs $15 for the public and $5 (materials fee) for CSM members. Registration is required to attend in person at the Clyfford Still Museum. Space is limited.

Schedule:

• 10:30–11:15 a.m. Workshop introduction in The Making Space
• 11:15–11:30 a.m. Break and transition time for the tour
• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Guided Tour through “Tell Clyfford I Said ‘Hi!’”
• 12:30–12:45 p.m. Break and transition time for the remainder of the workshop
• 1–5 p.m. Workshop in The Making Space

About the Presenters

Julie Edwards

Julie Edwards is a basket weaver from Elmer City, WA, and a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes (Wenatchi/Moses Columbia/Chelan/Nez Perce). She was born and raised in Toppenish, WA, on the Yakama Indian Reservation, where she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Joseph and Lucy Saluskin. Julie’s grandparents encouraged her to learn the culture and traditional ways of her family.

Julie learned how to make twined sally bags while attending and helping with a Youth Warriors Camp at the Nespelem Community Center in 2016. Craig Phillips, Bernadine Phillips, and Vera Best (all master weavers) spent time during the camp teaching and encouraging Julie in the traditions of Columbia Plateau twining.

Julie has since taught impromptu classes at the local community center in Nespelem, WA, and currently teaches classes at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, WA.

Shawn Gunnier

Shawn Gunnier is a Yakama & Umatilla descendant who has been practicing the art of twining since 2024. He is the Tribal Programs Manager at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Washington.

Photo: Julie Edwards and Shawn Gunnier

Support provided by Art Bridges