Making a Willow Tatza with Charlie Kennard

Join us at the beautiful Fibershed Learning Center on Black Mountain Ranch near Point Reyes Station, CA, where we will learn to make this elegant and unusual plaited-weave basket that is found in the Netherlands, France and Poland. “Tatza” (properly spelled taca) is a Polish term for breadbasket, for which use this basket is well-suited. In this class, prior experience in working with willow is helpful, but not essential.

Participants must bring: garden clippers and large pliers; plus any personal snacks, lunch and beverages.

M aximum 10 students.

Fibershed Scholarship Program for Tuition Scholarships & Transportation/Childcare Stipends

Fibershed is offering one scholarship per workshop. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship recipient, please answer a few brief questions on our Scholarship Application. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential.

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Please keep your pets at home as we have livestock onsite. Service dogs are permitted.

Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other traditional basketry techniques of the world. He has taught for the Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Fibershed, the Laguna Center and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Lake County Museum, and another is in the collection of the Oakland Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.

Tatza photo courtesy of Charlie Kennard, portrait of Charlie by Paige Green