Intro to Basketry Workshop at the Geary Art Crawl

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Learn basketry techniques while weaving your own rattan basket, an elegant, functional piece for small storage and everyday organization.

This hands-on basketry workshop introduces participants to weaving with reed, a traditional plant fibre widely used in basket making. Guided step-by-step, participants will learn foundational techniques including preparing materials, creating a sturdy base, and building up the basket’s form through repetition and tension. Each participant will complete a small basket to take home.

The workshop emphasizes process over perfection, focusing on skill-building, patience, and material awareness. By working directly with natural fibres and structure, participants gain insight into how functional objects are constructed and how form develops through rhythm and care. Designed for beginners, the session provides practical tools and confidence to continue weaving independently.

Beyond technique, the workshop invites reflection on handmade production as an alternative to disposable consumer goods, highlighting durability, sustainability, and the value of time invested in craft.

This workshop is suitable for participants ages 12 and up.

This worskhop is facilitated by Rebecca Collins.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Rebeca Collins is an industrial designer whose practice bridges traditional craft techniques and a thoughtful, material-led approach to making. With a focus on weaving and basketry, their work explores structure, repetition, and process through hands-on experimentation. They are particularly interested in how form emerges through tension, rhythm, and the relationship between material and maker.

Since June 2025, they have been leading basketry workshops for small groups, creating focused and accessible learning environments that prioritize skill-building, knowledge sharing, and confidence in handmade production.

ABOUT THE GEARY ART CRAWL

Geary Art Crawl is a free, community-driven arts festival that animates Toronto’s Geary Avenue with interdisciplinary programming, creative workshops, and live cultural experiences. Founded in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an d the changing face of our beloved street, the festival was created to safely reconnect the community, provide paid opportunities for artists and arts workers, and support the neighbourhood’s small businesses during a period of significant disruption.

Since its inception, Geary Art Crawl has grown into an annual celebration of the corridor’s vibrant creative ecosystem, activating studios, galleries, and industrial spaces while welcoming thousands of visitors to explore the area. Through workshops, performances, and collaborative projects, the festival highlights diverse artistic voices and fosters meaningful community engagement in shared public space.

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Host or Publisher Uma Nota Culture