Birch Bark – From Forest to Basket

Lecture with Master Basketmaker Vladimir Yarish A Look at Birch Bark—From Forest to Home

Thursday, May 9, 5:30PM

Fee: $7 for Museum Members, $10 for nonmembers. Students registered for one of Vladimir Yarish’s workshops on Saturday May 11 may attend this talk for free. Advance registration recommended (978) 598-5000.

Vladimir Yarish

Master basketmaker Vladimir Yarish will talk about harvesting birch bark and roots in northwestern Russia, give some history of birch bark work in ancient Novgorod, and discuss traditional peasants’ use of and work with bark for their needs at home.

Progressing to the present, he will talk both traditional and contemporary birch bark work. Mr. Yarish will also tell about his teaching work and studio in Russia. His talk will be illustrated with examples and slides.

Workshops with Vladimir Yarish

Basics of Square-to-Round, Russian Birch Bark Basket

Saturday, May 11, 8AM to Noon

Class fee: $20 for Museum members; $25 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $34 payable directly to instructor on the day of the class (cash or check only). Special tools required: Radio Shack 1 1/8″ smooth clips (package of 10, item # 270-0373). Please note: class fees are non-refundable unless the program is cancelled by the Museum. Advance registration required for this or afternoon class. To register, please call (978) 598-5000 by May 1.

Learn how to weave the Russian way of diagonal plaiting and double- woven construction with this traditional basket in a square-to-round design. Learn the basics of Russian diagonal plaiting, the foundation for more difficult baskets, and experience working with Russian white birch bark. Completed basket is 3 1?2″ diam x 2″ high. Open to all levels.

Create a Russian Birch Bark Oval Basket with Curls

Saturday, May 11, 12:30 to 4:30PM

Open to all levels. Class fee: $20 for Museum members; $25 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $46 payable directly to instructor on the day of the class (cash or check only). Same tools required as above.

Learn how to weave a traditional Russian basket of white birch bark. Weaving techniques taught are diagonal plaiting and double-woven construction. This is a good introduction for those who have not woven this way before. Finish this basket with curls in the Russian style. Completed basket is 3 1/2″ wide x 4 1/2″ long x 1 1?2″ high.