Appalachian Poplar Bark Basket Class with John Alexander

570 E. Spring St.,Wytheville VA 24382

11 June, 2022

Description

In this class, John Alexander will cover the basics on how to make a traditional Appalachian poplar bark basket. Poplar Bark Basket Class Almost every culture that has lived where trees grow has developed some type of bark craft. In this class, you will learn how to make a traditional Appalachian Poplar bark basket using basic handtools. Although bark baskets have been used in Europe for centuries, there is strong evidence that the very early pioneeers were reintroduced to this craft by the Native Americans. I first learned to make this basket from my father on our farm at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This simple and practical basket reflects the tradition of handcrafting what you needed. After watching a demonstration of how to make the basket, the student will be given a section of a small Poplar log. The bark will be split and pried off in one piece and then folded into its permanent shape. Hemp twine will be provided for stitching the bark together. Students are encouraged to bring vines, pine cones, or other items they may want to add to their baskets. Including the demonstration, approximate time for the class is 1 and 1/2 hour. No one should feel rushed and individual assistance will be provided as needed. Safety will be stressed at all times. We will be using a drill and a sharp knife. Students will be instructed in the proper handling of all tools. John Alexander is a graduate of Berea College, where he learned tradional Appalachian crafting of brooms. He has worked in education as a teacher and an administrator for many years. Although, currently retired from public school, John continues to make tradional Appalachian crafts and teaches classes around the region. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are located at 570 E. Spring St., Wytheville, VA 24382 Next door to Cooks Cleaners and Laundry. We do not allow refunds If you have a gift certificate, pre registration is required. Please email us at: [email protected] Thank you! Rose Cottage School of Art Guest Agreement By registering for a painting or pottery class or attending a painting class or pottery class, conducted by Rose Cottage School of Art (the “Host”), you (the “Guest”) confirm your agreement to the following terms and conditions. 1. Supplies: The Host will provide to the Guest all art supplies and agrees to clean up the Studio after classes are finished. 2. Studio: Painting and pottery classes are held at 570 E. Spring St., Wytheville, VA 24382 3. Parking: Street parking is available. 4. Times: Classes are two hours in length and will be held at the Studio, as scheduled by the class listings on our website.Classes start promptly at times listed; if guests arrive more than twenty (20) minutes late to class, they will not be permitted to paint. 5. Food and Drink: Guests may bring food, snacks and drinks to the Studio. The Host does not provide alcohol and accepts no liability for its use or related to its presence in the Studio. 6. Age Requirement: All Guest’s must be over the age of ten (10) to participate in painting classes, or be present in the Studio while classes are conducted. 7. Visitors: No visitors are permitted in the Studio while classes are conducted. 8. Copyright Ownership: All paintings and designs displayed or exhibited during classes, are owned exclusively by Rose Cottage School of Art and are not to be sold, copied or in any way distributed, without the expressed written permission of the owner. 9. Photography/Videography: The Host reserves the right to photograph or video any of its classes, including live streaming videos, to be posted on public social media, used in marketing materials or for advertising. Guests consent to and releases the Host to use these photographs, video’s and images or likenesses, at the Host’s sole discretion. 10. Liability: The Host’s entire liability to Guest or any third party, for any and all losses, injuries or damages from any cause whatsoever, shall be limited to the Guest’s actual direct damages, not to exceed the amount paid by the Guest for the services related to the claim or cause of action. 11. Indemnity: The Guest agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify and hold harmless the Host and its agents against all damages, liabilities or costs including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, arising out of, or in any way connected with the performance of the services under this Agreement, excepting only those damages, liabilities or costs attributable to the negligent acts or negligent failure to act by the Host. 12. Gift Certificates: Gift certificate payments for class reservations, must be emailed or messaged in advance and confirmed by Host, to reserve your spot in a class. The actual gift certificate must be presented prior to class starting, in order to be redeemable. 13. Refunds: No refunds will be given for any reason, once an Guest’s reservation is paid for. Should a Guest be unable to attend a class already paid for, they may select an alternate Guest to attend in their place. Alternate Guests must agree to these terms and be approved by the Host, at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the paid class time. 14. Pets: No pets shall be allowed at class or in the Studio, except service animals. We are looking forward to creating with you at this event!