Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

Growing, gathering, and weaving with plant fibers from the Pacific Northwest

Fence at IslandWood

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I am grateful for an opportunity to spend time at IslandWood, an environmental learning center on Bainbridge Island, Washington. I'm especially thankful for the generousity of many people who volunteer and contribute, sustaining the wonderful programs offered here, where young people can experience cultural and environmental lessons firsthand. … [Read more...]

About Melinda

Thirty years ago, while sitting on the beach playing with my young children, I made my first basket out of a pile of willow trimmings someone had tossed there. The experience of weaving with the materials at hand while being together with my sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, kindled a passion for creating art from natural plant materials. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.
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Melinda West and basket, Indianola WA