Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

New Suquamish Museum

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One sunny day this past September, something wonderful happened.  Like watching a birth, I became a witness to the opening of the new Suquamish Museum. Documentary film maker, Katie Jennings and I, were fortunate to attend a special dedication for this beautiful new museum.  How nice that "Crow" made a special appearance as we met for tea before … [Read more...]

Pearls of Experience

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I will have four of my shaped bark pieces in the Pearls of Experience exhibit at the  Schack Art Center, in Everett, Washington.  This exhibit will feature traditional and contemporary basketry and sculptural fiber-art crafted by members of the Northwest Basket Weavers Guild.  The opening is August 9th, 2012, from 5 to 8 pm.  The exhibit will be up … [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