Tracey Reidy will present a program on basketry as an art form.  Basket weaving and usage is found in all cultures, but its evolution into an art form beyond its utilitarian nature is what is most interesting.  There are numerous classes of baskets defined by the materials used in their construction.  Among these are oak, ash, naturals and Nantucket baskets.  Mrs. Reidy will show examples of each type including some she has woven and some by artisans whose works are now in the Smithsonian collection.

Tracey Reidy started her basket making journey in 1985 when she took a beginner basket making course at a local community school.  She wanted to continue making baskets and to be with other basket makers so, along with her first teacher, formed the Gwinnett Basket Weavers Guild which still meets on a monthly basis.  Her first baskets were simple baskets made of imported reed but her desire to learn more led her to find established basket teachers (many who have baskets in the Smithsonian) who broadened her knowledge into the different styles of baskets made with many different types of materials.  She has attended basket conventions and classes in numerous states and, when traveling internationally, has sought out basketry centered areas to experience other countries’ basketry.  Her basket making has evolved from simple reed baskets to many styles of baskets made from oak, brown ash, cane accented with cherry, maple, ash and ivory.  One of her favorite things to do is make a miniature version of the full-sized basket.  Tracey has recently retired after a 30 year career as a Criminal Investigator and successfully survived raising two sons through their teenage years.  She claims  that basket making saved her sanity on numerous occasions.