Connie Graves

Connie was born in McMinnville and grew up at Valley Junction. She is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. She learned basketry in her late twenties from her mother, aunts and by observing a variety of baskets. She asked her mother, aunts about basketry. Connie weaves baskets from Cedar bark, Cedar and Spruce root, Juncus, willow, hazel and horse hair. 

 

Area: Statewide
Program Type: Workshops, Residencies
Grades: 4- 12
Cost: See fee schedule for workshops and residencies
Supplies: under $3.00 per student

Connie teaches students the basic techniques of weaving with cedar bark and/or juncus, a type of grass. Students learn to weave animal figurines. Connie describes collecting various types of reeds, rushes, grasses, and bark and shows a variety of baskets she has woven.