Upcoming
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Join us as Kimberly Crowley teaches us the process of preparing black ash, then walks us through making a Ho-Chunk black ash basket of our own. Kimberly is a member of the Hall family, known for their skills as master Ho-Chunk black ash and miniature basket weavers. Basket weaving is one of the longest practiced Ho-Chunk artistic forms, and both women and men continue to make baskets professionally today.
This program is generously sponsored by the McFarland DEI Committee.
Space is limited, registration is required and opens Friday, May 2.
BONUS:
Watch this Discover Wisconsin short about Kimberly: Weaving Tradition: Ho-Chunk Nation’s Basket Makers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmoYmewX0K8
Kimberly Crowley's story embodies the resilience of a timeless craft. As a Ho-Chunk Nation basket weaver, she carries on a family legacy that has supported generations, from her grandmother's hands to her own. Despite the threat to black ash trees from invasive species, Crowley continues to weave beauty from these ancient woods, preserving a cherished tradition that is both art and survival. With each basket, she honors her heritage and protects its future by teaching the next generation.
From local communities to educational institutions like UW-Madison, Crowley shares her knowledge, with the help of her grandchildren. Her work, alongside that of her family, is celebrated in museums such as the Oshkosh Public Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Smithsonian. Encounter the enduring power of tradition and the unbreakable bonds between culture, family, and community for the Ho-Chunk Nation.