Basketmakers of Victoria Inc.

EVOLUTION ... THIRTY YEARS ON

22 September - 15 October 2016
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​The Basketmakers of Victoria Inc evolved from a basketry symposium called “Reeds & Sticks ’86” held at the Sheraton Hotel, Spring Street, Melbourne in January 1986.
 
The first meeting of interested Victorian Basket makers was held on the 16th February 1986 at the Meat Market Craft Centre, North Melbourne. The Basketmakers of Victoria was formed with Jean Stone appointed as temporary President.
 
By July 1986 a newsletter with the first logo was being produced; a Constitution had been put together and an exhibition discussed for 1987. Selling outlets, fees to join, regular dates for meetings and demonstrations were all organised.
 
The first formal election for Office Bearers was held at a General Meeting on the 16th November 1986. From these early beginnings, by very enthusiastic basket makers, the Basketmakers of Victoria Inc has evolved. Over the thirty years many public demonstrations, school visits and workshops have been held.
 
In 2003 the Basketmakers of Victoria Inc was approached by the Australian War Memorial to make 38 baskets to be included in the restoration of a WW1 vintage ammunition wagon. They are still on display today.
 
Every two years basket makers from around Australia get together at a Gathering (Biennial Australasian Basketry & Fibre Arts). The Basketmakers of Victoria Inc have held two very successful national gatherings at Bacchus Marsh in 2003 and 2015.
 
Between 2011 and 2015 the skills of the Basketmakers of Victoria Inc have enriched the lives of several groups of primates at the Melbourne Zoo with the making of approximately 70 feeder baskets.
 
The Basketmakers of Victoria Inc are celebrating 30 years with this current exhibition:
 
“EVOLUTION...30 years on.”
 
This exciting exhibition of traditional, sculptural and contemporary pieces highlights the diversity and artistry of the members of the Basketmakers of Victoria Inc.
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Basketmakers of Victoria, in conversation with Ian MacNamara, on 774 Radio Melbourne -
click below to listen to the podcast (start at the 13 min mark): 
​http://www.abc.net.au/…/pr…/australiaallover/podcast/7875492