On Sunday 15 May 2011 visitors can drop in to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia for a Basket Spectacular, celebrating the work of regional, national and international basket-makers. This free event runs from 1pm – 4pm, with opportunities to make basketry costumes, take part in basket-making workshops and see work from a variety of artists and basket-makers. At the end of the afternoon there will be a chance to wear the costumes made during the day and join in with a procession through the Centre. The event has been inspired by the Centre’s current special exhibition Basketry: making human nature, which closes on Sunday 22 May.

“The Basket Spectacular will be celebration of all things basketry, and a fantastic way to mark the end of our Basketry season. Everyone is welcome, from those with an interest in basketry to those hoping to try out something new. Come along and be inspired by the exhibition and the basket-makers, and of course have some fun!” – Emily Ward, Education and Events Officer (Adults and Young People)

During the afternoon, the Centre will be full of basketry-themed artwork, stalls and workshops, and visitors can enjoy a host of activities. There will be a chance to make basketry accessories to wear in the basketry procession, or contribute to a large carnival-style costume, with Ali McKenzie from Tin House participatory arts company and Pat Howe from Spirit of Carnival. Eve Stebbing from Spin Off Theatre will be on-hand to give theatrical tips on how to move in the costumes and perform for an audience. Visitors can drop in to the Education Studio for workshops with artist and teacher Diana Jackson, making colourful ‘lucky-eyes’ out of willow, or weaving small round rush mats.

Throughout the day local basket-makers, artists and enthusiasts will be displaying their work. The Basketmakers Association will be giving demonstrations of basket-making skills and there will be a chance to see baskets which are unique to East Anglia. Visitors are invited to bring in interesting baskets to talk to the experts about and there will be an exclusive range of baskets available to buy in the Gallery Shop.

Visitors are also invited to join Sainsbury Centre artist in residence Tim Johnson, while he works on a special costume for the basketry parade, drawing inspiration from the Basketry exhibition and the traditional folklore of the British Isles. Tim is an artist, basket-maker, photographer and arts-educator based on the Isle of Wight. He has exhibited extensively in the UK and Ireland and has participated in exchanges and residencies across the world. Tim will be working in the Sainsbury Centre Education Studio in the run-up to the event (from 3 May), using natural materials to weave costumes and disguises.

At 3.30pm there will be a basketry procession through the Centre, accompanied by music from a hurdy gurdy player and led by Tim Johnson. Visitors will be encouraged to join in and wear their newly made basketry creations. The procession will also feature amazing circus-like basket costumes made at the Centre by Spirit of Carnival and Tin House participatory acts company.

The event links to the Sainsbury Centre’s spring exhibition Basketry: making human nature, which brings together traditional and contemporary basketry from around the world. The exhibition reveals the extraordinary uses of basketry technology and asks us to consider its place in human culture. The exhibition opened on Tuesday 8 February and runs until Sunday 22 May.

Opening times, bookings and information

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays including bank holidays)
10am to 5pm
Tel 01603 593199 www.scva.ac.uk

Admission to the gallery and permanent collections is free
Special exhibitions are charged – see below

Basket Spectacular

Sunday 15 May
1pm – 4pm
Price: Free; includes entry to the special exhibition

Event in association with Norfolk & Norwich Festival

Exhibition dates, times and information

Basketry: making human nature opened on Tuesday 8 February and runs until Sunday 22 May 2011. The exhibition will be open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays including Bank Holiday Mondays), 10am to 5pm. Tel 01603 593199 www.scva.ac.uk

Admission free to UEA staff and students, or
£4, concessions £2
Family admission (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £8, concessions £6

For more information on the Basketry exhibition visit www.basketry.ac.uk