Watch as Kelli Palmer demonstrates the art of cornhusk weaving and making basketry.

This program will be held outside on the Sisters Library South Patio. Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

Wearing a face covering is required at all in-person, indoor events. This event may move indoors due to smoke or heat.

Kelli Palmer is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon. "I am a combination of the Warm Springs, Wasco, Paiute, Shoshone, Yakama and Hoopa Tribes plus a little extra for good measure. I grew up and live on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation

I watched my mom for years make baskets but I was too young to appreciate all the hard work, until I attended the Northwest Native American Basket Weavers gathering. I watched all the different Native teachers and was fascinated by the wonderful feeling in the room. So many different baskets, all beautiful! I picked up twine and yarn again this time seeing it in a new light. It was art.

My home became covered in weaving materials. Lots of string, yarn, twine, hemp. I am lucky to have my mother as my teacher, whenever I have questions I just call and ask her. I feel calm and relaxed as I twine around and around getting lost in each twist and each color.

I was handed a wonderful opportunity to teach and share my craft for the first time by being invited to the 2009 National Basketry Organization Basket Convention in Portland, Oregon. It was a great first teaching experience that has encouraged me to continue to weave, teach and learn.

I have been making baskets for about 21 years and I am still asking questions of my mother, reading books and researching on the internet to learn more. Making these baskets just feels right to me and I will continue to learn as I experience new methods and opportunities."