Pine Needle Basket Weaving

Pine Needle Basket Weaving
With Mary Lou Olivas Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Two 2-day Workshops: February 5 & 6 OR 12 & 13 | 1p-5p | Pueblo Art Room | All Materials Included | Limited Enrollment | $50

Part of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's 2011 Pueblo Artist Work Shop Series

Artist Statement
I am now making the transition from full-time mother to full-time artist because my youngest daughter just completed high school about three years ago. Now I have much more time for myself and my art. I have been accepted into the Santa Fe Indian Market for the past three years, and am having success placing my traditional red willow baskets with collectors.

Biography
Mary Lou Olivas was brought up in Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, just east of El Paso, Texas. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe was established in El Paso immediately after the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, with its founding members originally from Isleta Pueblo in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mary Lou currently resides in Los Alamos, New Mexico with her husband, two daughters, and one lovely granddaughter. Mary Lou chose to be a full-time mom, opting to stay at home and raise her children instead of pursuing a career outside of the home. This path provided her with ample time to commit herself to and developing her art.

Mary Lou enjoys most types of needlework, and is an accomplished garment maker. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. Mary Lou learned the basics from her mother, who made the clothing that she, her two brothers, and four sisters wore when they were growing up.

About ten years ago, under the mentorship of Joe Val Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo, she undertook weaving traditional red willow baskets. Weaving of the baskets was a natural outgrowth of her needlework skills.

Mary Lou is interested in learning new art forms, and is currently studying micaceous pottery at the Poeh Arts Center, under the tutelage of Clarence Cruz.

Mary Lou will teach the fabrication of pine needle baskets using natural materials. She will provide pine needles from trees around her home, as well as natural thread. Over the course of the class, students can expect to go home with a completed 3" diameter basket and endless ideas for work with pine needles.