“Woven Treasures” describes the projects produced by the members of the Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild. Most of the baskets and other artworks created by the members take untold hours to produce. They are certainly a labor of love and always one of a kind.

Seven members of the Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild — Debra Zimmerman, Grace Swanson, Carol Lang, Peggy Blessing, Sue Kamin, Kiana Jannesari, and Natalie Kuhlman have their artwork in the Community Center from January 12 to May 8, 2024. Most of the 27 artworks displayed are offered for sale however a few are not. Contact the artist directly if you wish to purchase one of the pieces.

The Community Center is located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas (760) 943-2260. Visitors can view the exhibit during the Community Center’s operating hours, which are Monday - Friday, 8 am - 8 pm, Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm. 

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For the pieces that are available for purchase contact the artists directly. The contact information is listed on a small card next to each piece. 

The exhibit is made possible by the City of Encinitas Civic Art Program, encinitasca.gov/VisualArt.

A reception, “Art Night”, will be held at the Community Center on Saturday, March 9 from 5:30-8:30 pm. There will be demos by members of MWBGB.

Members of MWGBG represent all levels of interest in basket and gourd making — beginners, professionals, hobbyists and collectors. The members all share a common fascination for handmade vessels and sculptural objects — whether ornamental or utilitarian — and for the natural and manufactured fibers used in their construction.

Misti Washington Gourd & Basket Guild in conjunction with the Los Angeles Basketry Guild are offering special basket classes by Cael Chappell February 17 & 18 (El Cajon) and February 24 & 25 (Los Angeles). Registration deadline is February 10, 2024. For more information on the classes and the guild, please go to Baskets-Gourds.com or email [email protected].

The Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild meets on the first Sunday of each month at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, and offers a variety of events and weaving support to its members at all levels.  Guests are welcome.