JoAnn Kelly Catsos is an award-winning traditional black ash splint basketmaker and teacher living in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. Her work is influenced by traditional Shaker and native New England basket styles.

The clean forms have remained, but over the course of her 36-year career her baskets have evolved into smaller, more finely woven intricately patterned vessels. To obtain the symmetry she desires, each basket is woven over a wooden form, or mold, that is removed once the weaving is completed.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, Steve, JoAnn now prepares black ash splint with the help of family and friends.

JoAnn exhibits nationally and teaches her basketry workshops at art and craft school, conferences and for private groups. Her baskets have been featured in a number of books and magazines and graced the cover of the Crafts Report magazine in October 2012. She is the recipient of the Certificate of Excellence in Basketmaking: level I from the Handweavers Guild of America. Her baskets are in private and public collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. www.JoAnnKellyCatsos.com

Students will have the unique opportunity to choose their own projects. Weave a quintessential cathead - the Classic Cat and chase weave (just like the Shakers), become intrigued by the ‘octofoil’ twill in JoAnn’s original Snowflake Bowl, create a Berkshire Back Pack which is the right size for displaying your business cards, or another basket from JoAnn’s website, www.JoAnnKellyCatsos.com.

Each basket will be made of precisely prepared black ash splint and woven over a wooden mold to ensure the perfect shape.

Choose at least 3 projects. The maximum number of baskets is up to the student and what they think they can accomplish. Each basket will take between 1-3 days to complete. Please be aware of the suggested weaving level of each project.

Email JoAnn at joannkellycatsos@gmail.com at least one month prior to the start of the workshop with your class selections and any questions you have.

Tools: JoAnn provides a tool box for each student. If students have a favorite tool that they want to bring, it should be clearly labeled with their name. Students are encouraged to bring a personal task light if they have one.

5-Day, 6-Nights Overnight Package Includes: 6 nights onsite lodging, private chef prepared meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 5 days of instruction in a private venue.

Supply fees paid directly to instructor.

Meals and Lodging: $1,172 per person private room, $757 per person shared room

Tuition/Fees $660

Non-refundable deposit of $250 due to hold workshop space. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to workshop start date

Policies: When making a reservation, students will be asked to acknowledge and agree that they have read and understand Shenandoah CREATES Payment, Refund Cancellation, Liability and Sick Policies.

Other information is provided on the FAQ page.