The earliest known baskets were made in eastern Europe about 29,000 years ago, making this one of our earliest art forms. Basket-making is also an extremely versatile form of expression, as baskets can be made from a wide variety of materials and decorated to suit the artist.

This July, Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is offering two workshops on traditional methods of basket-making with Abenaki basket-weaver and educator Judy Dow at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta. Participants will make and take home their own baskets.

On Thursday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dow will guide participants through the process of making traditional gourd baskets, which includes burning a design onto the gourd.

The workshop on Friday, July 20 will integrate a variety of basket-making methods in woven pine needle baskets, which may include birch bark and quill work. This class is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both workshops are appropriate for ages 15 and up. The fee for either class is $65. Participants should bring lunch and snacks. Call 207-563-1393 to register.

Judy Dow, of Winooski, Vermont, works with DRA at different times of the year to teach special programs. Dow is a renowned basket weaver and a life-long, award winning educator who specializes in sharing indigenous knowledge with children. She is also on the Board of Directors for OYATE and the Native American Scouting Association.

To learn more about Dow and her basket making, visit dawnlandvoices.org.

For more information call 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit online at www.damariscottariver.org.