Salish Weaving Workshop was a Success

I just spent a wonderful three days attending the Salish Weaving workshop here at the Museum. It was such a treat to take the time to learn new skills and traditions, to focus on the creative process, and to get to know such interesting people.

Friday evening, we assembled and warped the custom-made looms, finishing up around 9 pm. We spent the next two days weaving, and by 4:30 Sunday afternoon, most of us were sporting our gorgeous, “fresh-off-the-loom” Salish shawls.

Coast Salish Master Weaver Jessica Casey is a gracious and patient teacher. Over the course of the weekend, she not only shared her knowledge and expertise of Coast Salish weaving and traditions but also her funny anecdotes, home-made food, and good company. Many of us were first-time weavers, and she worked with each of us so that by the end of the three days, we had all found our ‘weaving groove’.  

The participants came from various walks of life. We had Kjerstin, a textile conservator at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria who took the workshop as professional development. Visiting from Saskatchewan, Patricia took part while on vacation on the Sunshine Coast. There was Gail, a long-time resident of Roberts Creek, who was the first to call when she heard we were putting this on. Elizabeth, a newcomer to the Coast, is a textile artist and anthropologist; this was her first time weaving.  I, too, had no experience weaving but have always loved textiles and, I’ll admit – fashion. I was excited to make a stylish wool shawl that I could wear to work! Everyone brought great energy, enthusiasm and most importantly, a sense of humor. It felt like a real celebration when one of us completed our shawl and finally pulled it off the loom. Thanks to everyone for such supportive and encouraging energy.

Jessica and I are planning another workshop for sometime in June. This time, we will be using cedar to weave a berry basket.  For more information, please contact the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives.

L to R: Patricia, Elizabeth, Gail, Kjerstin, Jessica, Kimiko

Finished shawl, shuttle, and comb

Patricia's finished shawl....beautiful colour combination!

Gail looks pretty happy with her new shawl!

Kjerstin went home and added a fringe - looks fantastic!

SCMA Visitor Survey Results II

Listen. As we have already ascertained, winning a gift basket is something that universally makes people happy.
Case in point: the winner of the 2011 SCMA Visitor Survey contest, Sheila Kinnear!

Sheila was extremely excited about her gift basket which consisted of 2 SCMA mugs, Rough and Ready Times, Helen McCall Photo-History Album as well as a 2012-2013 Museum Membership. Welcome to the Museum Sheila!

We still want to know your thoughts, ideas, and inspirations about the SCMA! Come on down, become a member and fill out a visitor questionnaire : )

Center for the Future of Museums: Prodding Sacred Cows: The Mission Statement

Center for the Future of Museums: Prodding Sacred Cows: The Mission Statement

SCMA 2012 Membership Drive and things to make you happy

There are a few things throughout the ages that have been scientifically proven to make human beings happier.
A nice sunny day (especially on the Sunshine Coast in winter!), a barefoot walk on the beach, a rushing waterfall in the distance.
Add to this list winning a gift basket. Who doesn't want to win a gift basket?

This year, to launch the 2012 SCMA Membership Drive, curator Kimiko Hawkes has assembled a top-notch gift basket to ENTICE! INTRIGUE! and INSPIRE! you to sign up to become a member of the SCMA Museum Society.

Your support ensures that we are able to continue to launch innovative exhibits, host exciting programming,
continue to preserve and promote the amazing heritage of the Sunshine Coast. Click here to link to our membership page and download a Membership  form or drop into the museum to fill one out in person.

And take a look at this gift basket, including a $25 gift certificate for our giftshop!

Sacred Drum workshop 2012

On Saturday March 3rd, the SCMA hosted a Sacred Drum making workshop with Squamish Nation's Tsawqayasia Spukwus. Ten lucky participants witnessed the traditional songs and stories associated with the use of the drums and then set to build their own drum with Tsawaysia's guidance.

From the main exhibit room, the sounds of Tsawaysia's drumming and singing filled the air as the participants used sinew to fasten the deer hide drum skin to the wooden base. By the end of the workshop, everyone spoke as if they were old friends, as they posed for a group shot with their newly-made drums.

Would you be interested in participating in a drum making workshop in the future? Let us know!

Big thanks to Tsawaysia for the inspirational event and Justin from the Coast Reporter for the photography.

For the March 9th Coast Reporter photo spread, click here!

Coast Salish Weaving Workshop

“With every beat of my heart, my fingers dance and stir memories almost lost. Grandmother’s and Aunt’s whisper their knowledge to my soul  - encouraging, nourishing, nurturing. For their weaving is in me. With every warp and weft, they tell me so.”       

Jessica Casey

The Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives celebrates the traditions of the Coast Salish people with this 2.5 day weaving workshop, facilitated by Jessica Casey. You will learn the basic skills of weaving and over the course of the weekend, complete a wool shawl to take home. Ms. Casey is a self taught weaver of Coast Salish and Portuguese decent, born and raised in Egmont, B.C. Check out her website Spirit Found for more information and photos: http://www.spiritfound.ca/index.htm

The workshop starts on Friday evening, March 23rd, when you will warp up the looms from 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, March 24th and Sunday, March 25th will be full days of weaving from 10am to 4pm. The cost of the workshop is $300 and includes all the supplies necessary to weave your shawl. You do not need to prior experience in weaving to attend.  

To pre-register, please contact the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives at 604-886-8232.

For a good overview on the history of Coast Salish weaving go to:  http://coastsalishweaving.com/weaving-history/

2012 Antiques Roadshow

Another year and another great turnout for the SCMA's Antique Roadshow!


Through the course of the day at Sunnycrest Mall, 135 people brought in a variety of intriguing items for professional appraisers to evaluate. Some of the most valuable items that came through were a stirling silver clock and plaque valued at $10,000 and a F. Bell Smith watercoulour of the Newfoundland coast given a low estimate of $5000. All in all, folks were surprised, intrigued and delighted as the appraisers analyzed and revealed interesting facts about the history and authenticity of their items. It was noted that people seemed to be more selective with the items they were bringing in, resulting in an overall increase in the quality of items appraised.


Alongside the Roadshow, the SCMA also launched its membership drive. Up until April 10th, anyone who purchases a membership will be entered in a draw for a beautiful Gift Basket worth over $100. The name will be drawn at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on April 25th.


All of the money raised will go toward SCMA operations and events throughout the year. Perhaps next year I will bring out my diamond-plated George Gibson broach :)


 Thanks to all the volunteers that made the 2012 Antiques Roadshow a reality!

For more, go to the Coast Reporter's photo gallery:

http://www.coastreporter.net/apps/pbcs.dll/tngallery?Site=GW&Date=20120227&Category=SECHELT&ArtNo=227009996&Ref=PH