Workhouse Artist of the Week: Barbara Weber

It was at a family reunion that Barbara Weber discovered her new career. Nearing retirement after 30 years as a research scientist and research administrator for the U.S. Forest Service, Weber wondered what she’d do to fill her time. “I took a basket weaving class from my sister-in-law at a family reunion, and it just clicked with me,” she said. That was in 2002, and she’s been weaving baskets ever since.

During May, Weber is one of the featured artists in Building W-6 of the Workhouse Arts Center. Her show is entitled, “May Baskets, May Flowers.”

Weber weaves tradition and non-traditional baskets. Traditional styles include egg, market, bread and Easter baskets. “Nontraditional baskets are usually non-functional and they usually include materials not often incorporated together into basket weaving,” said Weber. “Their shapes are more sculptural.”

A few years ago, Weber began weaving copper into her baskets, something she’d not seen or heard of previously. “Now copper is being used frequently in weaving,” she said. “To me, it’s a contribution I’ve made to the art.”

Weber has always been fond of nature, and that is one of the inspirations for her baskets. “I look at the textures and shapes in nature,” she said. “Looking at art in general gives me inspiration.”  She said picking up a piece of material and starting to play with it also generates ideas. 

When a friend moved and had to leave the Studio Fiber Arts Group at the Workhouse, she recommended Weber to fill her spot. “Being at the Workhouse gets me out of the house, away from distractions, and into a very supportive environment” she said. She teaches at the Workhouse and gives private lessons, too. “I enjoy teaching people new skills, especially non-traditional ones they would not have otherwise encountered,” she said. 

In addition to the Workhouse Arts Center, Weber’s baskets are displayed at the Artist’s Undertaking Gallery in Occoquan. Weber will also be featured in the Creative Crafts Council Biennial Exhibition May 28 - July 9, 2011, at The Mansion at Strathmore in Maryland.

Once she worried what she’d do with all her time in retirement. Now, Weber fills it with baskets. She’s won awards from the North Carolina Basketry Association and the Association of Michigan Basketmakers. In addition to weaving and teaching, she currently serves as president of the High Country Basketry Guild, which offers classes, hosts a monthly meeting, and sponsors community projects.