Basketry exhibit opens with reception

The Nevada State Museum presents "Interwoven 2010: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers" on display in the Dema Guinn Concourse and North Changing Gallery of the Nevada State Museum, today through July 24.

A free grand opening reception will be held at

5 p.m. today. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments, visit with many of the exhibit's artists and purchase some of the baskets that are for sale.

"Interwoven 2010 represents the finest in both contemporary and traditional basketry, including innovative woven sculptures of natural and man-made materials," said curator of education Deborah Stevenson. "This is the third time the museum has partnered with the Great Basin Basketmakers to produce this exhibit and each time their creations are more inventive, imaginative and fascinating."

Encompassing nearly all of Nevada and parts of Utah, California and Oregon, the vast Great Basin is the home of the 200 member strong Great Basin Basketmakers.

The focus of the Great Basin Basketmakers is to make baskets, to learn everything possible about the tradition and techniques of basketry and to pass this knowledge along to others. A wide variety of programs complement the exhibit, including demonstrations, lectures and workshops integrating traditional styles with imaginative new forms.

For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education, at dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or 775-687-4810, ext. 237.