Craft In America - Education - Origins

Craft In America - a journey to the artists origins and techniques of American craft

There is great value in making an object by hand with time-honored techniques, using traditional designs. And there is an excitement in combining and reinventing these traditions with present-day ideas and motifs.

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Artist Teri Greeves shows us the outfit made for her naming ceremony.


Teri Greeves, We Gave Two Horses For Our Son (detail), 2007, Courtesy of the Heard Museum, Craig Smith photo	James Bassler, Trader Joe woven bag (detail)

Teri Greeves: Beadworking & Belonging In this lesson, students will study the work of bead artist Teri Greeves. After watching the Craft In America Origins DVD segment featuring Greeves, students will examine how Greeves’ beadworking signifies and honors her Kiowa heritage. Students will look for examples of decorated garments in their experience that indicate belonging to a group. Following this, students will hand embellish an item of wear with an image symbolic of a particular group. Grade level: 8-12 Read Education Guide	James Bassler: Woven in Tradition In this lesson, students will explore the work of weaver James Bassler and learn about the basic techniques of weaving. Students will view the “Origins” segment of Craft in America featuring Bassler. They will discuss the role of technology in craft, as well as consider the importance and origins of weaving in our world. After spending time learning about weaving and dyeing, students will create a piece of woven cloth dyed with indigo. Grade Level: 8-12 Read Education Guide	Download the Lesson Guide for Teri Greeves in PDF format HERE to see get started in your classroom. Download the Lesson Guide for Jim Bassler in PDF format HERE to see get started in your classroom.