Altama Museum Hosts Elite Pine Needle Artist’s Work
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The Altama Museum of Art and History is welcoming a new artist’s work into the facility as they host the “Pine Needles: What If…?” show, which showcases Barbara Osborne’s sculptures.
For generations, Native Americans and others used pine needles to weave intricate baskets, crafting items that are not merely useful but also seen as fine art. Seattle-based Barbara Osborne has solidified her reputation as one of the most talented modern pine needle artists of the current generation.
Osborne has been selected for display by several galleries, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, the Bellevue Art Museum Art and Craft Show, and Craft Forms International. She was the featured artist at the Northwind Gallery in Port Townsend, Washington, and the National Basketry Organization and Surface Design Association have showcased photos of her work in print and online through Fiber Arts Now.
She has taught workshops at some of the nation’s most prestigious folk art schools, and has received several awards for the excellence of her craftsmanship and design.
Osborne said that her work honors the rocks, trees, and shells from which her art is made. She explores the shapes and architecture she imagines or is inspired by in nature. 'My process is to see or think of a shape, then experiment with materials to create that shape, or until the materials suggest something else. My influences are as disparate as the essays of Ursula LeGuin, Japanese Deco artists, teachers I have studied with, and patterns I see in city skylines, tree branches or woven rugs,” she explained.
Altama Museum of Art and History Executive Director Donna Belcher commented on the new exhibit. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Barbara Osborne all the way from Seattle to showcase her stunning pine needle basketry,” Belcher emphasized. “Her work is so sculptural and expressive that it hardly feels right to even call them ‘baskets’ – they’re truly works of art.”
All of the pieces showcased at the new exhibit will be available to purchase; those wishing to buy one of the sculptures or baskets should speak with Belcher when browsing.
In addition to the exhibit, Osborne will hoist a Pine Needle Basket Workshop, where community members will learn to weave and coil natural one-of-a-kind baskets. All materials will be provided. The workshops will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 15. Preregistration is required. To preregister, call the Altama at (912) 537- 1911.
The new exhibit will be unveiled to the public during a show opening ceremony from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, November 14. The exhibit will be available to the public until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17. The Altama Museum of Art and History is located at 611 Jackson Street in Vidalia, and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Appointments to view the exhibit can be made for other times by calling (912) 2537-1911.
“I genuinely hope people come experience this exhibition in person. Photos just can’t capture the texture, movement, and presence of Barbara’s work. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and we’re so lucky to have it here in Vidalia, even for a short time,” Belcher concluded.
MODERN ART, TIMELESS CRAFT – Pine Needle Artist Barbara Osborne has become well-known in the art community for taking the timeless craft of weaving pine needle baskets and turning them into modern art.
