WERKshops
Håfa Ådai
For the past 5 years, I have offered “werk”shops exploring the art of weaving. I have hosted on college campuses, in community centers, and even in backyards! In our sessions, we primarily work with hågon niyok (coconut leaves) and/or åkgak (pandanus). Experienced or not, all are welcome to this fun and tactical connection to an ancient tradition.
Getting your hands on materials you wouldn’t have access to otherwise provides a greater admiration for the art. These spaces allow us to commune through craft, culture, and conversation. Ancestral memory returns, relations are cultivated, and we gain another level of cultural competence. The most rewarding moments are when the elders connect not just with the little ones, but with their inner child they have long since held.
Communities are more than just groups of people. They are comprised of individuals, diverse in every way possible, and woven together by shared moments, common goals, and a sense of belonging.
While weaving is a practice that exists in practically every culture ever, these sessions offer the unique opportunity for people to create with special mediums rooted in generations of knowledge from the Pasifik. Tradition does not live in the objects we make, but in the times we share making them. Beyond our creations that are museum worthy, is the perpetuation of the art form. Conversations between a people and their environment, from one generation to the next. Not only do individuals walk away with something they can wear, adorn a space, and/or gift another, they also takeaway a greater appreciation for the handmade and an affirmed sense of community.
No two sessions are ever exactly the same. Below are our baseline options, with variations on number of participants, materials available, and manageable projects. As well as travel expectations if applicable.
Open Sessions:
Open sessions are best for set ups where folks drop in and out for small, quick crafts (e.g. roses, grasshoppers, fish). Usually a set window of time anywhere between a few hours to a whole day. Situations where this is the best option include but are not limited to exhibit openings, artist fairs, heritage showcases, etc. Payment considers the artist's time + materials.
Artist's fee: 250$ + 100$/hr after 2hrs (e.g. 4hrs = 450$)
NOTE: For particularly expected high volumes of participants, an assistant may be needed. If that is the case, an added fee of 50$/hr will be added.
If you have people from your side that are willing to be assistants, please plan on having them available at least 30 minutes prior to the public for a quick briefing, and to allow them to become familiar with the materials & technique.
Materials: 2$/person (e.g. if you forsee ~30 persons coming to your event, your materials fee would be 60$.) The materials include but are not limited to pandanus, hibiscus bark, twine. As well as tools such as scissors & twine.
NOTE: If you plan on having a COCONUT PALM WEAVING workshop, please see below for those rates.
Closed Sessions:
Closed sessions are best for set ups where there is an intended audience (either have people RSVP in advance, or have an open call with a cap) with a designated start and end time. Max capacity for a closed session is 20 people. If you would like to host a bigger audience, then our solution is to either break up the time into mangable groups, or have an assistant (for an added rate). Situations where this is the best option include but are not limited to clubs & organizations, heritage showcases, class presentations. Payment considers the artist's time + materials.
Artist's fee: 100$/hr (2hr minimum)
NOTE: For particularly expected high volumes of participants, an assistant may be needed. If that is the case, an added fee of 50$/hr will be added.
If you have people from your side that are willing to be assistants, please plan on having them available at least 30 minutes prior to the public for a quick briefing, and to allow them to become familiar with the materials & technique.
Materials: 2$/person (e.g. if you forsee ~30 persons coming to your event, your materials fee would be 60$.) The materials include but are not limited to pandanus, hibiscus bark, twine. As well as tools such as scissors & twine.
NOTE: If you plan on having a COCONUT PALM WEAVING workshop, please see below for those rates.
Coconut Palm Weaving:
Great news- coconut palms are available for workshops! There is company in Florida that ships out fresh palms leaves within the continental US.
https://store.florida-coconuts.com/coconut-palm-leaves-324.html
Full disclosure, the leaves are not the expensive part, it's the shipping. Use the shipping estimator to get a gauge for your zip code.
It is in our experience that while coconut weaving can be done for either an open or closed session, it is better suited in our closed sessions that are at least 3 hours. This is due to the fact that with the leaves, we would be able to take on on more intricate projects like fans & baskets. Even those with no prior experience can do it! (We've seen it many times.)
What it really boils down to is your budget. While we have joy and success every workshop, there is a noticeable excitement our participants have when working with coconut leaves. So if you have the availability, we highly recommend it.
It is also possible to coordinate with other groups where you can split the cost of materials by scheduling workshops on days after one another. You can contact us to see what is plausible.
Traveling for a Workshop:
Within Washington:
Our lead weaver is based in Lake Stevens, WA (when not in Guåhan). If you are within the state, but a bit of a drive away, you may be asked to provide a driving fee. 50c/mi
Outside of Washinton:
If you are outside of Washington, you will be responsible in booking flights, as well as room and board. Room and board may look like a hotel, airbnb, or hosted stay with a trusted member of your team.
We value having this knowledge be accessible to all ages, various experience levels, & our communities. For just shy of a decade, we have shared the joy of the practice and the practice of joy through weaving as a time for strengthening community connections and deepening interpersonal relations. So if you happen to be a smaller group that also conscientiously uplifts others, but also has budget constraints, please reach out for possible alternative rates. Especially for groups working with: Pasifika, Native, Black & PoC; LGBTQIA+; Students & Youth. Please also consider teaming up with other organizations in your area. By doing so, you may be able to split costs (while also practicing solidarity).
If you would like to book a weaving "werk"shop for your class or your own group, please visit the commissions page.
*ACCEPTING REQUESTS AT THIS TIME*
Guåhan Feb-Apr 2023
Stateside May-Jul 2023
Open Aug-Dec
We look forward to be weaving with you,
Saina Ma'åse