Cornhusk Weaving: A Native American Art and Lifeways Practice

Start in the Reading Library for a tour of Entwined Memory: Indigenous Stories of Creation, Place, and Continuity led by Eleanor Owl Stolzoff. Then join Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry in the Art Studio for a two-hour workshop. Learn how corn husk is woven, braided and knotted to create colorful and textured small wall hangings. Participants will create their own corn husk weavings with instruction and guidance from Elizabeth. Recommended for adults and children 8 and up with their caregivers. Registration required.

Corn husk is a local sustainable plant material long harvested by Wampanoag and dried from the garden. Its strength and texture make it suitable for weaving anything from mats, to baskets and shoes. The artist brings the husks dyed in a variety of appealing natural dye shades, and small wooden looms; participants can keep their looms.

The Reading Library exhibition and workshop are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Federal grant award ID: MA-256047-OMS-24) as part of planning for the 2027 The Precious Things We Share: The Past, Present, and Future of Indigenous Picture Book Art exhibition.