Akwesasne is known as the Haudenosaunee community with the strongest continuous tradition of basket making. Our people have created stunning, intricate works of art for decoration and utility for centuries, passing down their traditional knowledge of basket making and responsible sourcing through many generations. Join award-winning maker Carrie Hill on an intimate tour of her studio and learn how she works in balance with the land
Carrie takes guests through her workshop, where they’ll learn about sourcing materials in harmony with nature then preparing them for weaving. They’ll see a variety of show pieces, works in progress, and unique tools while Carrie shares the familial, traditional, and modern inspirations behind her creations.
Guests will hear about the environmental challenges to this ancient artform as the destructive Emerald Ash Borer threatens the entire population of ash trees, the very species that has provided traditional basket makers with raw materials for centuries.
Carrie demonstrates splint splitting and a few weaving techniques while sharing the proud legacy of basket making in Akwesasne and among the Haudenosaunee.
Carrie Hill is the founder of Chill Baskets. She is an Akwesasne Mohawk fancy basket weaver and cultural educator.
Chill Baskets began as a creative outlet for Carrie when she became a new mom. Eventually, her lifelong passion turned into a business. Armed with knowledge of tools and techniques passed down from her Auntie Laura, Carrie left her career as an educator to become a full-time basket maker. With an award from the New York Foundation of the Arts, Carrie was able to move her business out of her kitchen and into a studio that she constructed herself.
Carrie builds on the traditional techniques of her family and ancestors to craft contemporary fancy baskets. Born and raised in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, she loves exploring the natural world with her family as she gathers Sweetgrass and sources Black Ash trees. Chill Baskets has now become a multi-generational enterprise, as Carrie’s daughters help out with prep and weaving.
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