We are fortunate to have Vickie Echols teaching at our conference in April. On Saturday she is teaching 3 Layer Necklace.
Sunday is Step It Up with Big Beads. Register and join the fun.
The 2024 Brochure can be downloaded by clicking the button below.
Class Updates
(Updates will not be reflected in the Conference Brochure)
The following classes have been cancelled:
Class #214 Sunday Instructor: Melanie Perkins
Class #104 Saturday Instructor: Jody Dingivan
Class #203 Sunday Instructor: Jody Dingivan
Baskets and Gourds 2024
Conference Starts in:
We are very excited about our upcoming Conference!!
Watch this exciting showcase of the classes that will be available!Elks Lodge, Mill Creek Conference Center, Visalia CA
Classes April 27 & 28, 2024Sponsored by Tulare‐Sequoia Gourd Patch and the California Gourd Society
Don't miss these additional conference events!
Friday, April 26: Reception for Teachers’ Art Exhibit at Arts Visalia6 pm to 8 pm
Friday, April 5: First Friday reception at Arts Visalia
April 3 thru April 26: Exhibit at Arts Visalia
Arts Visalia
214 E. Oak Avenue, Visalia, CA
Open 12 to 5:30 Tuesday thru Saturday
April 3 thru April 26: Teachers’ Exhibit in the Peter N. Carey Gallery at the Lofts, Fort Visalia, 340 E. Oak Avenue, Visalia, CA
The Lofts gallery is open Wednesday thru Friday, 10 to 3.
Area information
Welcome to Visalia, Tulare County, and nearby Sequoia National Park! We’re so glad you’re coming to the Central Valley ‐ we have a wonderful conference planned, and as you schedule your trip, we hope that you’ll consider extending your stay to enjoy the many opportunities ourbeautiful area has to offer.
First, Visalia is aptly named “The Jewel of the Valley.” It’s a unique city with small town charm, parks, rivers, lakes, and great restaurants. You might catch a Rawhide baseball game, play some golf, walk the trails, ride the trolley, or try your luck in a nearby casino.
Perhaps you feel more adventurous and want to go white‐water rafting on your way up to Sequoia National Park. Once in the park, hike up Moro Rock, and stroll amongst the giant sequoias. Plan on spending a few days camping with your family or stay in Three Rivers at the Lazy J Motel.
If you plan carefully, your visit to the area could also include the Three Rivers JazzAffair, the California Antique Farm Equipment Show, or Team Roping at a local rodeo.
So, consider combining your creative energy at our Baskets and Gourds Conference with a family vacation and experience the varied activities in the Central Valley.
Baskets and Gourds Welcomes Lucy Parker as a teacher at the 2024 Conference. She is from Kashaya Pomo, Yosemite Miwok, Mono Lake Paiute, and Coast Miwok people She will be teaching Baskets in Process and instructing about gathering traditions and customs of cultural use. Her classes will be offered Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Please help by becoming a scholarship sponsor!
The Baskets and Gourds conference offers scholarships for deserving students and needy artists. We need your help to make this happen. A donation of $125 funds one class, materials' fees, and lunch for a student. We feel it is important to spread the love and knowledge of these ancient arts. There is a Paypal option for your donation.
Conference Venue
Elks Lodge, Visalia
Visalia Elks Lodge
Get Directions:
Enter Destination From input field below to get directions to our event location
For More Information
Toni Best, P.O. Box 6846, Visalia CA 93290
tonibestbaskets@gmail.com
559-627-5430
Lunch
Lunch can be pre-ordered each day. Be sure to complete the lunch form found in the brochure and send it in with your registration!
Where to Stay
A block of 50 rooms at $95 per night has been set aside at the Lamp Liter Inn (walking distance to Elks Lodge) –
Reserve Early by Phone! Lamp Liter Inn, 3300 W. Mineral King Ave. (559) 732-4511 or (800) 662-6692. You must reserve by phone, NOT online.