To all our friends and followers, artists and basketmakers, we hope we find you well and healthy and finding positive and creative solutions to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
Following much discussion our current position is that we will go ahead with Weaving by the Sea 2020 with all those who are able to travel and are happy to follow health and safety recommendations during their stay. This position will stand unless there is a complete lockdown in Vilanova I la Geltru in which case the event will be cancelled.
Unfortunately due to current travel recommendations our tutor Mai Hvid Joergensen is unable to join us this year from Denmark so her two excellent courses have been cancelled, however as Mònica Guilera and Tim Johnson are resident in Catalonia their four courses will take place.
We have made the decision to go ahead after much thought and in response to several emails from workshop participants expressing their continued desire to enjoy and participate in this years event. Alongside our understanding that health and safety are paramount we understand there is also real demand for positive and creative activities in these difficult times.
If you would like to book a workshop place please see the course descriptions and booking information here: Weaving by the Sea 2020 then please get in touch directly with Monica via email: monicacistellera@gmail.com
Weaving by the Sea 2020 will take place at Hotel Cesar here in Vilanova I La Geltru. Hotel Cesar is a family run hotel with only 30 guest rooms. As the family owners are also resident in the hotel we can reassure you that they are taking all necessary precautions to keep the hotel and restaurant safe for both visitors and employees.
As regards the workshops we are expecting smaller than usual group sizes which will afford us additional extra room in the spacious workshop rooms, we also have the possibility of working outdoors as the weather permits. We will follow a safe teaching protocol including the wearing of masks during talks and demonstrations and at any time we feel necessary, awareness of social distancing and individual marked tools for everyone so that we do not need to share resources.
Unfortunately Salt International Basket Fair / La Fira Internacional del Cistell de Salt, normally held the weekend following Weaving by the Sea, has been cancelled this year by the Salt Town Council. A variety of basketry workshops and willow sculpture projects will be held in Salt replacing the annual gathering of makers.
Following Weaving by the Sea 2020 you might like to visit the exhibition LOOKOUT curated by Monica and Tim at the Museu de la Pauma in Mas de Barberans in southern Catalonia. The exhibition features over 60 pieces by some of the best basketmakers working in Europe today. You can follow the exhibition on Instagram here: LOOKOUT
We hope this information helps you to decide if you are able to join us this year and we are very happy to answer any questions that you may have. We look forward to welcoming you both at Weaving by the Sea 2020 and future events.
Best wishes and happy weaving! Mai, Mònica and Tim
