THE WORKING VESSELS PROJECT

a collaborative project by Renee Makes - custom vessels & basketry mentorship for farms in the Catskills & Hudson Valley

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Farmers can apply here.

There is no fee to apply, and (for the three selected farms) no fee to participate. The Working Vessels project is funded through the New York State Rural & Traditional Arts Fellowship 2026.
FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS WITH SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE.

Three farms/three vessels

I am currently accepting applications from farmers based in the Catskills or Hudson Valley for this project. Interested farms will be invited to identify a practical need on their farm that could be met by a handwoven basket. In mid-May, three farms will be selected for direct collaboration. During summer 2026, I will visit each farm to observe harvest systems, storage methods, and tools. Drawing from historical agricultural basket forms and contemporary weaving techniques, I will design and construct a custom willow or cattail basket tailored specifically to each farm’s workflow. The shape, techniques, and design will be influenced by the intended use and locally available plant material. Deadline for applications is May 5th.

Personal tutelage and mentorship.

After completing a prototype of each basket, I will return to conduct a one-day, one-on-one tutorial, teaching the farmers how to construct that basket themselves. These private lessons will take place during the agricultural off-season and at the farm, accommodating the realities of when farmers have time to build a creative practice.

Exhibition. The project will culminate in a public exhibition in Fall or Winter 2026 featuring the three commissioned baskets alongside photographic documentation of their use on the farm and the teaching process. The exhibition will situate basketry not as nostalgic revival, but as living agricultural knowledge and contemporary rural art at the intersection of design, land, and community. I firmly believe that weaving is cultural and material knowledge- this project celebrates farmers as both producers and makers, and honors plant-based craft as an enduring and evolving art form.

I am currently seeking collaborators for both photographers to document the finished baskets in use at each farm as well as art exhibition spaces interested in featuring material and land-based art practices. Please reach out here if this is you.