The Orcas Island Artworks will feature decorative weavings and plaited baskets by Kurt Thorson through the months of February and March.

Thorson is well known on the island for his work as a builder and photographer. He became interested in the medium of cedar bark weaving while doing a homeschool unit with his daughter on Coast Salish prehistory. A long time resident of the islands, Thorson’s early childhood on Waldron gave him a keen appreciation for the indigenous uses of various local woods.

Thorson explored his interest in creating vessels for utility and ornamentation as a potter after graduating from high school. He was the winner of a Mark Tobey scholarship and studied painting and drawing at the Cornish School in Seattle from 1975 to 1978.

The exhibition will include photos of the process of rendering the bark from the rough tree trunk through to the basket weaving stage.

The Artworks is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.