Upcoming Class
Learn the Art of Weaving
Toni Best
$50 Per Person / $25 for ACK Members
THURS / NOV 6, 2025 / 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Arts Council of Kern
1020 18th Street
Downtown Bakersfield
About the Class
Students will learn to coil glycerin-treated pine needles onto a prepared gourd using the distinctive “V” stitch, creating beautiful contrast and texture. Working on smaller gourds allows most participants to finish their piece during class, with materials provided to complete it at home of needed. This time-honored craft reflects techniques still practiced by Native American artisans today.
About Toni Best
Toni Best discovered her love for basket weaving in eighth grade and has been weaving gourds for over fifty years. She began working with reed and splits before moving into pine needle basketry nearly forty years ago. Later, she incorporated gourds into her work, expanding her creativity with vibrant colors, expressive designs, and a more organic, free-flowing style.
This Course is Subsidized by the Arts Council of Kern
The class is presented in partnership with ACK’s Intertwined. As a gesture of appreciation to our community and to make Toni’s artwork more accessible, the Arts Council of Kern is subsidizing the cost by offering this class at 50% off Toni’s standard rate. Don’t miss the special opportunity to learn from a master artist.
