NORTHERN RIVERS BASKETRY WORKSHOPS – Byron Bay & Murwillumbah

I’m so looking forward to returning to the Northern Rivers while I am the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence at Tweed Regional Gallery. I was born in the area and spent every summer near Byron Bay, so this region holds deep personal meaning for me.

As an award-winning basketry artist who teaches in Australia and internationally, I can’t wait to meet local makers, connect with the vibrant creative community. Sharing my love of sculptural basketry with fellow creatives through my workshops is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice.

WORKSHOPS

SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2026 – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop, Byron Bay

More information and bookings click here

Inspiring, hands-on basketry workshop and immerse yourself in the sculptural craft of random weave basketry. In this natural fibre weaving class, you’ll learn how to transform Bangalow Palm inflorescence into a unique basket or wall sculpture. In this basket weaving class you don’t need any experience, it is all about creative exploration, not perfection. You’ll discover the joy of working with your hands, connecting with nature, and crafting something truly personal from organic materials. It’s a mindful and satisfying experience for anyone looking for a creative outlet or a new artistic skill. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished piece and the confidence to continue your basketry journey at home.

When: Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Where: Suffolk Park Community Hall, 145 Alcorn St, Suffolk Park NSW 2481
Cost: $195 inc GST and materials

More information and bookings click here

SATURDAY 2 – SUNDAY 3 MAY 2026, WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING WORKSHOP, Murwillumbah

More information and bookings CLICK HERE

TWO DAY BASKETRY WEAVING WORKSHOP Learn Four Techniques in Two Days, Crabbes Creek near Murwillumbah

This immersive weekend basket weaving workshop in Murwillumbah introduces you to four contemporary sculptural basketry techniques, giving you the opportunity to step confidently into the world of contemporary and sculptural basketry.

Over two creative days, you’ll learn four versatile techniques and leave with finished sculptural artworks and the confidence to continue your basketry practice.

Explore random weaving with cane and sculptural inclusions, learning how to create form, tension, and structure while incorporating found and meaningful materials
Learn twining with jute, developing patterned surfaces through a rhythmic, repeatable technique that builds both strength and visual detail
Explore random weaving with long, leafy plant materials or raffia, learning how to build organic, sculptural forms
Learn looping with paper string, a rhythmic, meditative technique that creates intricate, textural surfaces
Bonus string/cordage demonstration

When: Saturday 2 May – Sunday 3 May 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm each day
Where: Crabbes Creek Community Hall, 29 Crabbes Creek Rd, Crabbes Creek NSW 2483 (20 minutes from Murwillumbah)
Cost: $395 incl GST and all materials

More information and bookings CLICK HERE

SINGLE DAY OPTIONS: SATURDAY 2 OR SUNDAY 3 MAY 2026 OF THE WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING WORKSHOP, Murwillumbah.

Saturday:

random weaving with cane + sculptural inclusions
twining with jute with a pattern
Information and Booking CLICK HERE

Sunday:

random weaving with long leafy plants
looping with paper string
Information and Booking CLICK HERE

Single days are $215

SUNDAY 10 May 2026 – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop, Murwillumbah

More information and bookings CLICK HERE

Join award-winning basketry artist Catriona Pollard for an inspiring, hands-on basketry workshop and immerse yourself in the sculptural craft of random weave basketry. In this natural fibre weaving class, you’ll learn how to transform Bangalow Palm inflorescence into a unique basket or wall sculpture.

In this basket weaving class you don’t need any experience, it is all about creative exploration, not perfection. You’ll discover the joy of working with your hands, connecting with nature, and crafting something truly personal from organic materials. It’s a mindful and satisfying experience for anyone looking for a creative outlet or a new artistic skill. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished piece and the confidence to continue your basketry journey at home.

When: Sunday 10 May 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Where: CWA Hall, 20 Queen Street , Murwillumbah, NSW, Australia, 2484
Cost: $195 inc GST and materials

More information and bookings CLICK HERE

Catriona Pollard – Basketry artist and international teacher

Catriona Pollard is an international awrd-winning contemporary artist who uses traditional fibre techniques to transform foraged plant fibres and recycled metals into evocative sculptural works which investigate human’s personal connection with the natural world.

Her practice has been recognised as a skilful exploration of ideas around nature and human’s relationship, the invisible forces and the movement of energy within it. Central to her work is the investigation of transformation and humanity’s connection, dependence, and the possibility of harmony with the ecological world. Her sculptures feature intricate and complex weaving techniques that create repetitive patterns which explore the concept of connection and interconnection. Her interplay of shadows extending beyond the physical boundaries of the sculptures opens discussion around light and dark and their role in achieving harmony.

By sharing a dialogue with the organic materials and allowing them to inform the narrative of her sculptures, it means that stories are formed and shared from the nature in transformational ways – in a language that provides new meanings and relationships with spirit, nature, humans, and the interconnectedness of all.

Catriona has been selected for multiple solo exhibitions and exhibits extensively selected, group and touring exhibitions. She has been a winner and finalist in many art awards in Australia and internationally including Australian Textile Art Award, International Art Textile Biennale, National Capital Art Prize, Environmental Art & Design Award, North Sydney Art Prize, Australian Fibre Arts Award, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize and many more.

Her artwork is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections. Watch her talk about her art at ABC TV and Gardening Australia and read in the feature in Good Weekend, SMH/The Age. She is profiled in the Book: Woven Together: Weavers and Their Stories. See the news section for more talks and media.

As a dedicated professional educator, she holds sold out sculptural basketry weaving workshops in Australia and internationally and teaches for design and craft centres. She holds demonstrations for organisations including Museums, and gives artist talks at galleries and community groups. She also established the online SchoolofBasketryArt.com with students from around the world.

Read more about Catriona – click here. or go to the About Section of this website.

Instagram: CatrionaPollard

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“I was lucky enough to attend Catriona’s workshop. It was truly a blessing to have full days of creativity being guided and taught by someone who is so talented and inspiring. I learnt a lot, laughed a lot and it felt so good to be part of such a like minded and creative group. It was a special experience that I will not forget in a hurry.” Allison
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“This workshop had boosted my confidence and creativity and had taught me practical techniques that I can apply in a myriad of ways. My basketry skills have escalated since doing your workshop! I loved the way you scaffolded each skill we learnt with your teaching style this made the progress smooth and achievable! Thank you also for your encouragement, reassurance and support.” Lea
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“Led by the dynamic and richly talented Catriona, we mastered new techniques and learned so so so much more about the creative process. It is not always that the practitioner can teach, but despite her own high level of skill, Catriona knew that we needed to learn the elements of the craft before letting loose our imaginations; understood, also, how difficult twining and cording, weaving and binding is for newbies. Patiently she demonstrated and repeated (again and again!) until our hesitant fingers danced to newly mastered rhythms. Her rich imagination and her technical skills together with a profound understanding of the inspiration to be found in natural plant materials enabled us to twine our souls into an exhilarating world of creativity.” Sarah
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“I had a wonderful time creating, learning new skills, using natural elements and sitting chatting with like-minded women. What a gift to be able to take time out with Catriona guiding us enthusiastically and nurturing our new skills and self-belief. Thanks heaps Catriona.” Robin