Exhibit: 'Baskets at Work' October 5, 2009

One of the oldest known Native American handicrafts — basketry — is the subject of an exhibit now through December 30, 2009, at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central Street, Evanston.

The exhibit, "Baskets at Work: Utilitarian Baskets from the Mitchell Collection,” focuses on baskets for gathering, preparing, and storing food. On display are 22 baskets dating from the late 1800s to the late 20th century from the Southwest, California, Plateau, Great Lakes, Great Basin, and Northeast regions.

The pieces illustrate distinct basketry styles from different Native cultures.

Items include several Ojibwe birchbark containers used in processing maple sugar and syrup and for storing dried fish, berries, and other foodstuffs.

The exhibit was assembled by Anne Coats, a graduate student in historical administration at Eastern Illinois University.

Admission to "Baskets at Work" is included with museum admission, which is $5 for adults; $2.50 for children, students, teachers (with valid school ID), and seniors; $10 maximum per family group. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month. Mitchell Museum members are admitted free at all times. For information, phone (847) 475-1030. Web site: www.mitchellmuseum.org.

Official Website: http://www.mitchellmuseum.org