Easter: A Time for New Beginnings and Renewal
Tired of snow and ice and cold temperatures? It won’t be long before the tulips,
crocuses and daffodils start peaking out of the ground. These aren’t the only signs of
spring. Easter is just around the corner and Poor Richard’s Art in historic downtown
Rogers is announcing a special presentation by two of their most treasured basket
weavers. Margaret Alter and Chris Dahl have created some amazing baskets to
welcome the Easter Bunny into your home with a tradition that will last a lifetime.
German immigrants brought “Osterhase” to the US in the 18th century. According to
the legend, good children received colored eggs as gifts in nests that they made from
their bonnets and caps. The children eagerly awaited the delivery of eggs on Easter
when he would deposit them in the “rabbit’s nest”, beginning the tradition of grass
lined baskets.
In keeping with tradition, Margaret Alter and Chris Dahl have created special Easter
Baskets that are available at Poor Richard’s Art to start a tradition of your own. You
and your family will treasure these heirloom baskets for a lifetime. “In our fast paced
society, this is a wonderful opportunity to step back, and honor a centuries old
custom, and create a tradition to celebrate year after year, as these baskets will last a
lifetime” says Mary Schopp, shop owner.
Margaret Alter has been weaving baskets for twelve years along with teaching others the craft. Basket weaving fulfills a creative need and keeps her growing mentally as new techniques are mastered and new basket styles are explored. The Tapestry
Basket, a free -form basket woven from natural plant and textile fibres and the Antler Basket in which the deer antler determines the form of the basket are favorites to create. Most recent awards include Best of Show in Creative Crafts and the Best
Basket Award at the Benton County Fair in 2007.
Chris Dahl has been weaving for approximately 13 years. She started with lessons from a local weaver, Laura Hairston and discovered a new hobby. She was one of the original members of the Arkansas Basket Weavers Guild that was formed in 1996.
She served as Secretary, Treasurer and President for three years. At present she is the Newsletter Editor for the Guild. Like Margaret, Chris finds the antler basket a wonderful challenge.
You will have the chance to meet Margaret as she demonstrates the art of basket making on March 15th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Poor Richard’s Art. In addition to watching Margaret work her magic with reeds, feel free to browse the shop for other Easter delights while enjoying refreshments.
Poor Richard’s Art is located at 116 S. First St., in historic downtown Rogers. It is a
cooperative art gallery dedicated to nurture and present innovative art of uncommon
quality in all types of media by regional artists while preserving the Old Applegate
Drug Store building in historic downtown Rogers.
