In January 1990, thirty passionate basketweavers gathered in a Mariemont bank basement—our very first meeting space—to form what would become the Ohio Valley Basketweavers’ Guild. Co-founders Kim Henninger and Linda Wallpe inspired the group to look beyond Cincinnati, envisioning opportunities to connect, learn, and share the art of basketry on a broader scale.

A Legacy of Learning & Celebration

Our early years were marked by excitement and growth. We hosted renowned weavers for exclusive member workshops, then expanded to statewide conventions where master teachers welcomed all skill levels. The guild even organized its own conference, the Midwest Basketry Focus, where we learned from legends like Dorothy Gill Barnes, who introduced us to weaving with vines and bark.

By 1993, we proudly exhibited at the Carnegie Arts Center, showcasing the work of 21 guild members. That same dedication led Kim, Linda, and Wendy Linck to immersive workshops—learning to harvest oak and hickory bark, crafting baskets from raw materials. In 1994, we welcomed Flo Hoppe, the “queen of twining,” and honed our skills under Fred and Kay Kohler, filling our homes with exquisite Nantucket-style baskets.

Sharing the Craft with the World

True to our mission—to preserve basketry, educate, and inspire—we began demonstrating at the Appalachian Festival over three decades ago, sharing techniques with the public and offering members a venue to sell their work.

Sharing the Craft with the World

True to our mission—to preserve basketry, educate, and inspire—we began demonstrating at the Appalachian Festival over three decades ago, sharing techniques with the public and offering members a venue to sell their work.

The Heart of Our Guild: Community

Beyond weaving, our guild has always been about fellowship. From lively annual picnics and holiday parties to the generous hospitality of members like Linda Mitchusson and Georgann Bates, the bonds we’ve woven are as strong as the baskets we create.

Looking Forward

Today, we’re reigniting that founding spirit with beginner classes led by Margie Hayes, whose expertly designed kits make weaving accessible to all. Whether through the Appalachian Festival, the Gathering of the Guilds, or Vicki Nicolaci’s seamless event coordination, we’re committed to growing our community—one weave at a time.