Threads 119: The end of an era

Ankaret teaching her final class

The first Saturday in November marked the end of an era. My mentor and friend, Ankaret Dean, taught her final willow basketry workshop, marking the close of a 5-decade career of teaching and contribution!

From teaching at the Halliburton School of Arts to inspiring kids in schools, Ankaret’s passion has always been to make basketry thrive. She’s done so much to keep this ancestral craft alive, dedicating herself to spreading the knowledge. She published the Basketry Express, was a driving force behind The Basketry Focus in Toronto, and even founded the first and only basketry museum in Canada, The Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum (get ready for the 10th Anniversary celebrations next year—stay tuned!).

Ankaret, as an artist and creative, constantly redefined basketry, expanding her teaching scope to include local natural materials, artistic sculptures, and beautiful garden structures like trellises. She follows the basic principles, but the art is all her own—always influenced by countless other basket makers.

At the heart of it all is a simple wish: for the art and craft of basketry to live on in the hands and hearts of future generations.

Ankaret, congratulations on 52 amazing years dedicated to this craft. The basketry world is infinitely richer because of you.

Ankaret and Melissa, with Melissa’s very first basket in summer 2021

And to everyone who showed up and participated in workshops this year—thank you! The teaching couldn’t have happened without you.

2025 was Ankaret’s final teaching year, but the legacy continues! It is a great honour to have Ankaret pass the torch to me, Melissa. I will be the head instructor and administrator for The Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum starting in 2026!