Bonnie Gale’s “Reflections on a River of Innovation” involved the creation of a packet boat woven with willow to raise consciousness of how the Chenango Canal and its boats were an important part of the history and development of land use in the county. Children were invited to explore the history of the Chenango Canal through painting model packet boats. The project culminated with a “Christening of the Boats” in a kiddie pool at the Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich. As the boats were placed in the pool, each visitor was given a small cup of “real” canal water gathered from a section of the remnant of the Chernango Canal in Madison County to pour over the boat as they dedicated the boat by name.
Bonnie Gale is a willow artist who makes willow baskets as well as teaches her craft, designs and builds living willow installations, and weaves willow caskets.
Photo credits: Process photos and artist portrait by Jill Bornand. Event photos by Diane Van Slyke.
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New York State Rural & Traditional Arts Fellowship 