Mary May and Niki Giberson transport you into the intricate world of basket weaving, showcasing this ancient craft’s timeless artistry and cultural significance. Against a backdrop of natural fibers, vivid dyes, and a symphony of textures, their work tells a tale of tradition, innovation, and the deep connection between humans and nature. Featuring a collection of baskets crafted by two skilled artisans from New Jersey, these artists explore the diverse techniques, patterns, and stories woven into each masterpiece. Their baskets, from functional vessels to sculptural wonders, highlight this age-old practice’s versatility and beauty.
Mary May has been weaving baskets for more than 35 years. A self-taught folk artist, Mary seeks to connect folk arts and history. Concentrating on South Jersey culture, Mary’s baskets blend cultural practices of the past with contemporary functionality. “History and tradition are my muses. Placement with order, form following function, and purposeful beauty are what I strive for within my baskets. To me, clean simplicity and confident lines bring me peace. As you stroll, I hope you share in a sense of tranquility,” Mary states.
Her historical approach to basketry honors the breadth of baskets created in the South Jersey area. Mary’s style typically follows the New England style of basketry. Baskets on display can be utilized in various occupations and functional applications, including, but not limited to, market baskets to carry goods, embroidery scissor baskets to aid when sewing, mail baskets, traditional pound fish baskets, and foraging backpacks. She combines traditional basketry materials such as ash splints with accents of leatherwork utilizing custom-fit grade A leather.
Mary May has been honored throughout her 35-year career with various accolades. Most recently, she was awarded the 2022 Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award from the Cultural and Heritage Commission of Ocean County. Additionally, Mary was featured in an episode of State of the Arts NJ and featured on Ebru TV. Mary is a frequent instructor with Tuckerton Seaport (Tuckerton, NJ), Ocean County Parks (Barnegat, NJ), Wheaton Arts (Millville, NJ), Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers (Manayunk, PA), and many more organizations.
Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Niki Giberson’s journey into the world of fiber arts began in 1973 with a profound connection to the Pine Barrens. Her educational pursuits at Stockton University, where she earned a degree in Early American Crafts and Culture, and subsequent apprenticeship in weaving, spinning, and natural dyeing laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to preserving and innovating traditional crafts.
In 1986, a devastating house fire brought the community of Port Republic together to support the Giberson family. This pivotal moment ignited Niki’s desire to share her passion with others, leading to the establishment of Swan Bay Folk Art Center in 1988. Since then, thousands of students have had the privilege of learning from Niki, immersing themselves in the rich history and artistry of doll making, basketry, weaving, spinning, natural dyeing, felting, quilting, and more.
Niki’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her roles as a teacher, community leader, and steward of the land. As the mayor of Port Republic and the caretaker of diverse menageries, including sheep, chickens, and dogs, she continues to enrich the lives of those around her while drawing inspiration from the natural world. Her husband, Gary, also a folk artist/ decoy carver, challenged Niki to have her sheep pay for themselves. They produce enough income to be well-fed and cared for by teaching felting, weaving, and spinning classes and involving the sheep in agritourism events.
Decades after opening Swan Bay Folk Art Center (www.HandsOnHistory.com), Niki still teaches as many as 30 people a week to create their pieces of history. From her childhood experiments with basketry, macrame, and other crafts to her current exploration of weaving, spinning, dyeing, basketry, and felting, Niki’s work is a testament to the enduring beauty of traditional techniques. Her pieces, infused with the vitality of nature and the wisdom of experience, invite all who take her many classes to engage in the transformative power of fiber art.
Mary May and Niki Giberson celebrate the rich tradition of basket weaving through their masterful creations, which merge ancient techniques with contemporary innovation. Their collection of baskets, skillfully crafted in New Jersey, is a testament to the enduring artistry and cultural significance of this age-old practice. Together, their pieces showcase the versatility and timeless beauty inherent in basket weaving.
