Description

During this 2-day workshop, you will learn about the agriculture and history of broomcraft. On day one of the workshop, we will start at the beginning. Like our ancestors, we will be foraging and gathering materials to create besoms. These materials will form rustic, one-of-a-kind brooms that can be functional or used as decor. Flowers and vegetation will be available for a personal touch.

Back at the studio, we will design hand brooms and brushes using unique sorghum that was farmed and grown by Elan. Together, we will experience the process of making brooms from seeded, fresh sorghum broomcorn. We will learn and practice weaving different patterns that can be used to decorate the handles of the brushes and brooms we will create. Elan has farmed and selectively bred sorghum in the Willamette Valley for many years. Sorghum is originally from Africa, and growing this heritage crop in Oregon has allowed her to further connect to her roots.

On the second day of the workshop, we will design and make a unique, handled broom that is custom to the individual, using techniques learned during the workshop. This artfully created broom will be around for many years, used as a functional broom, art or both.