RANGELEY – Rangeley Lakes Regional School and VSA arts of Maine announce the exhibition of student-woven pack baskets.

Ninth-graders at Rangeley Lakes Regional School who participated in VSA arts of Maine’s residency with basket weaver Victoria Oakes will display their baskets at the Rangeley Public Library and Rangeley Lakes Regional School Library from Nov. 4 through 30. Documentation of student weaving will also be entered into the records of the Rangeley Historical Society.

Ninth-graders, working with Oakes, made their own “pack baskets,” which have played a role in the forestry and fishing industries of the region. Students worked each day for three weeks, learning about the tools and techniques of regional basket weaving.

Student weaving was documented throughout the residency and the photos will be submitted to the Rangeley Historical Society archives.

In addition, students compiled an oral history of regional basketry in conjunction with their English curriculum. The residency promoted full accessibility for students and community members to the arts and cultural lives of their communities, while also supporting innovative and cross-curricular arts and cultural opportunities for all students.

VSA arts of Maine creates innovative and inclusive arts opportunities with and for individuals with disabilities and at risk. Programs include artist residencies in schools, artist and teacher training, support services for adult artists with disabilities, art exhibits and cultural venue site and program accessibility surveys.

For more information, contact VSA arts of Maine at 761-3861 v/tty, or visit www.vsartsmaine.org.