The Davis/Meyer Survey
of Basketmakers
Dear Colleague Basket Artist -
Below is a relatively brief survey we'd appreciate your taking to complete and return to us. It should take about five-to-ten minutes of your time. The purpose of the survey is to determine your perception of your needs for and expectations of a professional organization that would serve basketmakers in the future.
1. Do you want to see the formation and naming of a national organization which would represent all forms of basketmaking and serve all levels and styles of basketmakers?
Yes: ______
No: ______
Comments: ______
______
______
1b. Would you donate a piece of your work to be auctioned in order to raise funds to finance the initial structure of such an organization?
Yes: ______
No: ______
Comments: ______
______
______
2. If there is a national organization for basketmakers, its primary goals should be:
(please rank from 1 to 8 with 1 being your first priority)
______greater recognition of basketry as an art form
______preparation of an "archive" of basketmakers - video documentation and/or book form
______development of t physical facility designed to facilitate the needs of basketmakers (library, studio space, classrooms, exhibition space, gallery space, etc.)
______higher standards or craftsmanship for basket weavers
______improved communication between basketry artisans and galleries, museums, and collectors
______improved communication among basket weavers
______higher standards for ethics and professionalism among artists
______an "umbrella" for all the regional basket associations that would facilitate communication and interaction between those associations
______other
3. If there is a national organization for basketmakers, it should be (choose 1):
______an all volunteer organization funded by memberships (
(if this is your choice, please check the yearly dues you'd be willing to pay: ______$25; ______$50; _____$75; _____$100; _____ other
______an all volunteer organization funded by donations
(if this is your choice, please indicate the annual contribution you would be willing to make: $______)
______your own ideas ______
______
4. If there is a national organization for basketmakers, it should be (choose 1):
______an all volunteer organization (if so, how much time per month could you volunteer ______hours)
______an organization with volunteer board of directors and paid executive director
______a fully paid professional paid staff and board
5. What specifics services would you want a national basketry organization to offer? Rank 1 (high) to 13 (low)
______basketry specific newsletter /magazine
______regular seminars/conferences/workshops
______apprentice opportunities with "master" basket weavers
______professional guidelines …i.e.,
______evaluating one's own work
______preparing materials for juried exhibitions
______pricing one's own work
______selling into galleries, gift shops, furniture stores, etc.
______connecting with collectors
______other
______teaching opportunities
______publishing opportunities
______publicity formats for you to use locally (press releases, etc.)
______volunteer opportunities that help newer artists gain recognition/exposure
______specific techniques within the art form
______advice on marketing your work
______exhibitions: _____ local _____state _____regional _____ national
______skill certification
______your suggestions: ______
6. Do you think that Handweaver's Guild of America can offer basketry enough support for a national group to be run under its auspices? _____Yes ____ No
Comments: ______
______
7. If a national organization is formed, would you work on a committee? If so, what are your special interests/talents that would help in the success of this organization?
______
______
Thank you for your time and consideration. Your responses will help direct our activities in the coming months. A survey result will be sent to you by mid-to-late January. In the interim, happy weaving and happy holidays.
Michael Davis
Helene Meyer, Ph.D.
This survey can be returned to:
Helene Meyer Ph.D
PO Box 672
Mercer, WI 54547
Or
Helene Meyer mailto: