An exhibit of the traditional Micmac basket work of Richard Silliboy will be on display in the foyer and in front of the stage at Bingham Auditorium, 45 Church Street, Gould Academy, Bethel, October 23, starting at 5:00 p.m. before the performance of the Burnurswurbskek Drummers and Dancers at 7:00 p.m.

Baskets made by the Micmacs proved vital to the potato industry in Maine. There was a time in Aroostook County in the first half of the twentieth century and before when the harvesting of potatoes did not occur with mechanization.

Prior to the 1960's, potatoes were gathered due to the efforts of hand pickers. The potato basket was the essential tool for the individuals gathering the potatoes by hand and the Silliboy family of Littleton was one of the Micmac families who handcrafted the potato baskets. They were utilitarian baskets that now are often regarded as prized items by many collectors and antique dealers.

The youngest of 8 surviving children, Richard grew up speaking Micmac and still thinks and prays in his native language. He has chosen to keep the basket making tradition alive as part of his Native culture as he does his language. Richard operated the Three Feathers Native Baskets and Crafts shop in Houlton, and continues selling a variety of potato baskets from his workshop in Littleton and at festival around Maine. He also transports his baskets to sell at the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance gathering at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor each July, at the Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester in August, and to the Common Ground Fair in Unity in September.

FMI: www.uniquemainefarms.com/uniquemainefarms.com/Richard_Silliboy.html