The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Whitefish basket maker, Chrystal Higgins during the month of October. Chrystal took her first basket weaving class in 1997, instantly became hooked, and started teaching others how to weave in 1999. Chrystal specializes in unique gourd and contemporary baskets, as well as antler baskets, a great deal of which is special order consignment baskets. Always striving to expand her knowledge, she constantly experiments with new materials and techniques, in a multitude of basket forms.

Chrystal’s original basket designs have been awarded numerous Best of Show awards, as well as winning several local, state and national awards. Partly because she always sneaks in lots of tips and techniques during class time and strives to make basketmaking a fun and stress-free time for all of her students, Chrystal has been given the nickname of “Montana Wild Woman” by her basket-weaving buddies and students.

Meet Chrystal during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, October 6th, 2011 from 6-9 PM. Chrystal’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of October.