Who We Are
A Weaving Community
The Association of Michigan Basketmakers was founded in 1981 to develop and perpetuate the art of basketry. AMB membership includes more than 500 individuals from the United States in addition to Canada, Japan, and Russia. AMB members represent a diverse range of experiences and skills. They create basketry from a wide variety of materials including reed, barks, wood splints, cane, waxed linen, beads, and gathered natural materials. Many members gather annually to learn new techniques and to meet old friends at the AMB Annual Convention.
AMB membership dues are due on or before January 1. Dues must be postmarked by January 31 for your name to appear in the AMB membership directory and to guarantee annual convention mailings. Dues paid after January 31 require an additional $5.00 charge to cover first-class mailing of the convention booklet. Membership is required to attend the annual convention. The AMB excepts membership anytime of the year.
Board of Directors
Elected Officers
- President – Leslie Spurrier
- VP Administration – Marlene Cosgrove
- VP Community Affairs – Kathy McMinn
- VP Conventions – Debra Mellentine
- Recording Secretary – Christie Trout
- Corresponding Secretary – Penny Daly
- Member at Large – Anne Brock
- Member at Large – Lisa Siedenstrang
- Member at Large – April Norton
- Member at Large – Pat Symanski
- Past President – Andrea Herman
Appointed Positions
- Treasurer – Andrea Herman
- Membership – Juanita Elkins
- Newsletter Editor – Sue Lawrence
- Parliamentarian – Sarah Nestle
- Historian/Librarian – Kathy McMinn
- Convention Coordinators 2019 – Andrea Herman and Sue Lawrence
- Guild Chair – Pat Symanski
- Technology Chair – Leslie Spurrier
Get Involved
- Join the Board – Officers are elected for two years. Elections are held during the annual meeting in October during Convention. Any member wishing to have their name on the ballot should contact the AMB President.
- Volunteer at Convention – The Annual Convention is put together entirely by volunteers so sign up to help out with any of the positions. Not sure how to help, just ask a Coordinator.
- Submit an article for the Basket Reeder – Our newsletter is meant to provide information to our members. If you have something to say, write it up and send it to the editor. She would like to get members stories.
- Start a local guild – There are guilds in some areas, but not all of Michigan. If you live in an area that doesn’t have a guild, start your own.
