Wilverna Reece

Northern California Native American Visual/Craft/Material Arts

Wilverna Reece (Karuk) has been weaving baskets since 1978.  She was taught by Karuk tribal elders Grace and Madeline Davis in Happy Camp, California.  Wilverna is proficient in the skills and knowledge needed to weave many types of Karuk baskets, and has been teaching weaving to community members since 1983.

As a master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program in 2014 and 2016, Wilverna worked with her cousin and apprentice Dixie Rogers (former Apprenticeship Program participant with master artist Kathy Wallace).  Wilverna guided Dixie in the construction of a traditional baby basket, from gathering raw materials to weaving techniques.  Use of their native Karuk language was incorporated into the lessons.