Video featuring Passamaquoddy basketmaker Gabriel Frey
Meet Gabriel —
Gabriel Frey, is a Passamaquoddy Artist who is known for his craftsmanship of highly original pack baskets, and his commitment to pedagogical models that promote wider knowledge of Indigenous worldviews.
He specializes in uniquely decorative utility baskets. His work has received multiple national awards for traditional craft and design, including the United States artist fellowship in 2018 as well as the Maine artists fellowship in 2020.
Growing up in Sipayik and Motahkomikuk, Gabriel learned all aspects of black ash basket making tradition from locating the black ash tree, processing the log into weaving material, and weaving the basket. Over the past 24 years Gabriel has strived to honor his grandfather’s style of basket making while incorporating his own modern aesthetic.
He has also been expending into more traditional and non traditional art forms to broaden Wabanaki storytelling through metalwork and birchbark basketmaking. In 2020 Gabriel and his wife also published their first children book, with a goal of greater indigenous representation in publishing. Gabriel currently resides with his wife and two children in Orono, Maine.
Coming in Spring 2025: Gabriel Frey x Manitobah Collection. Preview the collection and sign up to be notified when the collection launches HERE.
Content Creator: Charlie Nordstrom | Northstream Media
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Funders:
The 2024 Maine Craft Content Project is generously funded by the Maine Arts Commission & many individual donors. With this funding the Maine Crafts Association provided five Maine craft artists with new online content to support their practices, tell their stories and grow their businesses.
The Maine Crafts Association is a 501(c)(3) which builds upon Maine’s rich craft traditions by nurturing a vibrant, supportive, inclusive craft community with educational programs and resources.
Our ability to accomplish our mission and help artists thrive is reliant on individual contributions.