Galadriel Lady of Lorien by Patti Quinn Hill

A retrospective of local basketmaker Patti Quinn Hill's work, "From Shaker to Paper," will be on view March 11-26 at UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Gallery. An artist talk will be held in the gallery at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 20, followed by a reception. The exhibit will showcase Hill's evolving use of materials, styles and concepts. The exhibition and reception, which are held in conjunction with UNC Asheville's celebration of Women's History Month, are free and open to the public.

A native of New Orleans, Hill now resides in Weaverville and is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the National Basketry Organization. Her vessels are woven entirely out of heavy cotton archival paper, which are then painted and textured. She has taught this unique art form at the Penland School of Craft, Arrowmont School of Craft and the National Basketry Organization Conference. Hill's work has been featured in books, galleries, museums and invitational shows across the southeast and is held in private and public collections.

"My work is based on traditional structures, including Shaker, Nantucket and Native American influences. I combine these traditional techniques with a contemporary spin, giving my pieces their own voice," Hill said. "I also incorporate different weave structures and techniques to further enhance the inspiration I am trying to capture."

The Highsmith University Union Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends when classes are in session. For more information, call UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union at 828/232-5000.