BARBARA M. BERK

Three of Barbara M. Berk’s sculptures  –  “Petite French Knot”, “Open Spirals – Variations on a Theme – Small 2-3:17” and “Vertigo”  –  have been selected for Baskets on the Edge:  Bay Area Basket Makers Explore New Forms, an exhibition of contemporary basketry at Ruth’s Table Gallery, in San Francisco, CA. 

The exhibition celebrates the creativity and innovation of contemporary basketry, showcasing new interpretations of traditional techniques.  Artists from the Bay Area Basket Makers guild (BABM) transform natural materials, found objects, and unconventional materials into vessels, baskets and sculptural forms.  Through inventive techniques and diverse themes, these works challenge expectations, exploring ideas and emotions in fresh and unexpected ways.

Barbara M. Berk’s sculpture embodies the interplay of traditional fiber technologies and structures with metal.  Drawing on the sewing she loved as a girl and the metalsmithing skills she learned as an adult, she uses 16^th century stitches to make bobbin lace by hand, and Soumak, an ancient rug-making stitch, to weave by hand.  She then curves, loops, twists, interweaves, layers, sews, embroiders, filigrees, welds and polishes her flat stainless steel or phosphor bronze fabric into 3-dimensional forms, that become wall-mounted, ceiling-suspended and pedestal-supported sculptures.

Ruth's Table is a Front Porch program committed to increasing access to creative opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing an inclusive and inspiring environment for creative expression and meaningful connections. With intergenerational exchange at the core of our mission, Ruth's Table offers a dynamic combination of rotating gallery exhibitions, creative programming, and community initiatives. 

Ruth’s Table Gallery celebrates the creativity and contributions of older adults, people with disabilities, and artists of all ages through a vibrant program of exhibitions and events.  It showcases bold, relevant, and boundary-pushing work that reflects the richness of the community and the world around us.

The Bay Area Basket Makers (BABM) guild was founded in 1984 by Maxine Kirmeyer and Jude’ Silva to support and further interest in basketry as a craft and art form.  The guild serves as a source of information and as a means of communication among basket makers, providing inspiration and friendship.  It welcomes basket makers of all levels and expertise, from amateurs to professionals.  Most members reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, but a few live as far away as Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Utah.

Baskets on the Edge:  Bay Area Basket Makers Explore New Forms runs from October 24 through December 19, 2025, with an Opening Reception on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 5 – 8pm.  Ruth’s Table Gallery is located at 3160 21st Street in San Francisco, CA. The gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10am - 5pm, and Thursday 12:30 - 7:30pm.

Information about the exhibition and the partnering organizations

is courtesy of the BABM and Ruth’s Table Gallery websites.

About the work in the exhibition: