Gabriel Frey and Gal Frey

Gabriel Frey is a 12th generation Passamaquoddy basketmaker who grew up watching his grandfather Fred Moore make traditional work basket–packs, laundry and fish scale baskets. In addition to learning how to weave baskets, he was also taught the entire process of preparing brown ash to make the baskets: from selecting and harvesting brown ash trees to pounding logs to produce splints, as well as splitting and gauging the material. Gabriel specializes in weaving packs, pack purses, shoppers, and ornate work basket forms. He often incorporates twilled weaving techniques, the use of botanical dyes, leather work and collaborations with other artists. 

Gabe’s mother Gal Frey, revived weaving traditions within her family through an apprenticeship with Sylvia Gabriel, a renowned weaver. Sylvia was known for her point baskets–ornamentation that is featured in Gal’s baskets. Gal is also a bead worker and she often adds beaded elements to her works.