Leon Niehues

While employed as a sawmill worker in the 1970s, Niehues became familar with hardwood trees. He taught himself how to use hardwoods, mainly white oak, and other materials to make traditional basketry. His skills quickly took him beyond the functional and into the sculptural. Since the early 1980s, after he and his wife moved to Arkansas, he has been crafting his baskets from natural elements found on their property. In his more recent work, Niehues has experimented with techniques and materials, incorporating things such as paint and screws.

Niehues' work has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions. His work is held in the permanent collections of several institutions including the Smithsonian Institute and White House Craft Collection.

[Source: Museum Staff – Whitney Richardson]