Photo: Diana Caudell, expert basket weaver of San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Foussat Elementary School in Oceanside, CA, held an art night for the students and their families to attend. The MPR room was set up with over twenty stations that each family could visit and participate in, making different art activities. One of the stations was headed by Diania Caudell, a member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and a member of the California Indian Basketweavers’ Association. Along with two teenage volunteers and another helper, the students were guided in the art of making a Cherokee-style cane basket. All supplies were provided for everyone who participated in the basket weaving sponsored by the school’s PTA.
As 6:00 pm approached, families were lined up and ready to enter the event. Within the first half hour, the basket weaving table was full of excited students eager to learn how to weave a basket. With a little instruction on how to weave over and under, smiles and joy abounded as the participants worked on bringing their baskets to life. A few of the parents were able to make one for themselves, but most assisted their child in creating one. An eager group of onlookers started to line up, each hoping for their turn. Toward the end of the event, Diania was busy making about ten more starts as the tables were still full of children waiting to make their own basket.
The event ended at 7:30 pm with the students and their families carrying out all the things they had created. The art night was well attended by a diverse group of people. It was a wonderful and successful evening. It was well organized and coordinated. I do not recall hearing a single complaint. With Diania at the helm of the basket weaving table, all who participated had an enriching experience giving birth to their very own basket.
