Makers & Places Series: Issue #2
Katie Grove Basketry in Stone Ridge, Hudson Valley
A collaboration between Arte.Sana × Rural Tourism Network
Discover the artisans and landscapes shaping rural America
Stone Ridge sits quietly in the geographic center of Ulster County, where 18th-century stone houses line Main Street and the Shawangunk Ridge rises to the east. This is the Rondout Valley, a landscape of rolling farmland framed by mountains, where the pace slows enough to notice what's growing in the hedgerows and what plants are ready for harvest. The Hudson Valley has always drawn makers seeking a different relationship with their materials and their time—here, the rhythm of seasons isn't abstract, it determines what's possible.
For Katie Grove, a wild basketry artist who's made Stone Ridge her home for fifteen years, this landscape is her studio, her material supplier, her teacher. The vines climbing through forests, the cattails growing in wetlands, the white pine bark and inner tree bark—these become functional vessels and sculptural works that can't be replicated by industrial means. Katie forages exclusively on private properties, works with arborists who provide materials that would otherwise be chipped, and follows a yearly cycle of knowing exactly when each plant is ready. White pine in spring when sap flows. Vines in winter. Cattails and grasses in late summer and fall. This is basketry as ecological practice, as relationship with land, as preservation of ancient knowledge.
The Maker's Story
Katie Grove discovered her calling at the intersection of two deep loves: making things with her hands and connecting with the natural world. Though she studied fiber arts in Philadelphia at Tyler School of Art, learning basketry with manmade materials and fibres, something was missing. "I've always loved making things. I've always been a maker, basically whatever I have on hand, I use to make stuff," she explains. When she discovered that basketry could be practiced with natural, foraged materials—barks, vines, leaves, roots—it felt like a marriage of two parts of herself.
After relocating to the Hudson Valley fifteen years ago (initially drawn by the area's renowned rock climbing), Katie found her true home. "It's the land, the people, the community. It's just a place that I felt very natural to put down roots," she reflects. The Northeast landscape feels intrinsic to who she is as a maker. "The relationship with the land around you is at the heart of it basically. I find it as a way to get to know the plants and the landscape, to be with the seasons."
For Katie, basketry is more than craft, it's an ecological practice. "Many of the good basketry plants are invasive plants," she notes. "So you help to restore native vegetation by harvesting invasive plants with care, of course." She forages exclusively on private property, building relationships with landowners and arborists who invite her to harvest from their land. "I have like a cycle, I go to this place where there are cattails, this place where there's bark. I work with a lot of arborists as well because much of what I use would be waste material that would be put in the chipper."
Now a new mother, Katie is reimagining her practice. After taking a year off from teaching, she's returning to her studio work and workshops with a fresh perspective. "Introducing people to the plants of my region and guiding them in making beautiful baskets with those plants is my soul's work," she says with conviction.
The Craft Deep-Dive
Wild basketry is one of humanity's oldest crafts, practiced across every culture and continent for thousands of years. Unlike contemporary basketry made with standardized reed from Indonesia, wild basketry requires intimate knowledge of local plant species, seasonal harvest times, and traditional processing techniques; a living connection to ancestral knowledge that Katie is helping to preserve and share.
The materials Katie works with read like a field guide to the Hudson Valley: white pine bark for folded containers, inner tree bark from ash and basswood for woven baskets, honeysuckle and grapevines for ribbed constructions, cattails and grasses for coiling, dogwood for twining. Each plant has its own personality, harvest window, and preparation requirements. White pine is best harvested in spring when sap is flowing. Vines are a winter harvest. Grasses and cattails are gathered in late summer and fall. Basketry is a celebration of reciprocity with nature instead of pure extraction, read more about this in Arte Sana’s think piece.
The techniques themselves—coiling, twining, plaiting, wickerwork, ribbed basketry—represent different cultural traditions and functional purposes. Coiling, one of the most ancient techniques, involves sewing successive layers of bundled material in an outward spiral. Twining weaves flexible materials around stationary vertical elements. Each method has its own logic, rhythm, and resulting aesthetic.
In an age of mass production, wild basketry offers something increasingly rare: objects that cannot be replicated industrially, that carry the fingerprints of both maker and landscape. Katie's work bridges traditional techniques with contemporary artistic practice, creating woven sculptures that explore themes of lineage, transformation, and the interconnected histories of plants and people. Her book, Weaving Wild Baskets, shares complete instructions for harvesting and preparing over 50 plants for basketmaking, along with 14 projects teaching nine essential techniques resulting in a comprehensive guide for anyone drawn to this ancient practice.
Katie was recently featured in the Woodlanders film series, which documents forest cultures and crafts around the world, highlighting her deep relationship with the woodland materials that define her practice. If you are interested in watching it and other makers stories featured in the documentary series you can access it here for free: https://www.woodlanders.com but consider subscribing to their Patreon and watching Katie’s episode here.
Visit This Place
About Stone Ridge Stone Ridge is a historic hamlet in Ulster County that has preserved its 18th-century character while evolving into a vibrant rural arts community. Named for the distinctive blue-gray stone used in many of its historic buildings, the village was once a bustling stop on the Delaware and Hudson Canal route. Today, its Main Street Historic District—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—remains relatively unchanged since the early 1900s, featuring remarkable stone architecture including the 1767 Cornelius Wynkoop Stone House (where George Washington once slept) and the Hasbrouck family's country estate from 1757.
This is the geographic center of Ulster County, a hamlet where farm stands sit alongside artisan studios, where SUNY Ulster brings students to a campus surrounded by apple orchards and mountain vistas. Stone Ridge attracts makers, artists, and creative transplants who appreciate the slower pace and tight-knit community. It's the kind of place where, as Katie notes, "I go to the store and run into somebody that took my classes." The landscape itself—rolling hills framed by the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge and Catskill peaks—provides both inspiration and raw materials for the region's thriving craft culture.
Getting There (from NYC: 1 hour 45 minutes) Stone Ridge sits in the heart of the Rondout Valley, perfectly positioned between two mountain ranges. Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north to Exit 19 (Kingston), then follow Route 209 south for about 15 minutes through farmland and forest. The hamlet itself is compact and walkable along Main Street, with quiet backroads leading to studios and orchards.
Where to Stay
ElmRock Inn (Stone Ridge) – This 1770 brick colonial farmhouse sits right in the Rondout Valley with five guest rooms featuring original wide-plank floors, private baths, and working fireplaces. Host Chef Mark serves a gourmet two-course breakfast highlighting regional ingredients from his organic herb garden, often featuring local maple syrup, farm eggs, and seasonal produce. The intimate scale (plus an optional private carriage house for families) and authentic Hudson Valley hospitality make this an ideal basecamp for exploring artisan studios and craft culture. The inn exemplifies the same connection to place and seasonal living that defines Katie's basketry practice.
Hasbrouck House (Stone Ridge) – For a luxurious experience, this meticulously restored 18th-century Dutch Colonial estate offers 25 thoughtfully designed rooms across four historic buildings on 50+ park-like acres with a private lake. The property has preserved remarkable period details—original smokehouse, brick walls, fireplaces, and of course the stunning stone facade. Named by World Boutique Hotel Awards as "The Americas' Most Romantic Retreat," it features a 100-year-old landmark pool, nightly bonfires, and their acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant Butterfield. In winter, ice skate on the pond; in summer, bicycle through the grounds.
Minnewaska Lodge (New Paltz, 20 minutes) – A modern option for those who want hotel amenities alongside access to hiking trails. This newer property offers clean, spacious rooms with a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. Its location provides convenient proximity to both Stone Ridge's craft community and Minnewaska State Park's dramatic cliff landscapes.
Where to Eat:
Hash (Stone Ridge) – Katie's personal recommendation for breakfast and lunch. This neighborhood gathering spot serves creative farm-fresh fare—think goat cheese omelets, Moroccan lamb burgers, and free-range bone broth alongside excellent coffee. Proprietors Page and Shala have created exactly the kind of unpretentious but thoughtful food that defines Hudson Valley dining culture. Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-2pm.
Butterfield (Stone Ridge) – Located inside the historic Hasbrouck House estate, this is Stone Ridge's destination restaurant. The seasonally rotating menu celebrates Hudson Valley agriculture, sourcing from local farms and orchards for refined preparations like house-smoked short ribs and caramel popcorn pudding. The name itself honors the region's agricultural bounty—the surrounding landscape was once so fertile it resembled "fields of butter." Open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday 5:30-9pm, with weekend brunch.
The Roost (Stone Ridge) – The reliable Main Street gathering spot that serves the community from morning coffee through evening meals. Open 7am-9pm daily with homemade American comfort food, this is where locals meet and where you'll get a sense of Stone Ridge's tight-knit character.
Harana Market (Accord, 8 minutes) is a Filipino-inspired provisions shop and deli in Accord, known for its vibrant pantry goods and soulful, home-style dishes rooted in family recipes. It’s a warm community hub where culture, food, and local hospitality come together.
Lift Café (Rosendale, 10 minutes ) is the perfect Rosendale stop for fresh coffee, smoothies, and simple, delicious bites in a warm, community-driven space. It’s a cozy place to slow down, recharge, and feel like a local for a moment.
The Big Cheese (Rosendale, 10 minutes ) is a cozy, eclectic Rosendale staple known for its specialty cheeses, hearty sandwiches, and Mediterranean-leaning café fare. Part deli, part grocery, part community hangout, it’s the perfect spot to grab a warm bite and soak up the small-town charm.
The Spy Social Eatery (High Falls, 10 minutes) – A beloved local icon serving creative American fare in the historic hamlet. The community refused to let this restaurant close, and it was reborn with the same commitment to quality.
High Falls Cafe (High Falls, 10 minutes) – Family-owned for over a decade, serving made-from-scratch home cooking at reasonable prices. A reliable choice for straightforward, delicious meals.
Things to Do
In Stone Ridge:
Stone Ridge Orchard – This working farm is the heart of Stone Ridge community life. Beyond apple picking in fall, the orchard hosts a tasting room serving their hard cider and local craft beers, a farm bar with live music on weekends, wood-fired pizzas from an outdoor oven, and seasonal pop-up markets featuring Hudson Valley artisans. The lakeside fire pit and picnic areas make this a perfect afternoon destination year-round.
Kripplebush Schoolhouse Museum – A tiny time capsule depicting life in a one-room country schoolhouse from the mid-1800s. The building served students until 1951, and visitors can see desks arranged for various ages, teaching materials, and how little has fundamentally changed in education. Located on a quiet country road, it's a quick but fascinating glimpse into rural educational history.
Davenport Farms – Year-round farm stand and market offering homegrown produce, baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, and salads. A conservation easement permanently protects this historic farmland, ensuring it remains part of Stone Ridge's agricultural landscape for generations.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail – The 22-mile rail trail passes right through Stone Ridge, offering flat, scenic walking and cycling through farmland and forest. The trail connects Kingston to Wallkill, with the dramatic Rosendale Trestle (a 940-foot span soaring 150 feet above Rondout Creek) just 10 minutes away offering postcard views.
Within 15-20 Minutes:
High Falls (10 minutes) – This tiny historic hamlet straddles the Rondout Creek at a dramatic waterfall that once powered mills. Today it's known for the D&H Canal Museum (exploring the 1828 canal that transported anthracite coal), eclectic restaurants, and the Five Locks Walk where you can explore remnants of the historic canal system. The hamlet has retained its 19th-century character with stone buildings now housing boutiques and cafes.
Rosendale (10 minutes) – Another charming hamlet with deep history—Rosendale cement was used to build both the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Walk across the stunning Rosendale Trestle on the rail trail, browse Postmark Books (in a former chapel that now houses the library), explore the Widow Jane Mine (where cement was extracted), or catch a show at the community-run Rosendale Theatre. The hamlet has a walkable Main Street packed with restaurants, galleries, and quirky shops.
Mohonk Preserve (15 minutes) – This 8,000-acre nature preserve offers some of the Northeast's most dramatic hiking, with trails leading to cliff-edge viewpoints overlooking the Hudson Valley. The carriage roads provide gentler options for families, while serious hikers can tackle the challenging Trapps cliff paths. Rock climbing on the Shawangunk conglomerate cliffs draws enthusiasts from around the world.
Minnewaska State Park (20 minutes) – Crystal-clear mountain lakes perfect for swimming in summer, dramatic waterfalls including the 60-foot Awosting Falls, and miles of trails through dwarf pine forests. The dramatic cliff-edge carriage roads offer accessible hiking with spectacular views. In winter, the trails are popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The waterfall below is where the Severance retreat is filmed (pro tip).
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall offers the richest experience. Katie's workshops run most actively during these warmer months, and the landscape itself becomes part of the basketry story—you can see the vines climbing, the cattails growing in wetlands, the bark on living trees that will be sustainably harvested.
Spring (April-May): Pine bark harvesting season when sap is flowing. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor, and the landscape is vibrant green. Ideal for hiking before summer crowds.
Summer (June-August): Full workshop season. Swimming in mountain lakes, evening concerts at Stone Ridge Orchard, farm stands overflowing with produce. The warmest weather for outdoor exploration.
Fall (September-October): Perhaps the most magical time. Harvest season when the materials Katie works with are at their peak—grasses and cattails ready to gather. Apple picking at Stone Ridge Orchard, spectacular foliage, perfect hiking weather. The whole Hudson Valley celebrates the abundance of the season.
Winter (November-March): Katie's vine harvesting season. The landscape reveals its structure without leaves—perfect for observing bark patterns and dormant plants. Cozy dinners by stone fireplaces, ice skating on frozen ponds, and the kind of quiet that lets you focus on making things with your hands. Many restaurants and attractions have reduced hours, but the region takes on an intimate, peaceful quality.
Take It Home
Workshop Opportunities Katie offers workshops and webinars from her Stone Ridge studio. Topics range from coiling basketry to working with wild vines, folded pine bark containers, and comprehensive multi-day intensives covering multiple techniques.
Learn More Dive deep into wild basketry with Katie's book Weaving Wild Baskets (coming 2026), a comprehensive guide to identifying, harvesting, and weaving with over 50 foraged plant materials. The book includes detailed instructions for 14 projects across nine essential basketry techniques.
Watch Katie's work featured in the Woodlanders film series, which documents forest cultures and woodland crafts around the world.
Follow Katie's Journey
Website: katiegrovestudios.com
Instagram: @katiegrovebasketry
Email: KatieGroveArt@gmail.com
Visit Her Work Katie's woven sculptures and fine art pieces can be viewed on her portfolio page, where she explores themes of lineage, material transformation, and the voices of plants through intricate basketry that bridges traditional techniques with contemporary artistic practice.
Next issue: Join us as we travel to another corner of rural America where craft traditions meet contemporary innovation.
