Delicate willow trees line the banks of the Arpa River in Vayots Dzor, where master basket weavers like Arthur Petrosyan still soften, bend, and weave the willow branches into beautiful objects for everyday use or home decoration. With Arthur as your knowledgeable guide, you can learn all about these time-honored Armenian traditions—the natural local materials, the history of weaving in Vayots Dzor, and even the basic techniques to weave your own willow creation.
Arthur will teach you the process from start to finish—how the materials are selected, cleaned, soaked in water, and dried for weaving; and then how to bend the branches into beautiful designs. You may learn how to fashion willow into a wine-bottle holder, basket, dish, or even a new design, shaped only by your own personal creativity.
You will leave with a partially completed piece of work to finish at home, with Arthur’s instructions of course—not to mention a new appreciation for the traditions of Armenian willow weaving. You may also visit the nearby Regional Museum of Yeghegnadzor to see a beautiful example of a willow-woven beehive, as well as restaurants in Yeghegnadzor and even Yerevan, where several of Arthur’s own pieces are displayed.
Meet your host
Arthur Petrosyan softens and bends branches from willow trees lining the Arpa River in Vayots Dzor to make his all-natural baskets. He creates woven covers for karas (clay amphora), wine bottle holders, bread baskets, objects to decorate the home.
