Weave Your Own Whisk Broom

Sunday, March 29, 2026
9am-2pm (5 hours)
San Francisco County Fair Building — Recreation Room

About the Program

Learn the craft of broom-making with natural plant fibers while exploring the cultural history behind this common household item:

• Begin with an introduction to sorghum, the plant used in traditional broom making. Learn how it’s grown, harvested, and prepared for use.
• Learn the difference between sweet and non-sweet sorghum and why broomcorn (the non-sweet variety) is the preferred fiber for broom-making.
• Explore broom-making traditions from cultures within and outside of the United States, learning the cultural significance of brooms as objects of labor, ritual, and protection.

Before working with sorghum, participants will practice foundational weaving techniques by creating two pine needle mini brooms. Once the technique is familiar, you’ll begin working with sorghum to form a traditional whisk broom.

All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed! Participants will leave the workshop with their very own handmade broom and mini brooms. Broomcorn for future projects will be available for purchase at the end of class.

About the Instructor

I’m Abeni ‘Abi’ Pierson, a Chicagoland native who escaped the cold winters and has been living in the Bay Area for the past seven years. During the 2020 lockdown, I turned to the therapeutic practice of weaving and quickly became passionate about keeping this (and other) ancient crafts alive.

Through my workshops and handcrafted pieces, I strive to spark conversations and preserve the language of these artforms for future generations. My ultimate mission is to reconnect people with nature through sustainable, hands-on creativity — honoring both the materials and the ecosystems they come from.

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Gardens of Golden Gate Park Members may attend this event at a 20% discount. Contact membership@gggp.org to receive the Member Discount Code, then enter the Member Discount Code in the “Promo Code” field when checking out. Discount codes do not apply to the “Ticket + Donation” price level.  

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.