For Bryan Grove, the calming rhythm of weaving the prairie colors of Kansas into a work of art has become more than just a hobby.
For the former art teacher and his wife, Marcy, it’s also become a key component of his personal health and a way for the retired couple to start a new small business together in their late 70s.
The Groves spend part of their days weaving baskets and crocheting in their home at Homestead of Eudora.
After Eudora resident Andi Bock reached out to the couple about selling the pieces, the Groves realized there were people who wanted to purchase the creations.
Bock’s mother lived at Homestead of Eudora before she died last month. Bock developed a close relationship with the Groves while her mother was living there and continued to visit daily even after the death of her mother.
“His laugh is so infectious. I was so drawn to them,” Bock said.
Two weeks ago, Bock started posting on Facebook the woven baskets that can take Bryan as many as 100 hours to create, explaining how the Groves could use the extra money to help pay to live at Homestead of Eudora.
“In a matter of 15 minutes, two or three had sold,” Bock said. “We may have created a monster here, I don’t know.”
The baskets are also on display at the library, with plans to eventually sell more baskets at other locations in town.
“It’s just blossomed,” Marcy said. “Andi didn’t even get to the coffee shop, and she had sold everything she took with her. It’s been a real trip because, at this stage in our life, we didn’t expect to have a little business going.”
How Bryan came to excel in art started when he was in college at Emporia State. After developing appendicitis, he spent a month in the hospital.
When he went back to school, he was told not to do anything strenuous. He enrolled in art, and “everything he touched turned to gold,” Marcy said. He changed his major from math to art education.
In 1966, the Groves moved from Kansas to Juneau, Alaska, so Marcy could teach first grade and Bryan could teach art in middle and high school.
During their time there, Bryan learned how to basket weave from indigenous communities. He took classes and eventually brought the skills back with him to Eudora.
Even though Bryan left art teaching years ago, he continued to do various art forms in his free time. In addition to his woven baskets, he had a passion for quilted and sewn hanging wall pieces.
After his dementia diagnosis, it became even more important to keep Bryan focused on calming and productive tasks.
The weaving gave him something to entertain his mind while keeping his motor skills intact. He weaves several hours each day.
“It’s been a nice outlet,” he said. “They get me focused and in a more positive way.”
Many of his current and past pieces are inspired by the prairie landscapes in Kansas. Bryan said he crafts the baskets from “mother nature’s colors.”
While Bryan weaves, Marcy crochets stuffed animals and sells them within the assisted living facility. Bryan also enjoys teaching his weaving to the other residents in their community.
“It’s important to do things when you’re an older person. Sometimes people just give up,” Marcy said. “It keeps your mind active.”
The baskets range in price from $25 to $50. Those interested in purchasing a basket can reach Marcy at (785) 838-5906.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].
