Agnes Thompson was born and raised in Atka, Alaska. She learned Attu-style basket weaving at age 25 from her mother, Olean Golodoff Prokopeuff. She was also influenced by other basket weavers, including her Godmother, Jenny Golley, and Aunt, Pariscovia Wright. The baskets she has created over the past 40 years have been featured in museums – such as The Smithsonian in New York and the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, in several books and publications, and is treasured among countless private collectors. Her preferred medium is hand-picked beach grass and she is saddened that due to pollution and difficulty travelling, it is increasingly hard to come by. Basket weavinghas always been a passion for Agnes, and she feels strongly about the importance of preserving this dying talent. She has demonstrated and taught at several workshops and culture camps throughout the state and country over the years, and is excited to see the next generation learn this ancient art.