Cherokee basketry has been woven for centuries from river cane and more recently from white oak, maple and honeysuckle. Dyes used include bloodroot, yellowroot, butternut and walnut. Even as basketry is being revitalized with classes in the high school and an emphasis on ensuring that the complex double weave technique is not forgotten, the environment has been stressed by development, overharvesting, invasive species, and blights and natural materials are often difficult to find.

This exhibit, curated by Beth Ross Johnson, features contemporary examples of Cherokee basketry with commentary about environmental threats and the actions being taken in Cherokee to insure that materials will be on hand for future generations.

An opening reception will be held on October 5th from 4-6pm.  It will include a gallery talk by Beth Johnson, curator of the show and craftsperson Alyne Stamper, an art instructor at Cherokee High School. 

This exhibit is sponsored by the Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources.

Many of the baskets are part of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation's collection.

The exhibit will be on display October 1 - 30.

News Release