The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) opens its newest exhibition, ᏔᎷᏥ ᏕᎬᏍᎬ ᎣᎩᎲᎢ Weaving our Heritage: Cherokee Baskets, with a reception Saturday, July 18, from 2-3 p.m.
Eva Wolfe, Indian Arts and Crafts Board photograph. Photo courtesy of Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual Inc. Eva Wolfe (1922-2004) was an accomplished basket maker whose specialty was rivercane baskets, an iconic and ancient art form of the Eastern Band of Cherokee people. This photograph was made by Indian Arts and Crafts Board to accompany an exhibition of her work in 1969.
The reception will begin in the BRAHM community meeting room for refreshments and a conversation with exhibition curator, Anna Fareillo. The framing conversation will discuss the traditions and innovations of Cherokee baskets, as well as how the artist’s work is a reflection of economic, environmental, and cultural influences.
Basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of material culture, dating back thousands of years. Its practice among indigenous people sustainably uses—and honors—the natural materials that make up their environment. Cherokee baskets are made of rivercane, white oak, maple, or honeysuckle and are dyed with local plant materials. Today’s Eastern Band of Cherokee people live in Western North Carolina and continue to maintain their time-honored traditions, while expanding their artistic voice to include contemporary adaptations.
Artists in the exhibition include Gabe Crowe, Louise Goings, Lauren Goings, Shan Goshorn, Ramona Lossie, Lucille Lossiah, Betty Maney, Emma Taylor, Mary Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Dewi Thompson, Geraldine Walkingstick, Agnes Welch, Carol Welch, and Eva Wolfe.
This event is made possible through a grant from America 250 NC, an initiative by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
For more information, visit BlowingRockMuseum.org/calendar/weavingourheritage.
