Since 2019, the Center for Craft has worked with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Asheville community to create a new public art space inspired by Cherokee basketry.

The installation, which is located on a historic Cherokee trading route, addresses the lack of recognition of Cherokee culture and heritage in downtown Asheville. Titled, “ᏔᎷᏣ The Basket,” this new public artwork allows visitors to learn about the Cherokee land, language, traditions, and culture that are still thriving today.

Celebrate this new landmark installation with us on Saturday, October 15th from 1-4pm at a free, family-friendly event, including:

- Live craft demonstrations by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian Cultural Specialists

- Meet and greet with Consulting Artist, ᎺᎵ ᏔᎻᏏᏂ Mary Welch Thompson (Eastern Band Cherokee)

- Hands-on weaving activities (ages 12+)

- Collaborative sculpture-building

- Cherokee Fry Bread "Pop Up"

- And more!

For more information on "ᏔᎷᏣ The Basket,” visit: https://www.centerforcraft.org/community-initiatives/the-basket

‍

Special thanks to our Event Sponsor Explore Asheville!

‍

“ᏔᎷᏣ The Basket” is generously supported by The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, The Cannon Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, The Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources, UNC Asheville, AARP, Mountain Region North Carolina, New Belgium Brewing, Peter Laine, and Anonymous.