Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee people have proven to be skilled artisans. From their beginnings, they have used the land to create works of art and necessity such as pottery, weapons and jewelry. Archeologists have found evidence of accomplished basket makers in the Cherokee tribe from the earliest record of tribal existence.

Skilled artisan, Thelma Forrest, will be demonstrating basket making Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Forrest is one of the Cherokee Living Treasures. She makes many different types and styles of baskets, working with colors that are created with traditional dyes.

Forrest’s appearance is part of "Summer Showcase," a program presented by the Cherokee Heritage Center. Every Saturday from May 10 to August 23, visitors to the center are able to meet the artist and see how each piece is made through demonstrations.

For more information on this and other Cherokee Heritage Center events, please call, dial: 918-456-6007 or toll free: 888-999-6007 and/or visit the CHC web site.

In 1992 Thelma Forrest of Parkhill, Oklahoma, was named a Living National Treasure Cherokee/Master Craftsmen for her basketry.

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671