"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Heritage Center to Offer Basketry Class

PARK HILL, Oklahoma – Come celebrate the spring season by making a beautiful a round reed basket. The Cherokee Heritage Center is offering a beginning traditional basketry class on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kathryn Kelley a teacher who is also a skilled artisan with experience in making various types of Cherokee baskets, will instruct the class. She was designated as a National Treasure by the Cherokee Nation, as being honored as a Cherokee Master Craftsperson in the traditional art of basketry in 2003.

The class is intended to be a fun, relaxed introduction to the traditional techniques of round reed basketry. Participants will learn the history of basketry while weaving their own basket. The class is part of a series of cultural classes offered by the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Each year the Cherokee Heritage Center offers classes, lectures and workshops in local history, crafts, games and other traditional Cherokee arts. Additional classes planned for spring 2008 include flute making, finger weaving, flint knapping and wood carving. Contact the Cherokee Heritage Center for the complete schedule.

Early registration for the basketry class is recommended as class size is limited. The $40 fee includes tuition and materials.

For more information, call Tonia Weavel, phone: 918-456-6007 (ext.241), or send an e-mail to education@CherokeeHeritage.org. Registration for school groups is encouraged.