Grantee:  Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Location:  Atmore, Ala.
Award:  Artist and Community Collaboration Initiative
Discipline:  Weaving the Past With Present and Future
Web Site:  http://pci-nsn.gov/

Funding for the project reconnected the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ community with the utilitarian art of traditional rivercane basketry.

Under the direction of renowned local weaver, Mary Smith, community members assisted in harvesting mature rivercane, processed it by splitting the cane and followed several complex steps to peel it so it could be used for weaving. Their combined efforts culminated in a set of four baskets of harvested and processed rivercane. The baskets are displayed at the Cultural Education Center for future generations to appreciate and embrace as a living, traditional art form.