These are optional questions to help you write your bio. 

Previous Art Competitions, Exhibitions and Awards:

Other Personal Awards, Achievements and Honors:

Community Service:

Artistic Goals:

Themes, Ideas, Philosophy or Message Your Art Expresses:

Express Feelings About Learning Indian Basketry:

From the answers to above questions, write a bio of 200 words or less

From the answers to above questions, write a Statement of Philosophy of Art 100 words or less

Good forum questions: I challenge you to think about these and answer. Write on reverse or additional sheets of paper if needed.

Despite incredible challenges to tribal culture, the Cherokee still practice basketry. To what do you attribute this strength of tradition?

If Indian baskets are made for non Native market do you think they maintain their cultural significance? Can Natives keep this balance?

If Indian baskets are made of non traditional and/or commercial materials do you think they maintain their cultural significance?

What are you hoping is the impact/goal of the organization

What is the future of your Tribe's (or your State's tribal) basketry. Will it and other basketry in OK continue to thrive or come back? What will it take? How will you help?

Giving thought to these questions may help you in interviews, writing news articles and promoting yourself and the organization. They are commonly asked questions by other organizations.

Oklahoma Native American Basketweavers
YOU CAN HELP
If you have a passion for learning your tribe's (or any tribe's) baskets and/or teaching basketry, these assignments will help you learn. Completing the actions will also help others.

Complete as much of the bio and answer as many of the questions as you comfortable doing. Mail the information to me. This information will help you to write your bio for future events. Sometimes you will want a bio 100 words or less and sometimes longer. Let me know if you want the forms to document your information.

Send a photo of you weaving or showing someone else how to weave.

Use the bio questions to talk with other weavers, particularly Indian weavers or people who remember them.

Send 1 - 3 photocopies from any source you can find of your tribal baskets and identify the design.

Don't know the design? Ask your tribal cultural center or go to the library and ask for help.

If you cannot find the name of the design, what would you name it after you wove it?

Visit your cultural center and ask to visit archives to view your tribe's baskets. Take high speed film to use without flash and photograph all the baskets you can.

Make an appointment for our group members to visit with you or in the future.

Teach the diamond pattern in a mat to one child and one adult. Photograph results. Bring paper, markers, scissors, glue. Cut strips 1/4 inch or less evenly.) If you want my graph, email me and I will send it to you.

Write an article about how baskets were used in your tribe. Quote sources and dates. Include sketches if you do not have the permission to use photographs.

Let your tribal offices like cultural and media departments and schools know of our mission and goals.