Jo Ann Ray

Jo Ann Ray started learning to make baskets at age 10.  Her mom taught her to gather dyes, white oak and to dye the splints.  She didn’t really think about basketmaking, it was just what her family did and so she continued the tradition. 

Today Jo Ann uses white oak materials she gathered when she was younger to make her stunning baskets.  

Cherokee knife maker Blue Welch

“I am glad that I learned from my mom.  It is part of the family tradition.  I feek like it keeps my mom with me.”