Catawba Basket Weaving with Teresa Dunlap and Aaron Baumgardner

Aaron’s exploration of basketry focuses on white oak and rivercane. He is captivated by the geometry and storytelling inherent in these mediums. Aaron learned white oak basketry techniques from Jeff Gottleib, rivercane basketry from Cherokee artist Gabe Crow, and rivercane mat-making from Cherokee artists Waylon and Michelle Long. He became the first Catawba to create a rivercane basket in over 100 years.

Teresa's presentation will explore the art of longleaf pine basketry and Catawba pottery, two traditions rooted in nature and culture. She will share the process of gathering materials and transforming them into meaningful forms through the art of coiling. She will also discuss how the teachings of Catawba elders have shaped her journey. Finally, she'll touch on what has inspired her to combine these art forms into one-of-a-kind pieces.

Teresa Dunlap is part of this year's ArtPop Cities Program Class of 2025.

Host or Publisher The President James K. Polk State Historic Site