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Shirley Taylor |
| Shirley Taylor, basketmaker, was born and raised
in Big Cove.
The following biography from The Cherokee Artist Directory, 2001, Cherokee, North Carolina by Barbara Duncan, Freeman Owle, Amy Davis and Tess Thraves, published by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in collaboration with the North Carolina Arts Council and the Cultural Resources Division of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is used with permission from the editors. |
| "Shirley Taylor makes white oak baskets dyed with
walnut and bloodroot. She can also demonstrate basketmaking and
teach hands-on classes. Born and raised in Big Cove, Shirley Taylor graduated from Cherokee High School and continues to live on the Qualla Boundary, where she owns and manages a motel. She learned basketry from her mother-in-law, well-known basktemaker Emma Taylor, and has practiced basketmaking for the past fifteen years. Her grandchildren are now learning to make baskets from her. Shirley Taylor has presented programs and hands-on workshops for elementary schools, heritage days, and festivals. A member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, she sells her baskets there, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and by special order. Her baskets have won ribbons at the Cherokee Fall Fair and are exhibited at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. From November through March, Shirley Taylor is available to demonstrate basketmaking, from producing the splints and dyeing them to weaving the basket. She recommends at least four-to-five hours of instruction for making a simple basket. She can also provide materials. Her fee is negotiable, and travel, lodging, and expenses should be included. She would like permission to sell her baskets when she does demonstrations." Shirley Taylor |
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