Maine Basket Maker Honored by the National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts recognized Molly Neptune Parker plus nine others at an official ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Parker, native from Indian Township, received the National Heritage Fellowships, which honors folk artists and recognizes their contribution to the nation’s arts heritage. The artist was recognized for her unique basketmaking art.

Born in family of basketmakers, Parker learned the craft from her mom and her aunts. She kept the family tradition live by making baskets out of fine ash.

"Basketmaking for me is about innovation and creativity within the context of a traditional art form," says Parker. "The functionality, the materials, and the shapes have been a legacy for each generation. I honor that legacy and believe I have a responsibility to continue it, basing it always on our traditions and knowledge of literally thousands of years. Basketmaking is an art that I believe I was born to do, much as my ancestors have done for thousands of years."