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Weaving Muscogee Creek Culture: The Artistry of Mary Smith

Visit the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum to see the work of Muscogee Creek Artist, Mary Smith!
Mary Smith is an exceptional contemporary artist who celebrates her heritage through her artwork.  Smith is based in Bixby, Oklahoma and is a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, where she currently teaches and practices basket weaving amongst other art forms. Unlike most artists, Smith did not begin her career until she was in her 40s when she was working at the Creek Council House Museum. Here, she taught herself basket-weaving because the Museum needed an instructor. This determination, which is a facet of her personality, propelled Smith into a successful and rewarding career as a contemporary Muscogee Creek artist. While Smith is best known for reviving the Muscogee Creek double false braid rim technique in basketry, she also creates pottery and other art forms. She has won numerous accolades, such as Best of Show at the Five Tribes Museum and “Best of Class” at the 6th Annual Cherokee Art Market at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK, and continues to teach in Oklahoma. Smith has had an incredible impact on the revitalization of indigenous art forms and her artwork is bridging the gap between past and future Native Artists.

Location

The museum is located at the intersection of Queen City Avenue and Jack Warner Parkway, across Queen City from the Tuscaloosa Public Library.  The street address is 1901 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Check out our Directions page for step-by-step directions and parking and public transit info.

Time/Date

The exhibit will open on October 5, 2021 and end on March 19, 2022.

Admission

Admission to the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum is free.