The Jackson County Public Library will host a Cherokee Cornhusk Doll Making workshop on Saturday, June 7th at 10am in the Atrium. Participants will learn how to prepare and handcraft their own cornhusk dolls using traditional methods. Along the way, participants will gain insight into the cultural and spiritual importance of dolls in Cherokee life. All are welcome to bring their own favorite fabrics, ribbons, broken jewelry pieces, beads, feathers to adorn cornhusk dolls.This workshop welcomes people of all skill levels and is a thoughtful space for creativity, cultural learning, and reflection.
Laura Walkingstick is a Cherokee cloth and cornhusk doll maker and an artist of many other mediums in clay, wood, and metal. She is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from the Qualla Boundary of North Carolina where she was born and currently lives. She is self-employed and currently sits on the Board of Directors at the Qualla Arts and Crafts Board since 2019. She is also an instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School biannually teaching cornhusk doll making. *Registration is required.* To register email JCPL-Adults@fontanalib.org or call 828-586-2016. This program is part of the Cherokee Culture Series which is generously funded by a grant from The Jackson County Arts Council. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of the Fontana Regional Library.
Join us at the Jackson County Public Library for a cultural program that invites participants to discover the rich culinary heritage of the Cherokee people on Thursday, June 26th at 6pm. Meeting in the Community Room, this discussion offers an exploration of traditional Cherokee foods and their enduring role in Cherokee life today.
The program begins with an overview of Cherokee foodways, highlighting wild game and foraged plants. Participants will learn about traditional methods of growing, harvesting, and preparing these ingredients, with special attention to sustainable practices.
A key highlight of the program is a live cooking demonstration, where we prepare traditional dishes. Attendees will witness the step-by-step preparation and can sample the finished foods.
Free and open to the public, this program is part of the Cherokee Culture Series which was made possible by a generous grant from the Jackson County Arts Council. For more information please call the library at 828-586-2016. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of the Fontana Regional Library.
The Jackson County Public Library will host artist and storyteller Nancy Pheasant on Tuesday, June 10th at 6pm. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, Nancy’s deep connection to her heritage is woven into every piece she creates. Over the years, she has mastered a variety of mediums, from traditional beadwork and pottery to intricate shell carvings and beyond. Many of her designs are inspired by ancient iconography paying homage to the visual language crafted by her ancestors. 'By learning, creating and practicing these traditional arts, I share my heritage and culture with others,' she states. Following in her father's footsteps she has become a respected storyteller committed to preserving and promoting the rich culture of the Cherokee people. As a cherished member of the Cherokee Storytellers group she captivates audiences of all ages by recounting traditional oral histories and legends passed down through generations.
This program is part of the Cherokee Culture Series which was made possible by the generous grant given by The Jackson County Arts Council. This program is free and open to the public. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of the Fontana Regional Library. For more information please call 828-586-2016.
