Mike Dart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Dart
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Dart weaving on the banks of the Illinois River, ca. 2007
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| Born |
Michael Lee Dart
February 1, 1977 |
| Nationality | Cherokee Nation |
| Education | self taught |
| Known for | Basket weaving |
| Movement | basketry |
| Awards | Cherokee National Treasure (2017) |
Mike Dart is a talented Native American artist. He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in Oklahoma. Mike is well-known for his amazing basket weaving skills.
Contents
About Mike Dart
Early Life and Inspiration
Michael Dart was born on February 1, 1977. His birthplace was Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Today, he lives in Adair County, Oklahoma.
When Mike was growing up, he often watched his grandmother, Pauline Dart. She was a skilled weaver. She made baskets and furniture from natural materials. These materials included willow and hickory. Mike learned a lot from her. He started weaving baskets himself when he was 16 years old.
Basket Weaving Techniques
Mike Dart is a Cherokee artist. He is an expert in a special type of basketry. This is called double-wall basketry. It is a tricky technique. It means weaving two walls, an inside and an outside, all at once.
He learned how to weave baskets in 1992. His teacher was Shawna Morton-Cain. She is also a Cherokee National Treasure.
Materials Mike Uses
Mike often uses commercial rattan reed for his baskets. He also likes to use bright, colorful dyes. However, he also collects and prepares local materials. These include honeysuckle and buckbrush.
He also uses natural dyes. These come from things like black walnut hulls and bloodroot. He also uses Osage orange wood.
Using store-bought materials lets him try new things. He can also get colors that natural dyes don't offer.
Traditional vs. Contemporary Baskets
Mike explains the difference between traditional and contemporary baskets. A traditional Cherokee basket is made in a traditional way. All its materials and dyes must be natural.
A contemporary Cherokee basket is also woven in a traditional way. But it uses materials and dyes made by companies. Some weavers mix both natural and commercial materials. This is called using 'mixed mediums'. These baskets are also considered contemporary.
Mike Dart's Art Career
Awards and Recognition
Mike Dart's baskets have won many awards. He has won prizes in northeastern Oklahoma. These include the Cherokee National Holiday Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He also won at Art Under the Oaks Art Show. This show is at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
He has also won awards at the Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale. This show is at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma. It is one of the biggest Native American art shows in the area. Mike also shows his work and wins awards at art markets across the country.
In 2017, Mike Dart received a special honor. He was named a Cherokee National Living Treasure. This award recognized his work. He helps promote and teach Cherokee basketry to other Cherokee citizens. Former Principal Chief Bill John Baker gave him this award.
Exhibitions
Mike Dart's artwork has been shown in many places. His baskets have been displayed at the Cherokee National Museum. They have also been shown at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma.
See also
- List of Native American artists
- List of Native American artists from Oklahoma
- Visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas
Images for kids
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"War Cry" by Mike Dart
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"Large Gathering Basket" by Mike Dart
