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 famous for his amazing basket weaving skills.
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About Mike Dart
Michael Dart was born on February 1, 1977. His hometown is 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 came from the land around her home. Mike started learning to weave baskets when he was 16 years old.
Basket Weaving Techniques
Mike Dart is a Cherokee artist who specializes in a special type of basketry. It's called "double-wall basketry." This is a very tricky method. It means he weaves two walls, an inside and an outside, at the same time. Both walls are made from one continuous piece of material.
In 1992, Mike learned this art from another weaver. Her name is Shawna Morton-Cain. She is also a "Cherokee National Treasure."
Materials and Colors
Mike often uses commercial materials for his baskets. One common material is rattan reed. He also uses bright, colorful dyes. These dyes are called aniline dyes.
However, Mike also likes to use natural materials. He gathers them himself from local areas. These include plants like honeysuckle and buckbrush. He also uses natural dyes. These dyes come from things like black walnut hulls, bloodroot, and Osage orange wood.
Using commercial materials lets him try new things. It also helps him get colors that natural dyes cannot make.
Traditional vs. Contemporary Baskets
Mike Dart explains the difference between traditional and contemporary Cherokee baskets.
- A traditional Cherokee basket is woven in an old, traditional way. All the materials and dyes used must be natural.
- A contemporary Cherokee basket is also woven in a traditional way. But it uses materials and dyes made by companies.
Sometimes, weavers use both natural and commercial materials. This is called using "mixed mediums." These baskets are considered contemporary.
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"War Cry" by Mike Dart
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"Large Gathering Basket" by Mike Dart
Mike Dart's Art Career
Mike Dart's baskets have won many awards. He has earned prizes at art shows in northeastern Oklahoma. These include the Cherokee National Holiday Art Show. This show is held in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He has also won at the Art Under the Oaks Art Show. This show is at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Another place he has won is 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 has won awards at Native American art markets across the country.
Cherokee National Living Treasure
In 2017, Mike Dart received a very special award. He was named a Cherokee National Living Treasure. This award is given to people who help keep Cherokee culture alive. Mike was recognized for teaching and promoting Cherokee basketry. He received the award from the former Principal Chief, Bill John Baker.
Mike's beautiful baskets have been shown in museums. They have been displayed at the Cherokee National Museum. His work has also been seen at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma.
See also
