This event will provide the opportunity to observe talented Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), including award winning potter Amanda Swimmer, who is recovering from a hip fracture and stroke. But even these inconveniences can’t keep the 94 year old from doing what she does best — demonstrate how to make beautiful hand-built Cherokee pottery.

Swimmer was honored by the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, which held an exhibition of her work in the early 1980s. In 1994, she received the North Carolina Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor. During 2002, she was instrumental in forming the Cherokee Potters Guild. In 2005, Swimmer was awarded an honorary doctorate from University of North Carolina, Asheville. Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center awarded Swimmer a Mountain Heritage Award in 2012 for demonstrating traditional pottery making at the Oconaluftee Indian Village for more than 40 years. Western Carolina University Hunter Library professor and author Anna Fariello featured Swimmer in Cherokee Pottery: From the Hands of our Elders.  

Other featured Cherokee will include artist and historian Davy Arch who will share stories and legends, in addition to demonstrating flint knapping and mask-making skills.  Arch served on the boards of the North Carolina Arts Council and the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. His work is on permanent display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Arch served as the primary consultant and assisted in artistic design for the public art at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit.  

Hayesville’s own Dan Hollifield will share his beautiful flute music with festival attendees again this year. Hollifield, a member of the Cherokee Nation, carves the wooden flutes we have the pleasure of hearing. In addition to these outstanding artists, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Oconaluftee Indian Village dancers as they recreate traditional Cherokee dances. When not dancing, they will share their culture through beadwork, basketry, finger weaving, carving, dart making, pottery, flint knapping, and blowgun skills. Demonstrations of stickball will be held throughout the day and Cherokee frybread will be available. 

This free event is sponsored by Clay County Communities Revitalization Association.

828.389.3045 or  www.cccra-nc.org.