APRIL ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Dorothy Stone Inouye is Artisans' Co-op only basket maker. She learned basketry under the watchful eye of her Indian grandmother and has built on this knowledge to produce baskets that,
while paying homage to her ancestry, reflect her esthetic and design sense.

On display this month are three of her baskets. Each is different size and shape, however, they each share certain design signatures. They are all double-walled baskets. The inside has a different look and many times a different color from the outside. They are all original designs with embellishments that fit their shape and size, and the color comes from Dorothy dyeing the materials with natural dyes that she forages for and makes herself.

Also on display are smudge sticks made from sage that Dorthy has grown. Traditional smudge sticks were lit and used in purifying ceremonies. However, they can placed in areas and used as air fresheners and they have a reputation as a bug repellent. They also have a delightful scent.