Tradition Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft and Traditional Art    
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Mary Jane Prater
McMinnville, TN
Basketmaker
Traditional Artist


About the Artist

Growing up on a farm in Cannon County, Tennessee, Mary Jane Prater worked on her baskets on rainy days, selling them for 25 cents. With over 70 years experience in making white oak baskets, Mary Jane Prater is also an expert in finding and preparing just the right “pole” to select for her work.

Experience the Exhibit

Left - White Oak Basket, 2004
White oak timber
8.5" x 8.5" x 8"
From the collection of The Arts Center of Cannon County

Right - White Oak Basket, 2006
White oak timber
9" x 9" x 9"
Photo by Luis Quiles


What is mastery to Prater?
“It takes a long time to do one of these… You got to want to do it and enjoy it.”

 

 
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