By Ramona du Houx

October 3, 2012

Molly Neptune Parker, a renowned Passamaquoddy basketmaker in Maine.
Congressman Mike Michaud, who is in Washington today to attend a Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, will help present a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Award to Molly Neptune Parker, a renowned Passamaquoddy basketmaker.

According to the NEA, in 1982 it established the National Heritage Awards as a way of honoring American folk artists for their contributions, recognize the recipient’s artistic excellence, and support their continuing contributions to our nation’s traditional arts heritage. B.B. King was once so honored.

“Molly Neptune Parker has truly distinguished herself through her lifelong dedication to the craft of Passamaquoddy basketmaking. Her family taught her this craft as a child, and now she’s teaching it to her grandson and others, which will ensure it is passed on to the next generation. This will help preserve and promote an important artistic heritage that is part of the story and culture of the people who first inhabited America.” said Congressman Mike Michaud.

“Ms. Parker not only makes the people of Maine proud, but also the many before her who have passed this amazing craft from one generation to the next. I wish to offer my warmest congratulations to Ms. Parker and every fellow receiving this honor.”