President James K. Polk State Historic Site Offers Ornament-Making Workshop Led By Catawba Artist Teresa Dunlap

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site will host a special workshop Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m.-noon with Catawba artist Teresa Dunlap. Dunlap will offer instruction on the intricacies of working with long leaf pine and stitching natural materials into a beautiful ornament that participants can take home just in time for the holidays. The President James K. Polk State Historic Site is administered by North Carolina Historic Sites, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

This unique workshop provides participants with the chance to create a truly unique piece of art and introduces weaving techniques that the Catawba people have used for thousands of years. The cost is $30 per person and registration is required at https://www.jameskpolk.net/events. Participants can expect a 2-3 hour experience, which will include instruction on how to properly use longleaf pine as well as plenty of time to create their own project. Weather permitting, the workshop will take place outdoors where participants can enjoy the fall weather and foliage. In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, the workshop will be relocated inside the museum.

Dunlap is an experienced artist focusing her energy on basketry and clay. As a Catawba citizen, she has worked to master both crafts to create unique one-of-a-kind pieces that honor her heritage while placing her own stamp of creativity into every piece she crafts. After moving to Rock Hill, S.C., in 2021, she studied under other artists to hone her skills and launch a successful art practice of her own. Her work has been featured in the York County (S.C.) Museum and the Hickory Museum of Art. She is currently an ArtPop Cities Program Class of 2025 Artist. Additionally, Dunlap is a featured Native artist with the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums.

About the President James K. Polk State Historic Site
The President James K. Polk State Historic Site is home to the birthplace of the 11th President and the only Chief-of-State born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Located just outside of Charlotte, the site sits on 21 of the original 150 acres owned by President Polk's father, Samuel. Located at 12031 Lancaster Highway in Pineville, N.C., the site is open to visitors Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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