Dawn Smith

• Born: January 19, 1957, Johnson City (Washington County)
• Active: Johnson City (Washington County)
• Died: April 12, 2025
• Region: East
• Mediums: Basketry
• Instagram

Dawn Smith

“I am a native of Johnson City, TN. I am a crafter at heart. I learned to sew at an early age, completing my first outfit at 8 years old. In my teens, I taught crafts to the younger girls attending Bertha Ellis Girls Club.

I received my B.S. degree in Food Systems Management from ETSU. While there, I completed the required courses for clothing construction and non-fashion apparel. I first became interested in basket weaving after seeing projects completed by a co-worker in the late 1980s. I received my first basket in 1991, as a wedding gift. In 2019, my organization was re-structured. It was very stressful for those of us who had been longtime employees of the organization. I suggested to another co-worker, a weaver, that she should start a class. We had our first class in March 2019 and finished our baskets in time for Easter.

Many from the original class have moved onto other jobs but we have a group of 8 that meet monthly to weave and catch up on each other’s lives. Weaving is very relaxing for me. Each piece is like very special.”

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