Born in Indian Township, Maine, Molly Neptune Parker is a master Passamaquoddy basket weaver. In her role as an artist, educator, and community leader, she has shared her expertise generously, ensuring the continuation of this important art form. As she explains: “Basket making … is about innovation and creativity within the context of a traditional art form. The functionality, the materials, and the shapes have been a legacy for each generation. … Basket making is an art that I believe I was born to do, much as my ancestors have done for thousands of years.”

Parker’s accolades include the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship, the Maine Arts Commission’s Fellowship Award for Traditional Arts, and the New England Foundation for the Arts’ Native Arts Award.

This May Bowdoin College recognizes Molly Neptune Parker’s extraordinary achievements with an honorary degree. To mark this occasion, a selection of her baskets is now on display in the Rotunda of the Museum. Her work will remain on view through May 31, 2015.