Dot Hutchins of Vassalboro has been named the 2022 Artist of the Year by Belfast’s Arts in the Park Planning Committee.

Hutchins has been participating in Arts in the Park for nearly a decade with her hand-woven baskets. She began basket weaving in 1991 after taking an adult education class and she hasn’t stopped since, weaving quality and tradition into every piece, according to a news release from the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce.

She makes baskets big and small, with and without handles, some for daily use and others for decoration. Other mediums are occasionally included, such as driftwood handles, pottery handles and bases, wood bases and maple curls.

They are all made from reeds of the rattan vine. She has more than 150 designs available.

In 2002, she started Baskets by Dot to further share her love for the craft with others.

Hutchins had been a special education teacher for 38 years.

Baskets by Dot is a member of the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen as well as the Maine Crafts Association. See her work at basketsbydot.com.

Arts in the Park is hosted by the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce and Belfast Parks & Recreation Department. This year’s returning Platinum Event Sponsors include KSW Federal Credit Union and RE/MAX Jaret & Cohn Real Estate.

For more information, find Arts in the Park Belfast on Facebook, visit belfastmaine.org or call 207-338-5900.

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