Charlotte LaRoy has been weaving baskets since 1977, using locally harvested natural materials, including grape and honeysuckle vines, pine needles, yucca and tree barks as well as imported reed.

In the last 3 years she has included man-made materials such as ropes, cords, plastics, paper and even computer wire in large free-style baskets. These one-of-a-kind baskets are in keeping with the weaver's tradition of using materials readily avallable in their environment.

Charlotte's interest in basketry dates from a 1976 visit to the Denver Art Museum's Native American basketry collection. The variation in basketry techniques, shapes, colors, materials and decorations has held her interest in basketry design for over twenty years of weaving. She passes on her passion of basket weaving by teaching at the Hand Workshop in Richmond, Va. and at other locations.

Charlotte's work can be seen at these Virginia galleries: The Artisans Center of Virginia, opening June 2000 at Waynesboro Village, 1-64 exit 94; Phenomenon Gallery in Richmond; 2 in a Zoo in Kingsmill; "On The Hill" in Yorktown; The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, and seasonal exhibits.