Susan Locke Charlesworth is an award-winning basket weaver whose work has been featured in several exhibitions and museums, including Butler University and the Choctaw Nation Tuskahoma Capitol Museum in Tuskahoma, OK.

As the great niece of Victor M. Locke, Jr., Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation from 1910-1918, Susan first began weaving in 2005 as a way to explore and connect with her cultural heritage. That same year, she entered her first baskets in the Choctaw Nation Annual Labor Day Festival and Art Show. Susan has continued to receive awards at multiple Native art markets, including the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival, the Art Under Oak’s Art Show, and the Choctaw National Art Show.

Originally from Chicago, Susan is a Butler University alumna, retired CAN, and social service consultant with a master’s degree in social work. She is also an avid volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association and now serves as an Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator in Indianapolis.

Susan will present a program on Choctaw baskets that includes a quick overview of the history of Choctaw baskets and a matching game, followed by the opportunity to learn a few words in Choctaw. Students will then be given the chance to draw their own basket designs.