Smoky Mountain News

Long-time Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual manager Betty Dupree has passed away.

Dupree worked for 27 years as the manager at Qualla. She was an advocate for the promotion of Cherokee art and artists and became a recognized expert in Cherokee basketry. She worked tirelessly to improve the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual and the community as a whole. Dupress also was a huge advocate and supporter of the Cancer Support Group in Birdtown.

She retired in 1997 but remained a vital part of the Cherokee art world, the Cherokee Indian Fair, the North American Indian Women’s Association and the community.