BANGOR – Clara Neptune Keezer of Pleasant Point was presented a 2002 National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment of the Arts on Friday evening.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins presented Keezer with the award as part of the National Folk Festival’s opening ceremonies.

“It’s a great honor to present this award,” Collins said. “It’s the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts.”

Collins then read from the plaque presented to Keezer: “a master traditional artist who has contributed to the shaping of our artistic tradition and to preserving the cultural diversity of the United States of America.”

Only 13 Heritage Awards are being presented in the country this year.

Keezer, a Passamaquoddy elder, has been weaving baskets for more than 60 years. She is one of three Mainers to win the National Heritage Award since it was established in 1982.

In her quiet demeanor, Keezer accepted the award by saying, “Thank you very much,” first in Passamaquoddy and then in English.

When later asked what the honor meant to her, Keezer said, “Oh gosh – it means everything.”

As part of the ceremony, Blanche Sockabasin sang a traditional Passamaquoddy song “to welcome everyone to the festival and honor Clara,” she said.

As part of the award, Keezer will be given a $10,000 gift and honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16.

Jose Gutierrez of the musical group Trio Chalchihuecan, which performed Friday night, is a previous winner of the award.