Alaska Indian Arts PO Box 271 Haines Alaska 99827 907-766-2160 mail@alaskaindianarts.com Home Ordering a Totem Pole Visiting Alaska Indian Arts The Chilkat Dancers 50th Anniversary
AGENDA: To study
the art and culture of the Tlingit people first hand. To understand
how these people with an elaborate social structure developed
such an elaborate art form.
To reinterpret these ideas as individuals and observers, and develop
ones own direction by sculpting in wood, using tools and techniques
that are traditionally used on the Northwest Coast. Some tools
are commercially available; some will be custom made to fit each
individual hand.
To visit the wilderness by hiking, beach combing and picnics.
We will share ideas, intermingle with the locals, and enjoy a
rare opportunity that most tourists will never experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
both workshop and housing is at Alaska Indian Arts, a non-profit
Indian arts training center. AIA is located in historical Ft.
William H. Seward; an Army base built in 1903 to control the Alaska
gold rush. AIA was once the hospital building for the fort. First
floor is the art center; second floor is housing for the artists.
We will divide 10 to 12 people into three large rooms and two
small rooms. We will cook group meals together. We will become
"family" for three weeks, living, eating, enjoying the
sights and intensively carving wood.
*Other options for housing are available, such as bed and breakfast
rooms within close walking distance. Or camping!
Prices vary.
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"The exciting thing is to be in the environment where large totems in the Tlingit tradition are being produced. This energy is inspiring to all levels of skill. Everyone who has taken the workshop has left with fond memories and great inspiration of the Tlingit people and the environment in which they live. My emphasis in the class is to be inspired with the North West Coast art form, but not to train artists to reproduce totems that are so connected to the culture itself." David Svenson |
Alaska Indian Arts is proud to offer woodcarving
workshops with Dave Svenson. David first began working at Alaska
Indian Arts in 1969. He has continued to work with the local artisans
on large totem projects. David brings students primarily from
the Acaemy of Art College in SF to study woodcarving techniques
of the Tlingit tradition to incorporate into their individual
sculptural ideas. David is best known for his sculpture in glass
and neon, often with a Northwest Coast theme.
