Fall 2010 Classes

Download Class Schedule with Complete Descriptions Here!

 

Instructor Bios: Past and Present

 

Introduction to Power Tools

Instructor:  Beth Antonsen

October 4 - 6, 2010

Monday – Wednesday, 6 – 9 PM

Registration Fee:  $60    Materials:  $10

Woodworker and furniture maker Beth Antonsen will teach students the safe and proper use of a variety of power tools while making a traditional Northwest Coast-style cedar dance paddle.  The dance paddle can be used later in October as a project for the Introduction to Northwest Coast Design & Carving class.  This course is a prerequisite for all carving classes at the Totem Heritage Center.

Introduction to Northwest Coast Design & Carving

Instructor:  Fred Trout

October 11 - 23, 2010

Mondays - Fridays, 6 - 9 PM;

Saturdays, 10 AM - 3 PM

Registration Fee:  $225  Materials:  $10

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Power Tools

Learn the fundamentals of Northwest Coast design and carving from Tlingit artist Fred Trout.  Students will be introduced to the principles of formline design and the basic elements of Northwest Coast-style carving as they design and carve a small panel or dance paddle.  This class is a prerequisite for all upper level carving and design classes, as well as a design requirement for those pursuing a Certificate of Merit.

Beginning & Intermediate Cedar Bark Weaving

Instructor:  Holly Churchill

October 11 - 20, 2010

Mondays – Fridays, 6 – 9 PM;

Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM

Registration Fee:  $150   

Materials:  $65 (beginning), $85 (intermediate)

Join Haida weaver Holly Churchill as she instructs beginning and intermediate students in cedar bark weaving.  Students will be introduced to materials preparation and traditional Haida-style weaving techniques.  Beginning students will create a small basket using diagonal patterns, plaiting, and alternating colors.  Intermediate students will create a rattle-top basket with advanced design work.  This class is a prerequisite for all upper level weaving classes.

Advanced Northwest Coast Carving:  Frontlets

Instructor:  Donald Varnell

November 8 - 20, 2010

Mondays – Fridays, 6 – 9 PM;

Saturdays, 10 AM – 3 PM

Registration Fee:  $225    Materials Cost: $20 

Prerequisite:  Intermediate NWC Carving

The Northwest Coast frontlet, also known as a

shakee.at (Tlingit) or amhalait (Tsimshian), was traditionally worn by chiefs and other high ranking members of society during a dancing ceremony.  The frontlet features the owner’s house crest carved in high relief, and is traditionally part of a complete dancing headdress including a long train of white ermine skins and a crown of upright sea lion whiskers filled with eagle down.    Haida carver Donald Varnell will instruct students in the advanced design and carving of a traditional frontlet.

 

 

 

Spring 2011 Classes

Download Class Schedule with Complete Descriptions Here!

Instructor Bios: Past and Present

 

Intermediate & Advanced Cedar Bark Weaving

Instructor:  Diane Douglas-Willard

January 24 - 28 &

January 31 - February 4, 2011

Mondays - Fridays, 6 - 9 PM

Registration Fee:  $150 

Materials: $45 (small), $95 (large)

Haida weaver Diane Douglas-Willard will guide students in mixed-level cedar bark weaving projects.  Open weave clam or seaweed baskets will be the primary project focus.  Students of all levels are highly encouraged to participate.  Beginning students will receive instruction in small open weave or rattle top basket projects.

Beginning & Intermediate Northwest Coast Carving:  Halibut Hooks

Instructor:  Tommy Joseph

February 12 -21, 2011

Monday – Friday, 6 – 9 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM – 4 PM

Registration Fee:  $150  Materials: $20

Join guest Tlingit carver Tommy Joseph in designing and carving a traditional halibut hook from yellow cedar.  These ingenious fishing tools were designed to catch a manageable 30-50 pound halibut.  A carved v-shaped wooden hook was set with an iron nail or other sharp barb and was lowered to an appropriate depth with cedar bark or sinew line and stone sinkers.  While highly effective, halibut hooks are regarded as beautiful items as they were often carved with clan crests, alluring designs or other symbolic images. 

Spring Break Cedar Bark Weaving for Youth

Instructor:  Holly Churchill

March 21 – 25, 2011 (22.5 hrs)

Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 2:30 PM

Mixed-Level Ravenstail Weaving

Instructor:  Evelyn Vanderhoop

March 23- 31, 2011

Mondays - Fridays, 6 - 9 PM;

Saturday, 9 AM - 6 PM; Sunday, 12 - 5 PM

Registration Fee:  $250 

Each student is responsible for ordering class materials    

Learn the ancient technique of Ravenstail weaving with guest instructor Haida weaver Evelyn Vanderhoop.  As a weaving method that predates Chilkat weaving, Ravenstail features geometric designs and techniques similar to those used in northwest coast-style basketry.  Beginning students will work on a small pouch, while intermediate and advanced students will work on advanced projects of their choosing.

 

UAS Ketchikan Classes

The following class is offered by the University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan.  Registration for this class must be completed through the University. 

Call 225-6177 to register.

Advanced Cedar Bark Weaving: Tlingit & Tsimshian Style

Instructor:  Delores Churchill

April 4-13, 2011

Mondays-Fridays 6-9 PM