Alaska Native Artist Class Schedule 2010 - 2011

For over a decade these popular workshops offer instruction from Alaska Native artists from around the state. Classes vary in length, but are all taught by Alaska Native Artists representing the indigenous cultures of Alaska.  These classes are supported in part by a generous grant from ExxonMobil.
 

Unangax (Aleut) Basketry   Sharon Kay 
Oct 2, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6      10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Unangax Basketry
Unangax or Aleut  weavers are considered to be among the world’s finest basket makers. Traditionally, these baskets were made from beach ryegrass, and were designed for utilitarian purposes. Many of these baskets were so tightly woven that they could actually hold water. The baskets are constructed with a twining technique. Strands are threadlike in size, and so tightly woven that the texture of a finished basket can be compared to fine linen. Sharon Kay, a world renowned Unangax weaver, will be the instructor.
Class Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced  $200  

Kuspuks     Marge Nakak 
October 30, November 6, 13         10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Kuspuk (Qaspeq)
The kuspuk is a cloth garment worn by men, women and children from several different Alaska Native cultural groups. This garment was traditionally designed after trade cloth was introduced to Native groups. It was originally meant to be a protective outer garment which was slipped on over the traditional parkas of the north. It provided a layer of protection to fur parkas. Today, kuspuks are worn as shirts or lightweight outer garments. Kuspuks are also used as ceremonial garments in Native dancing from the western and northern regions of Alaska. Students in this class will create a cloth kuspuk, complete with hood, pockets and decorative trim The class will be taught by Marge Nakak, an accomplished Yup’ik seamstress. Class Levels: Beginner, Intermediate  $125 

                                                                                                
Octopus Bag   Helen Koenig 
Nov 6, 13, 20           10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
The octopus bag is made from a rectangular piece of cloth and most often decorated with floral beadwork designs. Its name is derived from the bifurcated tabs found at the bottom of the bag. The design arrived in Alaska through trade with the Hudson Bay Company. This type of bag was originally created by the Metis and eastern woodland tribes as a device to carry flint, steel, tobacco, pipes, or ammunition. However, in Southeastern Alaska, the octopus bag became widely used as an accoutrement to ceremonial regalia. Although other Alaskan tribes use the octopus bag, it is the Tlingits who have become most associated with this piece of regalia. The instructor for this class will be Helen Koenig, a Tlingit artisan from the Kiks.adi clan.
Class Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced 
$125

Kodiak/Aleutian Slat Armor     Andrew Abyo
Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12           10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Armor was common amongst the North Pacific and Bering Sea people. This type of armor extended from the Pacific Northwest Coast, north to the Bering Sea coast, and along the coast of Asia as far south as Japan. Traditionally, it was constructed from slats, rods or plates of wood, ivory or bone lashed together with plaited sinew cords. This course will present styles typically found throughout the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, the southern Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound. Andrew Abyo, a well known Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) artist, will be the instructor.
Class Levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
$225

 
Parka Ruffs       Willie Topkok  
Jan 15, 22, 29        10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Traditional parka ruffs are made from many different types of animal skins. Today, some of the most commonly used materials are wolf, wolverine, coyote, and fox. The ruff on a parka is not only meant to be beautiful, but also serves a very practical purpose. Ruffs are designed to be drawn close to the face when the hood is pulled up. This helps to protect a person’s face from exposure to harsh, cold Alaskan weather. The instructor will be Willie Topkok, an established Inupiaq artist.
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced $250 

Sugpiaq/Unangax Ceremonial Headwear    Lalla Williams  
Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26         10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Ritual hats used by the Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) and Unangax (Aleut) were highly stylized pieces of art. Traditionally, these hats were worn during specific ceremonies. They were designed to represent coastal birds, which played a significant role in the spirituality of the Natives from this region. This headgear was made from bird and animal skins, and decorated with embroidery and other materials. The use of these hats was discontinued through the years of contact with westerners. Lalla Williams, Sugpiaq artist and seamstress, has spent countless hours studying and researching the different styles from the Aleutians to Kodiak. Students will explore these styles, and create a ritual hat using land animal furs and modern materials. 
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced $200

Inupiaq Mukluks    Esther Koezuna 
Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26         10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Mukluks are soft boots worn by the people of the Arctic region. Traditionally, these boots were made from animal skins, and were designed for protection of the feet from extremely cold weather. They were lightweight and allowed hunters to move quietly in the pursuit of game. Mukluks were often adorned with tassels and beads, and lined with other animal furs or grass “socks” for added warmth. Today, mukluks are often made with modern materials. This class will utilize bearded sealskin for the soles, and calfskin for the upper parts.  Ross Ferguson, an Inupiaq artist from Wainwright, will instruct this class. 
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
*** Due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, students working with bearded sealskin will need to provide ID Non-Native students will have the choice to use an alternate material for the sole, or to purchase finished soles from an Alaska Native artist. $275

Athabascan Gloves    Charlie Pardue
Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26            10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
The Athabascan people are well known for their work with moose hide and beads. Athabascan gloves are exquisitely decorated, yet are designed to be warm and practical. These gloves will be made from smoked moose hide, beaver fur, and beads. The gloves will also have a decorated gauntlet which extends from the wrist to the lower arm. Today, these gloves are used by traditional hunters and gatherers, city dwellers, and traditional dancers. The instructor for this class will be Charlie Pardue, an accomplished Gwich’in Athabascan artist. Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced $275

Southeast Ceremonial Yokes           Helen Koenig
Feb 5, 12, 19       10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
The Native people from Southeast Alaska often wear a yoke or bib during traditional ceremonies. This item wraps around the neck and then falls upon the chest. These yokes are often decorated with buttons and beads, creating designs that are either representative of clans and/or floral patterns. The yoke is an extremely beautiful accoutrement to traditional regalia. The instructor will be Helen Koenig, a Tlingit artist from the Kiks.adi clan.
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced  $125

Housewives  Sewing Kits           Lalla Williams
Mar 5, 12, 19      10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Housewives (Sewing Kits)
Alaska Native people have always relied heavily upon skin sewing. As a result, a type of sewing kit was created and widely used throughout coastal and western Alaska. They are commonly referred to as “Housewives”. These kits are portable and contain all of the items needed to sew clothing. Although housewives are used mainly by women, it is not uncommon for men to take them on long journeys so that clothing and boat repairs can be made. Housewives were originally made from gut and animal skins. Today, housewives are made from modern cloth materials. Although they are meant as functional items, many are extremely beautiful and artistic. The instructor for this class will be Lalla Williams, an accomplished Sugpiaq artist and seamstress.
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced $125

Athabascan Dentalium Necklaces      Charlie Pardue
Mar. 5, 12, 19           10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Dentalium shells were extremely valuable to the Alaska Native peoples of the past. The shells were traditionally harvested by First Nations people off the coast of Vancouver Island. These shells are often referred to as tusk shells, and were utilized in Native art. Dentalia was then traded up and down the Pacific coast. The Athabascan people created beautiful necklaces incorporating dentalium shells. Often times, these shell necklaces represented an individual’s or clan’s status. Because of their rarity and value, they were considered to indicate high status and were most often worn by tribal leaders. Materials used in this class will be dentalia, moose hide strips, and glass beads. Charlie Pardue, a well-known Gwich’in Athabascan artist, will lead students through the process and creation of beautiful necklaces.
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced.  $200

 
Cup'ik Baskets       Emily Johnston
Mar. 12, 19, 26, April 2,  9        10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Coiled Basketry
The Yup’ik Cup’ik people of Southwestern Alaska create beautiful coiled baskets from beach ryegrass. These baskets are made in many different sizes and shapes. They are most often woven tightly in a rounded shape with a flat bottom. Using dyed grass or gut, designs are woven into the sides to represent various animals. Traditionally, these baskets were utilized as storage containers. Today, baskets are created as art collection pieces. Students will learn the process and design of constructing baskets, trays, or ornaments. The instructor will be Emily Johnston, a renowned Yup’ik Cup’ik artist and basketmaker.
Class Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced  $200
 

To register and guarantee a space in the class, payment must be received in full. ANHC members receive a 10% discount off of class prices. To obtain a full refund, participants must withdraw two weeks prior to the start of class. Within two weeks of the start of class a 50% refund will be given. Within 24 hours no refunds will be given.
Class size is limited to 10 – 12 people to ensure quality interaction and instruction. Enroll today to secure a spot in the workshop of your choice! Space is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
To sign up, call the Reservation Hotline at (907) 330-8000.  Registration form here.


Optional University Credit
Participants who have pre-registered for the university credit with UAA.  Participants are not automatically registered for credit.   3 day classes will earn one credit and the 5 day classes are 2 credits.

Co-sponsored by ExxonMobil, The CIRI Foundation, Alaska Native Education Program Grant (US Department of Education), Education Through Cultural and Historic Organizations (ECHO – US Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement) and the Education Equities Act (US Department of Education).

Sharon Kay- Basket

Charlie Pardue - Athabascan necklace