Alaska State Museum provides youth opportunities to learn Alaska Native art skills

This month the Alaska State Museum is offering youth a chance to learn the art techniques from renown Alaska Native artists.

On June 19, Lily Hope will teach how to make a Chilkat tassel keychain or zipper pull.

Hope is an artist, teacher, and a community facilitator. She intertwines Indigenous techniques and spiritual teachings with traditionally sturdy artist communities, supporting and enthusing Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers internationally.

On June 26, Jill Kaasten Meserve and Davina Cole Drones will lead a workshop on beading a design inspired by Ravenstail robes and baskets.

Jill Kaasten Meserve is of the Chookaneidí (Eagle-Bear clan) from Xáay Hít (Yellow Cedar House). She grew up in Hoonah and now lives in Juneau where she is a dedicated Tlingit language learner and artist. She learned how to bead from her aunties during Tlingit language and culture classes in Hoonah.

Davina Cole Drones (Tlingit) is Yanyedí of the T’aaku Kwáan. She is an artist who works with fibers, skins, and other regalias to connect with her culture.

Both workshops are in-person at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff building in Juneau. Register in advance by completing the participation form or visiting https://lam.alaska.gov/youthart.

The Division or Libraries, Archives and Museums is also hosting workshops for all ages including formline and block printing classes on both Zoom and at the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka. Find more details in the latest edition of At the APK & SJM.