The Totem Heritage Center’s Native Arts Studies Program is dedicated to perpetuating Northwest Coast Native art and tradition. Classes are offered annually in weaving, basketry, design, carving, and regalia making.
The Totem Heritage Center’s Native Arts Studies Program is dedicated to perpetuating Northwest Coast Native art and tradition. Classes are offered annually in weaving, basketry, design, carving, and regalia making.
The Totem Heritage Center serves as a cultural center for the artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. The Center offers annual classes in the Northwest Coast arts including carving, basketry, weaving, and regalia making. Visiting and local instructors accomplished in the Northwest Coast Native style of art teach these classes to perpetuate and strengthen the traditional arts through their students. Students may work independently, pursue a Certificate of Merit, and earn University of Alaska credit.
Whether your interest in Northwest Coast art is new or you’ve been weaving, carving, or making regalia for years, the Totem Heritage Center’s Native Arts Studies Program has a class to meet your needs. Classes usually run for one to two weeks throughout the winter and spring.
There have been updates to the Spring 2025 class schedule. Updated registration materials will be available soon.
Email marnirickelmann@ketchikan.gov or call 228-2791 with any questions.
INTRODUCTION TO FORMLINE DESIGN
Instructor: Reg Davidson
January 4 - 10, 2025
INT./ADV. FORMLINE DESIGN FOR ENGRAVING
Instructor: Steve Brown
January 11 - 17, 2025 Postponed
INTRODUCTION TO ENGRAVING
Instructor: Steve Brown
January 18 - 24, 2025 Postponed
CEDAR ROPE WORKSHOP
Instructor: Holly Churchill
February 22 - 23, 2025 Postponed
CEDAR BARK PLAITING (a pre-requisite for Int./Adv. Cedar Bark Sail Weaving)
Instructor: Kandi McGilton
February 24 – Mar 2, 2025
Registration Form for CEDAR BARK PLAITING
REGALIA WITH SEWING MACHINES WORKSHOP
Instructors: Janice Jackson & Gara Williams
March 8 – 9, 2025
SPRING BREAK YOUTH CEDAR BARK WEAVING
Instructor: Christina Weber
March 10 – 14, 2025
SPRING BREAK YOUTH FORMLINE DESIGN
Instructor: Michael Milne
March 10 – 14, 2025
INTRODUCTION TO RAVENSTAIL WEAVING
Instructor: Evelyn Vanderhoop
March 20 – 28, 2025
Two classes—afternoon and evening class options!
INT./ADV. REGALIA: DEER HIDE LEGGINGS
Instructor: Janice Jackson
March 29 – April 11, 2025
MODEL CANOE CARVING CLASS
Instructor: Tommy Joseph
April 5 – 12, 2025
INT./ADV. CEDAR SAIL WEAVING FOR MODEL CANOE
Instructors: Holly Churchill
April 12 – 19, 2025
CEDAR BARK HARVESTING
Instructor: Gloria Burns
Spring (May/June) 2025
We look forward to seeing you in class!
REGISTRATION: Fill out the registration form, save, and email to marnirickelmann@ketchikan.gov.
KIC STUDENTS: Click here for a downloadable Esther Shea Cultural Studies Program scholarship application.
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide youth (under 18 years of age) with the opportunity to explore their talents and gain new skills in Northwest Coast art and design. Available for Spring Break classes only.