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 October through April.

Call for Art

We invite Native Arts Studies Program (NASP) students to apply for their work to be included in the Instructor and Student Exhibit Case as part of the Totem Heritage Center’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!

The Instructor and Student Exhibit Case at the Totem Heritage Center highlights the artwork of instructors and students to our community and seasonal visitors. The case also documents the Totem Heritage Center’s history of education and our mission to be a catalyst for the living artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian.

We seek 2-D or 3-D artwork from students who feel their work encompasses developing skill and learning. Artwork cannot exceed 48” in height or width.

To apply, email the dimensions of your artwork and at least one clear photo, along with the information below, to MarniRickelmann@ketchikan.gov by Friday, June 26:
• Artist’s Name:
• Title of Artwork:
• Year the artwork was created:
• Was the artwork created in a NASP class? If so, which class/instructor?
• What materials is the artwork made from?
• Anything you would like to say about the piece:

A panel of Totem Heritage Center Advisory Committee members and NASP instructors will select pieces for the exhibit. Chosen pieces would be loaned to Ketchikan Museums from August 2026 to October 2028.

We look forward to showcasing the amazing work our NASP students create!

Register for Classes

We’ve updated our registration process and students will register for each class on a separate form. Registration forms will switch to digital for classes starting in January. December classes still use the old form and are linked below.

Registration will open a month prior to the first day of class and students will be admitted on a first-come first-serve basis. Students can complete their registration online or stop by the Totem Heritage Center between 1–5:00 PM Tuesday–Saturday and staff can assist. Payment for the class registration fee – whether via credit card, cash, or submitting an Esther Shea Cultural Studies Scholarship – is needed to confirm registration.

KIC STUDENTS: Click here for a downloadable Esther Shea Cultural Studies Program scholarship application.

Native Arts Studies Program Class Policies & Program Participation Agreement.

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Upcoming 2026 Spring Classes

CEDAR BARK HARVESTING
Instructor: Debbie McLavey
May 30-31, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday
Register

Interested in teaching with us?

Fill out the Native Arts Studies Program Instructor Application and email it to MarniRickelmann@ketchikan.gov or stop by the Heritage Center and speak with staff.