Apr 12, 2014 | Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects |
The beginning collection for a library…
A couple of weeks ago, I decided I would create a library for my team members in Worldventures, a network marketing company based in Dallas, Texas offering wholesale travel. For the past couple of months, I have been in my own personal training to become a network marketing professional — I’m “Going Pro”. I have read a number of books, listened to self-help CD’s, watched DVD’s and youtube videos — all quite inspiring and motivational with great trainings in techniques and personal development.
Before I begin inviting folks to take a look at our WV services, I want to provide a support system that would assist in the new member’s home-study course in network marketing and of course info on this specific company. I hired my daughter to create a blog website specifically for WV members of the Four Corners area. I typed out notes to my favorite network marketing professionals and xeroxed copies. I also created a library of books whose topics range from financial advice to personal growth and spirituality to network marketing. I collected most of these books from our local thrift shops at great deals, or in some cases, they were free!
Carving the book stamp…
I carved a small stamp from linoleum to mark the books that are “mine.” Just want to make sure that the books are returned. —- I love creating little libraries. There’s something about handling a hard copy book as opposed to the viral books on line, though there are wonderful reasons to have books to read on our latest technological devices!
Each book is stamped on the inside cover to provide identity and unity
If you would like to check out our company, visit my company page by clicking here. If you like what you see and want just the discount travel product, contact me; if you would like to join our exciting network marketing team, contact me; if you would like to do both, well then, what are you waiting for!?
Mar 10, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Chilkat Weaving Class taught by Clarissa Rizal and Lily Hope at SEARHC’s Board Room, Juneau, Alaska — July 2010 — L to R: Fausto Paulo, Mary Ebona Miller, Gail Dabaluz, Trisha Makaily, Leandrea Makaily, Catrina Mitchell, Ricky Tagaban, Lily Hope, & Jeanette Tabor
As of this date March 10, 2014, there are five Chilkat or Ravenstail weaving classes Clarissa will be teaching this Summer in Alaska, Yukon, B.C. and Washington State; here’s her schedule (subject to change depending on additional classes):
Chilkat Weaving Class held at Catrina Mitchell’s home, Juneau, Alaska — 2010
1). One Day “Gain-Confidence-In-Chilkat-Skills Class held the day after Celebration 2014 in Juneau, Alaska: Sunday, June 15th; 9am to 3pm Location: TBA For a description of the class, costs, etc., please read the blog entry with specific details of this class by clicking here.
For further information and sign up, please contact Clarissa at: clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com
Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers taught by Ann Smith and Clarissa Rizal gather on the back deck of the Kwaanlin Dun Cultural Center on the Yukon River, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory – June 2013
2). Ann Smith will be teaching Ravenstail and Clarissa will be teaching Chilkat Weaving during the week of the Adaka Festival at the Kwaanlin Dun Cultural Center in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada — June 27th through July 3rd, 2014
To see photos and read about last year’s Chilkat/Ravenstail weaving class taught by Ann and Clarissa during the Adaka Festival 2013, click here.
To inquire or sign up for this year’s class, contact Charlene Alexander, Executive Coordinator of the Adaka Festival
The cabin of Chilkat Weaving demonstration at the Teslin “Celebration 2013” in Teslin, Yukon Territory
3). Clarissa will teach a two-week Ravenstail Weaving Class July 6 through July 21st, at the Teslin Cultural Center on the shores of Teslin Lake. We will weave a headband; all equipment, supplies and materials will be provided.
Click here to see photos and read about last year’s Chilkat Weaving Gathering and Demo in the cabin which is part of artist’s demonstration during Teslin’s Biennial Celebration 2013.
Inquire or sign up with Melaina Sheldon at the Teslin CC at: Melaina.Sheldon@ttc-teslin.com
4). (Note: There will be just a 3-day break from the Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin to demonstrate at the Atlin Music Festival in Atlin, B.C., the weekend of July 11, 12 & 13th. The Teslin class students (and the Whitehorse or any Alaskan weavers) have the option to demonstrate weaving at the Atlin Music Festival; though your attendance is not required. We will resume the second week of the Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin on Tuesday, July 15th, ending July 21st. )
To see photos and read about last year’s weaving demonstration at the Atlin Music Festival, click here
Teahonna James demonstrates at the Atlin Music Festival, Atlin, B.C., Canada – July 2013
5). A beginner’s Chilkat or Ravenstail weaving class in Yakutat is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31st. Specifics TBA – stay tuned!
6). Clarissa will be teaching Chilkat weaving during a Chilkat Weavers’ Retreat held on Vashon Island, Washington State, during the week of September 9th to the 16th. You must have prior weaving experience and a project already started on your loom.
See more photos and read last year’s blog entry on the Beach House Retreat by clicking here.
Class size is limited to 10 students. For more information and sign up for this year’s Retreat, please contact Sue Shotridge at: sue@shotridgestudios.com
Chilkat Weaving Retreat will be held at the Beach House on Vashon Island, Washington State
Mar 8, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Easy carrying of two 36″ Chilkat weaving looms – the 36-inch loom is generally used for weaving dance aprons, a pair of leggings, a child-size robe, or anything smaller
Each of our Chikat and Ravenstail weaving looms are hand crafted by a local woodworker; it’s not like we can just order these on eBay, Amazon or any fabric or yarn store. Not yet, anyway! Most of our weaving looms are collapsible for easy transport to and from classes, to and from our auntie’s or friend’s house, and to and from the art shows or demonstrations. We need a variety of size of bags to transport our various-sized weaving looms.
Top “wrap-about” zipper of the fabulous Manfrotte (Model # MBAG120PM) for Microphone and music stands – which in this case, thanks to Preston for gifting me this bag, is converted into a Chilkat weaving loom carrying case!
I have hand-made the smaller weaving 24″ looms bags like the black leather one below; however, I need very sturdy, resilient bags for the much larger weaving looms. I have used ski bags with wheels for my 7″ weaving looms, snowboard bags for my 6′ and 5′ weaving looms and most recently this padded microphone/music stand bag with the wrap-around zippered entry at one end!
Two types of weaving loom bags for a 24″ hardwood loom: the black leather bag with button and beadwork trim was made by Clarissa Rizal nearly 25 years ago, and the green cotton bag with front pouch is a yoga mat bag. Both of shoulder straps
When traveling across country by boat, car or plane with a large weaving loom, I recommend owning a padded, sturdy bag, preferrably with wheels! I have traveled annually with my weaving looms of all size for nearly 30 years. I know the ropes, folks — it’s all in the bag!
Mar 4, 2014 | Class Act, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Just finished the eyebrows of the Chilkat face – the “being” can now “express” it’s emotions…
I envision many of you Chilkat weavers have started this year off with a project or two on your loom(s), or you are at least intending to complete the one(s) you have on your loom(s) this year! I would like to help inspire and assist you to complete your project(s) and gain confidence as a weaver of Chilkat.
I will be conducting a workshop in Chilkat weaving for just one day in Juneau the day AFTER Celebration on Sunday, June 15th. (Some of you who are from out of town may make arrangements to spend another day to attend this valuable workshop!) My daughter, Lily Hope will be my assistant.
This workshop is for experienced weavers of all levels. “Experienced” meaning you have at least some basic knowledge of how to warp your loom, how to weave the two strand twine and the three-strand braid, etc. This workshop is about refining your skills and gaining confidence as a weaver of Chilkat.
It doesn’t matter to me if you learned from another Chilkat weaver or were a student of mine, we are all in the same boat – you are welcomed to attend.
The workshop will focus on tricks-of-the-trade skills learned from Jennie Thlunaut and those that I developed the past 30 years of weaving. These include (but are not limited to):
- Jennie’s fingering technique for grace, speed and accuracy (Weave a Chilkat robe in 5 to 6 months instead of a year! Yes, this can be your reality!)
- Why we “open wide” (no, this has nothing to do with mouths)
- Why we “give it the finger” (no, this has nothing to do with behavioral problems)
- Jennie’s methods of warp markers, creating square corners with your braids, how to interlock gracefully, etc. (Learned from the
- The importance of paying attention to your braids (like the way you pay attention to your hair braids)
- Why and where you would use two different shades of weft (even Museum staff wonder why this technique was used in the old robes)
- How to weave the various types of noses (let’s make the weaving of noses fun!)
- Which color is woven first when interlocking on a curve (you wouldn’t think so, but this technique is very important)
- Turning the corners of your eyes (oh so very, very important; the mainstay of Chilkat eyes!)
- Splicing (you will know when you are doing this wrong!)
- the “fast-black” weavers (is it a person, place or thing?)
- spinning warp tricks-of-trade (fine warp and weft produces fine weave)
- how to avoid shoulder, neck and back aches (what!? As if this is important!?)
- exercise while weaving (yep, get on the ball, folks; tone yourself up while you weave!)
- why it is best to have several weavings going at once (like I have time to weave more than one weaving!?)
- And whatever else you need to know! (Be assertive; create your list of questions now and bring them to class!)
Date:
- Sunday, June 15, 2014 (the day after Celebration ends)
- 9am to 3pm
Location:
TBA — I have not found a location just yet. I am looking into this. The location depends on the number of people who are interested in this workshop. I may conduct the workshop in someone’s home if we have 10 people or less (because I like having a kitchen so we can eat!), or if we have more than 10, we conduct the workshop in an office boardroom or possibly the JACC, etc.
If you have a suggestion for a location, please let me know.
Supplies:
- I will not be supplying any materials and supplies. You must bring your own loom already “dressed” with your weaving project on it.
- If you need any warp to start a new project before this class begins, I will contact our two warp spinners Ricky Tagaban or Teahonna James; place your orders ASAP.
Requirements:
- You will need to bring your own weaving project already on your loom; also your own tapestry needle, scissors, twine, notebook, pen/pencil, camera
- You may take as many photographs as you want though I will not allow video taping.
- bring food to share (we will be eating our lunch together)
Optional:
- bring your own body ball (click here to see what this is)
Deadline for sign up:
- June 10
- Maximum # of students: 20
Cost:
- $50 cash, check, or visa
- Make payment by June 10th; the earlier the better to reserve your spot in the class
- I will be in Juneau by June 10th
- If you need to pay via visa, we can meet up and I’ll swipe your card on my “Square”; if you pay by check, make it out to “Clarissa Rizal” – and of course, cash keeps things simple and is always welcome!
After Class at 4-5pm:
Directly after class, for about an hour or so, I will be available to talk to those of you who want to be a self-employed artist; those who want to weave, weave and weave, but are wary about making a living at your work. I know that after 37 years of being a full-time, self-employed artist working in a variety of mediums and raising three kids and a husband all the while, I am a living testament to “it can be done!” I can help provide you some advice and opportunities which may assist you in working towards this goal. I will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts, grant organizations, entrepreneur classes at IAIA, and a couple of methods to make residual income. There will be no charge for this information. Let me know if you are interested and I will pencil you in!
if you are interested in taking this one-day class, contact me via phone (970-903-8386) or email (clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com).
Let’s face it, we’re going to have a blast! (Like “Hello!” — imagine a room of weavers “weaving on the ball!”)
Thank you for your time and interest!
Nov 7, 2013 | Class Act, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Chilkat weaving class taught by the late Jennie Thlunaut at Raven House, Haines, Alaska, March 1985 – photo by Larry McNeil
Weavers of Chilkat, Spruce root, Cedar bark and Ravenstail gather to share their knowledge during the Clan Conference held this weekend starting today through Friday and Saturday at Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska. Click here to find out more info; read the Juneau Empire article.
For those who are in Juneau and do not want to attend the conference but want to see the weavers, there is a $5 fee only on Friday and Saturday paid to the Clan Conference. Thank you to Peter Metcalfe for inviting the weavers back in full force this year! Thank you to Lily Hope for assistance in coordinating the event. Many thanks to all the volunteering weavers who have come from far and wide and locally; happy spinning and weaving to all!
Oct 19, 2013 | Class Act, North Tide, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Della Cheney and Percy Kunz demonstrates cedar bark weaving at the Weavers’ Gathering demonstration during the Clan Conference in Juneau, 2009
Once again, the Clan Conference will convene in Juneau at Centennial Hall Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 7, 8, & 9th. This is a time of shared and gained educational experiences from the Native and/or collegiate perspective. For more information on the details of the Clan Conference and a listing of the lectures, please click here to visit the website. or click here for the Juneau Empire’s announcement of the Clan Conference.
Chilkat, Ravenstail, Cedar bark and Spruce root weavers will gather together in the lobby of Centennial Hall for the entire three days, 10am to 4pm to share their knowledge. In 2009, the presentation was a big hit, we’ve been asked to demonstrate again. Click here to see past photos of the weavers’ demonstration.
We welcome weavers to join us and participate in this fun endeavor! Contact Clarissa Rizal or Lily Hope if you are interested!
Sep 14, 2013 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Balls of Chilkat warp and bundles of split cedar enjoy a great view from the upper deck of the KVI Beach House in Vashon Island, Washington State
While standing inside the dining room window, I shot this image of Melissa and Sue – two strong-willed, organized, power-packed women who are still busy doing business while we make an effort to relax at this wonderful beach house retreat!
Sue Shotridge insisted that she, Mellisa Rinehart and I take a two-day retreat to this wonderful beach house on Vashon. She INSISTED and she was PATIENT with my initial responses of “what for…?” She had to explain that I was an extreme “Type A” personality who after taking a three-month weaving tour at my age, needed a break. She also needed a break and she wanted to talk with Melissa and I about the logistics of hosting a week-long weaving retreat next year in September at this beach house. We relaxed while doing business. What a wonderful concept! I intend on conducting business this way more often!
Melissa and Sue take photos while heading down the hillside to the beach (just a couple of stones throw away from the house)…
KVI Beach House – from the beach
close up of KVI Beach House – from the beach…
Clarissa demonstrates to Melissa how to split and prepare the wool roving for spinning with cedar bark to create Chilkat warp
I taught Melissa how to spin her own warp so that a year from now when we do the weaving retreat, she will have enough warp to do a large project or several small ones. We spun while Sue took notes planning the weaving retreat.
Clarissa demonstrates how to groom balls of warp to Melissa, an attentive student indeed!
- A perfect stage for relaxing while spinning warp for our next weavings…!
Check out more photos and information of the KVI Beach House at: http://www.vrbo.com/408415
Stay tuned for an announcement about the Northwest Coast Weavers Retreat. Space is limited; first come first serve. We are gonna have a blast!
Aug 23, 2013 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
L to R: Clarissa Rizal, Teahonna James, Vanessa Morgan, Crystal Rogers, and local beginner weaver Stefanie Sidney from Whitehorse
Last Summer/Fall 2012, three apprentices learned a bit of weaving in my studio in Colorado: Vanessa Morgan from Kincolith, Nass River B.C., Crystal Rogers from Juneau, Alaska, and Teahonna James from Durango, Colorado, her family originally from Klawock, Alaska. We talked about meeting up again; this time we’d meet in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory beginning with the Adaka Festival mid-June 2013 – (click here to see blog entry on the Adaka Festival). During the festival, there is a Northwest Coast Native Art Exhibit that is shown only during the length of the one-week festival (click here to see parts of the exhibit). Included in the exhibit were two Ravenstail robes, a child-size 4-piece Ravenstail dance ensemble and one Chilkat robe. These woven ceremonial regalia were part of the “Weavers’ Dance” (click here to see this blog entry).
The purpose of our weaving tour: to recognize, acknowledge and support local weavers of the community, share our knowledge with local weavers of all experience levels within the community, inspire and secure the next generations of weavers, create a network of weavers wherever they live, educate the general public about Chilkat weaving, and to simply weave together!
Two maps and a calendar grace the walls above Clarissa’s loom in the Weavers’ apartment; one is a map of the Northwest Coast and the other a map of Yukon Territory – please take notice of the “money” chair; this particular sits on a her money! heeeeeheeeee!
We financed this tour out of our own individual pockets; no funding came from elsewhere. We did this tour because we were inspired to weave, travel and because we knew there were other weavers out there who wanted our support and wanted us to come visit. We started our weaving tour in Whitehorse, Yukon during the Adaka Festival weaving class taught by Ann and myself (click here to see photos and story); we rented a Yukon College campus two-bedroom, fully-furnished apartment for the four of us; each splitting the rent and each bringing a mound of food – though Crystal and Teahonna brought more pots and pans and spices and cooking utensils.
Table and floor looms, along with spinning warp supplies and a sewing machine to sew up spinning pads, define this particular space as a weaver’s nest!
We took turns cooking meals and keeping the place half-way decent; but we mostly wove on our projects. I gave instruction now and then when needed, and we each set our own hours. There was a drawback for most of us: no cell phone service (though my Verizon service was excellent), however, we were lucky that we had occasional internet service.
Crystal Rogers puts in the braids for her eyebrows of her child-size Chilkat robe
During our almost 4-week “residency” in Whitehorse, we invited any of the beginning students from the Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving class taught by Ann Smith and myself, held at the Adaka Festival to come on by and weave with us (you may check out the weaving class blog entry by clicking here.) Alas, only two local women showed up. The others were busy fishing, berry-picking, etc. – we cannot blame them; they were doing the important stuff like putting up food for winter!
Teahonna spins Chilkat warp
During our month in Whitehorse, we used this apartment as our home base as we took a weekend trip to the Atlin Music Festival in Atlin, B.C., just a 2-hour drive from Whitehorse. We were invited by Louise Gordon, a member of the Wolf Clan, to her hometown of Atlin, to demonstrate Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving during the Atlin Music Festival, July 12-14. Check out the blog entry on our weekend jaunt to Atlin by clicking here.
Teahonna splits cedar bark
At the end of our stay in our “luxury” on campus apartment in Whitehorse, we attended Teslin’s “Kus Te Yea – Celebration 2013” event held July 26-28. Again we were invited to demonstrate weaving during this wonderful 3-day event. Check out the blog entry of our own “weaving cabin” during Teslin’s Celebration by clicking here.
The washed warp is tightly-stretched around the back of a wooden chair to dry
Directly after Teslin’s Celebration, we drove down to Skagway and caught the ferry to Haines, Alaska where we were hosted by Lee Heinmiller at the Alaska Indian Arts and we demonstrated weaving at the Sheldon Museum July 30-August 1st. Check out the blog entry of our visit at the Sheldon Museum in Haines by clicking here.
Click here to read the poem Wayne Price wrote in honor of our mentor, the late Jennie Thlunaut and in honor of our dedication to the preservation and perpetuation of Chilkat weaving
Our weaving tour did not quite “end” in Haines; even now I cannot say that our tour has ended – it’s an on-going adventure. Vanessa was called home to help with her daughter’s birth of a child (and she will host Crystal who is intending to visit Vanessa and the Nass River for the first time); by ferry, Crystal headed to Prince Rupert, B.C. to meet up with weaver Megan O’Brien; Teahonna ferried to Klawock, Alaska to attend the Klawock Totem Raising, attend a family reunion and met up with weaver Suzi Williams; and I have done and am doing a number of things (i.e. a student during the Jineit Academy’s artist-in-the-schools teacher’s training Aug. 5-9, (click here to read the blog entry on the artists and teachers); picked lots of nagoon berries (click here to see those wonderful berries); hung out with grandchildren and my daughter; a part-time clerk at friend Jan Parrish’s Aurora Healing store located one door up North Franklin Street from Hearthside Books in downtown Juneau (click here for link to Jan’s Alaskana Botanicals); and, helped Juneau weaver Catrina Mitchell start her Ravenstail weavings (you may click here to read that blog entry.)
Vanessa weaves her eyelids
Next? We are then planning a tentative journey to the Toadlena Trading Post in the Chuska Mountains about 30 miles southwest of Shiprock, New Mexico. For over 10 years, Mark Winter, Navajo rug “expert” hosts the Navajo weavers’ “Spinning and Carding Day” the third weekend in September. This is the one day of the year where most if not all of the Navajo weavers in the Two Grey Hills area gather together and begin to prepare the wool for the following winter’s weaving projects. (Click here to find out more info on the Toadlena Trading Post.)
In previous visits on this day, when we have shared our cross-cultural weaving knowledge, we learned that the Navajo and Chilkat weavers had something in common: we use the same type tool to spin our weft yarns called the “drop spindle.” We do not use the small drop spindle, we use the longer one where the post of the drop spindle measures from our knee to the floor. So to enable us to eventually spin our own weft yarns of mountain goat, we want to learn from the Navajo weavers how to use this particular drop spindle. We are excited to learn this from another indigenous tribe, whose sense of humor is much like ours.
An outline on the white board enables each of us to help reach our goals – down below there is a drawing of how to weave the perfect circle…
Where will be weaving this Winter? Well, we will spend the Fall in Colorado because it is beautiful, and come Winter, well…that’s still yet to be determined. Maybe we “Alaska Girls” (as the Canadians call us), will go to Mexico and do a cross-cultural exchange there to learn about dyeing weft yarns, or meet up with the Maori weavers and share weaving techniques. The “book” is wide open. Who knows where we will really be in the next month!
Sometimes we shuffle from one “work station” to another – (i.e. weaving loom, to splitting warp or wool, to spinning warp, to baking bread to making dinner, to hanging out on the deck, etc.)
If you are interested in sponsoring us in your community, contact any one of us, and let’s go from there. Our tentative plans for next Summer are: directly after Celebration 2014 (June 11-13) in Juneau, Alaska, we will head up to Whitehorse for the annual “Adaka Festival – A celebration of Yukon’s diverse and distinctive First Nation’s arts and culture” where we hope to teach another Chilkat/Ravenstail weaving class during the week.
Vanessa, Clarissa and Ann
After Yukon, we will head to the coast of British Columbia to the towns of Terrace, Kincollith on the Nass, Prince Rupert, Alert Bay, Masset and Haida Gwaii. We want to network and work with weavers of these communities. We would like to spend at least 3 days up to a week at each community. Our intentions are the same as above: to recognize, acknowledge and support local weavers of the community, share our knowledge with local weavers of all experience levels within the community, secure the next generations of weavers, create a network of weavers, bring Chilkat weaving appreciation to the general public, and to simply weave together!
We noticed that sunsets in Whitehorse in the peak of Summer take about hours to set, but not really cuz the sun just swings itself back up into the sky, so what do weavers do on their breaks? They take photographs of lingering sunsets!
We will be looking for funding sources to assist with our travel expenses (gas, food, lodging, ferry fare). If you would like to assist in whatever way you know you can help, please contact either one of us (Stefanie, Crystal, Vanessa, Teahonna, Clarissa). We appreciate your assistance!
Ann instructs Teahonna on the next technique…
Weavers burn a lot of calories – thinking takes a lot of energy, so one of the things that is very important to us is that we eat well…here we see the sponge-method bread rising in a bowl and salad makings off to one side to go along with our salmon frying on the stove. oh yum, when we were done with our tour, did we gain weight or what!?
Having a sunny deck helps “get us out of the house” while we are still working – here Vanessa spins the warp for her child-size robe’s side braids….
Local Whitehorse beginner weaver, Stefanie receives help from both sides, Vanessa and Crystal
Securing our next generation of weavers: Crystal Rogers, Lily Hope, Stefanie Sidney
Aug 19, 2013 | Class Act, Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Catrina Mitchell from Juneau, Alaska winds the skein of weft onto the ball winder to create a ball of weft – working from a ball of weft is much easier to draw the yarn from than the skein…
A student of Ravenstail and Chilkat, Catrina Mitchell knows what she wants to do in the evenings and on the weekends this Fall and Winter into Spring: Ravenstail weaving! We’re excited! Am I going to reveal WHAT she is weaving, for WHO and WHEN she wants it done? NO. Hello…That’s a secret! It’s enough to know she is one of several women on a mission to complete her weaving(s) by Celebration 2014 next year. — For those of you who haven’t gotten started on your weaving; what are you waiting for? Winter is coming! Let’s get on the ball and have fun! And let’s join for a Weavers’ dance and song next year!
Catrina has warped up her loom (or “dressed” her loom) – She wove her first row (called the “anchoring row”) and before she weaves her first 5 rows of white, she is now double-checking the length of each warp end making sure they are all the same length
Catrina is happy to remember how to do Jennie Thlunaut’s fingering for speed, accuracy, tension and most of all: GRACE!
A perfect Weaver’s Tote! Each compartment has a purpose of its own – four distinct places for the four colors: black, white, yellow, blue – compartments for pen and small spiral-bound notebook – compartment for scissors, large-eye tapestry needles, cotton twine/sinew, and then some!
Aug 10, 2013 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
R to L: Darlene See (Hoonah), Alison Bremner (Yakutat) and Joe James (Angoon) review classroom kits designed to teach K-5 students to recognize the interpretation of Tlingit designs
For a week August 5 through the 9th at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center (JACC), Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Jineit Academy, the Juneau School District and JACC sponsored 9 school teachers and 9 Tlingit artists from Southeast Alaska to collaborate with one another to design classroom kits for school teachers to use to teach Tlingit form line art in grades K-12 to be used throughout Southeast Alaska. The intention of this week-long seminar is to educate and upgrade the standards of Tlingit form line art.
Artists and school teachers — L to R: Clarissa Rizal, Konrad Frank, Nicole Demmert, Pauline Johnson, Allie High, Arlene Wilson, Jay Watts, Glenda Lindley, Joe James, Darlene, See, Linda Churchill, Alison Bremner, Susan Nachtigal, Della Cheney, Justina Starzynski, Shgen George, Michelle Martin — James White is not pictured
School teachers received a crash course in learning how to draw Tlingit form line and the Native artists learned skills and strategies in teaching form line art in the schools. Invited artists came from Angoon, Kake, Wrangell, Yakutat, Hoonah, Juneau and as far away as Seattle. School teachers came from as far away as Anchorage. This week-long, intense training course is one of the first of its kind.
One of several example kits (used in the Juneau Public Schools), reviews the learning the ovoid
During our introductions on the first day, we realized that none of us knew what we were getting into. We were not clear of the intention of the course; we just filled out the one-page paperwork a month prior to the event questioning us if we had ever taught in the schools and where we learned our form line art, and figured okay, what the hey! So it’s just like artists to fly on a wing and show up, not knowing what the heck we’re getting into — it’s another adventure! And what an adventure this one was: an experience of a lifetime.
Konrad James explains to the class the kit his group reviewed – Instructor Heather Ridgeway stands in the far right listening to our observations
Enthusiastic Heather Ridgeway formed us into groups of two or three to review classroom kits that have been used in the school system for several years. These kits were examples that helped us learn how to design and implement our own kits that we would create to teach students form line art and refine their art each year so that by the time they reach high school, they are well-versed in thought and hand, how to create a successful Tlingit design.
Academy coordinators Shgen George and Shaadootlaa Hanlon provide guidelines on how the artists and the school teachers will begin to collaborate on the creation of new kits that will teach K-12 students the formline art of the Tlingit
There were so many things we artists learned during this week; and the great part about this seminar was that it was actually fun! We had so much fun thinking, thinking, thinking for 8 hours, that by the end of each day at 5pm we were exhausted. I, personally, can CREATE for 8 hours no problem, but to THINK for 8 hours non-stop, holy, that’s a lot of WORK! — no wonder why teachers cannot do anything else in their 9 months of work other than teach; their creative work is in teaching others how to learn! By the end of this seminar, my appreciation level for teachers in the schools sky-rocketed.
Former-school-teacher-now-Teacher-Trainer Lynn Williams explains one of the strategies used to keep children’s attention and to complete their projects
Teacher Coach, Lynn Mitchell reviews each artist group who begin creation of a new kit
Pauline Johnson (artist) and Glenda Lindley (teacher) collaborate on kit designed to teach a Kindergartener how to identify ovoids in form line art
Juneau school teacher and artist, Shgen George teaches the school teachers a step-by-step process of the basic fundamentals of Tlingit form line art – several of us artists wanted to sit in on the class!
James White (teacher), Nicole Demmert (artist), and Jay Watts (teacher) hash out the details of how the kit instructions will be explained to the school teacher who will use this kit to teach her students form line art – while James does a test piece on his proposed kit using clay
Ask Della Cheney what she thought of the whole concept of Tlingit artists and public school teachers coming together to assist one another in teaching Tlingit form line art to K-12 students: De-light-ful!
Click here to read the Juneau Empire article. Thank you for your interest.
And thank you to Shgen George, Shaadootlaa Hanlon, Davina Cole, and Annie Calkins who helped organize this event.
Thank you to our teaching instructors: Heather Ridgeway, Lynn Mitchell and Roblin Gray
Gunal’cheesh!
