Northwest Coast Arts Certificate Program
NW Coast Carved Eagle Bowl A contemporary study of ancient arts offered on the Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau campuses

Southeast Alaska's first residents developed distinctive and lasting art. Their descendants continued the traditions with such skill that we continue to be enriched by its beauty. Now, the University of Alaska Southeast offers an opportunity to study Northwest Coast art. Students on the Sitka, Ketchikan or Juneau campuses will develop skills in different media leading to a Certificate of Completion.

Northwest Coast Design Student.
Northwest Coast Design Class

The Northwest Coast Art Certificate Program...

Honors the rich tradition of the Northwest Coast arts.

Requires 20 credit hours of study, provides a core foundation in Northwest Coast Arts, and--like all university classes--is open to everyone.

Enriches understanding of Southeast Alaska's Native cultures.

Provides a foundation for further study in the arts.

Respects and honors the individual and clan ownership of many Northwest Coast designs.

Allows regional study opportunities, including workshops at Ketchikan's Totem Heritage Center.

Art Program Options:

All students are required to complete a common core of five credit hours and 15 credit hours in one of three emphasis areas:

  • Core Requirements
    • -- Beginning Northwest Coast Design
    -- Northwest Coast Native Art History and Culture
    -- Portfolio Review of the best work from elective classes and an independently created piece
  • Basketry Emphasis (15 credits) Instructor Delores Churchill and NW Coast Basketry Student
    • -- Harvest and Preparation of Basketry Materials
    -- Natural Dyes
    -- Northwest Coast Basket Design
    -- Beginning Northwest Coast Basketry
    -- Intermediate Northwest Coast Basketry
    -- Approved electives in Northwest Coast Arts
  • Woolen Weaving Emphasis (15 credits)
    • -- Fiber Arts-Spinning
    -- Natural Dyes
    -- Beginning Northwest Coast Woolen Weaving
    -- Intermediate Northwest Coast Woolen Weaving
    -- Approved electives in Northwest Coast Arts
     

    Stan Beven shows students carving techniques.

  • Carving Emphasis (15 credits)
    • -- Wood Harvesting and Preparation for Carvers
    -- Power Tool Proficiency
    -- Northwest Coast Toolmaking
    -- Beginning Northwest Coast Carving
    -- Intermediate Northwest Coast Carving
    -- Approved electives in Northwest Coast Arts
     
    Mask Carving

     




    Mask Carving is a very popular part of the Northwest Coast Arts course offerings each year.

    For specific information on Sitka Campus' January 2002 Curriculum, click here.

    For the March 2002 Curriculum, click here.

     

     

    Some of the comments from faculty and students...

    Students enjoyed silver carving as a new addition to the curriculum.

    "I teach because I like to keep the skill alive. The classes are a continuity with culture."
    Delores Churchill, instructor

     

    "It's a wonderful thing to do with your hands. What other class can you take that's this much fun?"
    Mary Lou King, student

    "Northwest Coast Native arts are recognized around the world as distinctive, complex and beautiful, and the certificate program offers everyone a rare opportunity to learn and practice these ancient arts."
    Steve Henrikson, instructor

     

    For more information, contact
    UAS SITKA CAMPUS
    1332 Seward Avenue
    Sitka, AK 99835
    (907) 747-6653 or 1-800-478-6653 (outside Sitka)

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