Artist to talk about her journey as a Northwest Coast artist
Free event to be offered in person, online
March 10, 2025
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will sponsor a presentation this week as part of its spring lecture series featuring Northwest Coast artists.
SHI will kick off the series with Jennifer Younger, an award-winning Tlingit artist based in Sitka.
In her talk, Younger will discuss her navigation through professional Northwest Coast arts practices. She will share motivations, inspirations and goals to provide a framework on why she chose the career pathway of an artist. She will lead listeners along her journey and highlight key steps taken to become a viable artist, including arts education, training and the support and planning guides along the way.
Younger is of the Eagle Kaagwaantaan clan. Raised in the Southeast Alaska town of Yakutat, she was surrounded by nature and the traditional way of life. Younger draws inspiration from traditional Tlingit formline designs, historic artifacts, spruce root basket weaving patterns and the contrast and texture of metals.
Younger strives to continuously push the boundaries of her medium. Each piece of jewelry is handmade and assembled by her. Every engraved creation is unique, as she does not use patterns. Freehand design work ensures customers receive a one-of-a-kind creation.
The lecture is scheduled from 10:15-11:15 am, Tuesday, March 11, in Shuká HÃt within the Walter Soboleff Building, 105 Heritage Way, in Juneau. The event will be livestreamed and posted on SHI’s YouTube channel.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.
CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Communications and Publications Deputy Director, 907.321.4636, kathy.dye@sealaska.com