An introduction to Northwest Coast metal and jewelry work, with a focus on design transfer, engraving, and basic shaping metals for jewelry. Students will be given guidance on building their collection of tools and will work on flat projects in silver. Students are expected to create two small individual projects to a state of useful completion.

About the Instructor
Steve Brown was introduced to Northwest Coast art at the age of fifteen. He became a student of Bill Holm in 1968, and worked with Bill at the Burke Museum for four years, attending UW courses and taking part in potlatches with the Kwakwaka’wakw of Vancouver Island. He also spent a number of years working with the Makah Cultural and Research Center at Neah Bay, Washington, during which time Steve worked with five Makah apprentices carving four traditional dugout canoes for the museum installation. One of Steve’s academic endeavors was his research into the art of Kadjisdu.axch’, who was one of the greatest of the historical Tlingit artists. Kadjisdu.axch’ carved the well-known Whale House posts of Klukwan and those of the Chief Shakes’ Dogfish House. Brown’s replications of the Dogfish houseposts have contributed to the understanding of traditional Tlingit art, and are standing on view for all Alaskans and tourists alike.

Applications close on November 24, 2024.