SHI TO SPONSOR LECTURES, DISCUSSIONS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, WALTER SOBOLEFF DAY
Oct. 26, 2015
(Flyer)
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will sponsor its annual noon lecture series to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Walter Soboleff Day in November.
This year’s lineup includes some of the world’s most distinguished Northwest Coast and Alutiiq artists and will conclude in early December with a panel discussion by young Native artists on the future of Northwest Coast art. SHI also will host a panel discussion titled Retrospective View of Dr. Walter Soboleff to commemorate the state’s annual Walter Soboleff Day.
The lectures will be held from 12-1 pm in the Living History Center at the Walter Soboleff Building in Juneau. Attendees are invited to bring their own lunches. The talks also will be videotaped and posted online. The event was co-sponsored by the University of Alaska Southeast.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3
The Revival of Tsimshian Art
David A. Boxley
Tsimshian Master Artist
Tsimshian art was among the finest achievements of Northwest Coast peoples until the influence of the Christian missionaries began to be felt in the mid-18th century. This influence continued with the establishment of “new” Metlakatla in Alaska in 1887, where Rev. Duncan required residents to pledge they would give up their heathen ways. Against this history, modern Tsimshian artists are once again producing very fine works of art. David will describe the resurgence of Tsimshian art in the 20th century.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10
The Antiquity and Evolution of Northwest Coast Art
Steve Brown
Northwest Coast Art Author, Scholar
Steve will use images of both historical and archaeological objects to illustrate the changes in style from then to now that can be seen in culturally treasured artifacts from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. Artists and carvers in successive generations have consistently interpreted anew the design conventions of their forebears, keeping traditions alive while creating new original artworks through time. The images celebrate these developments.
- Friday, Nov. 13
Retrospective Views of Dr. Walter Soboleff
Panel: Speakers TBA
SHI will host a retrospective on the views of Dr. Walter Soboleff, the namesake for the Walter Soboleff Building. This event is scheduled in his honor to commemorate the state’s annual Walter Soboleff Day.
- Tuesday, Nov. 17
Discovering Haida Art: A Personal Journey
Robert Davidson
Haida Master Artist
Robert will discuss his personal journey of discovery through Haida art and ceremony and how he learned to look at and appreciate the magic of the Old Masters’ creations.
- Tuesday, Nov. 24
Art of our Ancestors: Kodiak Island
Perry Eaton
Perry will discuss European and Russian museum collections of Alutiiq materials and their impact on today’s artists and Alutiiq culture.
- Thursday, Dec. 3
Northwest Coast Art Into the Future
Panel: Alison Bremner, David R. Boxley, Rico Worl, Nick Galanin
A panel of young Native artists will discuss the future of Northwest Coast art.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private, nonprofit founded in 1980 to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars. Its mission is to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska.
CONTACT: Chuck Smythe, History and Culture Director, 907.586.9282
