SHI PLANNING RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT ON NATHAN JACKSON
Institute seeking pieces from collectors to exhibit
August 10, 2018
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is planning a retrospective on the famed Tlingit artist Nathan Jackson, clan leader of the Lukaax.ádi, and is currently seeking pieces.
The exhibit will feature work made by Jackson from the institute’s collection and pieces on loan. SHI currently is seeking carvings, jewelry, prints and any other items made by Jackson for the exhibit and is appealing to the public to participate in the project.
The items would be featured in the exhibit from April 1 to October 15, 2019. Pieces would be chosen at the discretion of SHI.
“Nathan is one of the best Tlingit artists of our time, and we know his work has been collected widely,” said SHI President Rosita Worl. “We want to feature the best of his work and we hope collectors will participate.”
Jackson learned to carve in the 1950s at a time when Native people were in danger of losing knowledge of ancient art practices. Since 1967, he has been creating masks, panels, house posts, totem poles, and jewelry using traditional Tlingit Northwest Coast formline design in his own unique style. Jackson’s goal is to ensure that the traditional art forms are not lost, and he has mentored many Native artists. He was designated a national living treasure by President Bill Clinton.
The exhibit gallery at SHI is named in his honor. He also serves on the institute’s Native Artist Committee and guides SHI’s art programs.
People who own pieces by Nathan Jackson and are interested in loaning them for the exhibit should contact Collections Manager Heather McClain at heather.mcclain@sealaska.com or 586-9202.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social 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 Media and Publications Specialist, kathy.dye@sealaska.com or 907.321-4636.
Caption: Foreground, mask made by Nathan Jackson from SHI’s ethnographic collection.
For a high resolution image, contact kathy.dye@sealaska.com.
