The ARTShops program is a collaboration between the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation and The CIRI Foundatio...
The ARTShops program is a collaboration between the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation and The CIRI Foundation’s A Journey to What Matters: Increased Alaska Native Arts and Culture grant program. Established in 2016, ARTShops support emerging Alaska Native arts leaders to develop their skills in leading community-based arts programs.
The Kamipiaq Hard Bottom Crimping Class took place in Utqiagvik, Alaska. I held a small group gathering to teach them the process of how to make kamipiaq/maklak hard bottoms out of bearded sealskin. I chose to do a small group to ensure my teaching was intentional through a one-on-one interaction. The class lasted 4 days (evenings) in order for their projects to be complete. The outcome was a success! Each participant learned the skill from start to finish and they feel confident in accomplishing this skill again on their own.
A Journey To What Matters And Asca Partnership Artshops 2019 Kamipiaq Hard Bottom Crimping Class at Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage. Photo courtesy of TCF.
"I see patients who look like my family. They trust me because I understand where they come from."
A Journey To What Matters And Asca Partnership Artshops 2019 Kamipiaq Hard Bottom Crimping Class's story is one of thousands. Every semester, TCF scholarship recipients across Alaska and the Lower 48 are building careers, strengthening communities, and investing in the next generation. The cycle of support continues.
