Northwest Native Wood Carvers to Gather at The Evergreen State College

Northwest Native Wood Carvers to Gather at The Evergreen State College, October 27-28, 2007

(Olympia, Wash.)  The Evergreen State College Longhouse will host the Third Northwest Native Wood Carvers Gathering. The gathering is an event in which Native carvers convene to exchange information and techniques as well as to discuss issues related to Native carving. The event is free and open to the public on Sunday, October 28, between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. without prior registration.

This year there will be a special focus on international indigenous cultural exchanges from the perspectives of indigenous carvers from New Zealand, Hawai’i and Canada.  Master carvers Kala Willis (Native Hawaiian), Takirirangi Smith (Maori) and Dempsey Bob (Tahltan/Tlingit) will be speaking about indigenous cultural exchange.

The workshops this year will focus on tool making, restoration techniques for historical figures and regional Native design styles. Carvers also have the opportunity to present their work (in slides or PowerPoint format).  Some of this year’s featured carvers include Joe David (Nuu-Chah-Nulth), Greg Colfax (Makah), Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island), Dempsey Bob (Tahltan/Tlingit), Takirirangi Smith (Maori) and others.

On Sunday, October 28, carvers will demonstrate different techniques and styles. The public can see carvers working on projects and talk to them about their work. Demonstrations will take place between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Longhouse on The Evergreen State College campus. A limited number of works may be for sale.   Saturday, October 27, is closed to the public, but open to individuals registered for the Gathering.  Individuals are invited to register to participate in the Gathering. The registration form is available in the “Current Newsletter” on the Longhouse’s website www.evergreen.edu/longhouse. For more information please contact the Longhouse staff at (360) 867-6718 or e-mail longhouse@evergreen.edu. 

The Evergreen State College is located at 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW in Olympia.  For driving directions and a map of the campus, visit www.evergreen.edu/tour. 

The Evergreen State College is a nationally recognized public liberal arts college known for its distinctive interdisciplinary curriculum, high level of student/faculty engagement and emphasis on putting learning into action.

Contact the Longhouse staff:
(360) 867-6718
longhouse@evergreen.edu