Page 6 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - May, 2019

6

HERITAGE

Native artists
from Chehalis,
Shoalwater
Bay, Quinault/
Aleut and
Lummi tribes
connected
at Chehalis
Tribal Loan
Fund’s first
Native Carvers
Showcase.

CTLF spotlights

native carvers

Inspiration flows as Coastal Salish Art.
Carvers offered slide shows
tribal artists exhibit highlighting some of their best
handcrafted work work. They spoke about the fact
that many items carved in the
By Fred Shortman, past had a purpose and were used
Communication Specialist daily. In modern times, some
pieces are used in ceremonies for
The Chehalis Tribe Loan Fund individual tribal communities to
program sponsored its first Native honor ancestors and pass down
Carvers Showcase on May 18 at traditional teachings.
the Community Center. Both artists agreed that when
The day offered a workshop they began, it was a struggle to
and educational opportunities. learn the craft. Finding mentors
People from various tribes who was difficult partially because of
share a common interest in the the Assimilation Era on tribal
traditional art form of wood communities, which had an impact
carving attended and professional but wasn’t completely successful.
carvers shared their work. They said these challenges
Artists of all skill levels learned didn’t deter them though. Many
new ways to hone their craft and used books to find things to carve
expand creativity. and new generations were starting
The showcase to revive the culture.
also gave artists Tables were set up in the
information room for carvers to demonstrate
on how to turn different styles. Some attendees
their work into a were happy to simply admire the
business. artwork while others purchased
CTLF pieces and placed custom orders.
Chairman Kevin David Boxley Staff members were encouraged to
Bray welcomed continue the program that brings CARVERS IN
everyone to the showcase and the together carvers from other tribal ATTENDANCE
opening prayer was spoken by communities and creates positive
David Boxley to bless the day. impacts within Native American Mel Youckton,
Carvers and featured country. Chehalis
guest speakers David Boxley Many artists shared how Fredrick Cooper,
(Tshimshian) and Micah McCarty difficult it is to find opportunities Shoalwater Bay
(Makah) graciously and humbly to gather and learn from each Harvey Anderson,
showcased their work. They other. Watering the seed of this Quinault/Aleut
shared stories and personal showcase will grow the opportunity
perspectives on growth and how into a platform for networking. James DeLaCruz,
they learned to carve. The artists Dianna Pickernell closed the Quinault
discussed their inspiration and event by thanking everyone who Dave Wilson,
also explained the difference attended. She looks forward to Lummi
between Northern Salish and CTLF’s next carvers showcase.