Summer 2024
August 19-23

Bears are an important symbol to the Indigenous people of the Northwest Coast. In this five-day course, learn to carve a totem pole-style bear sculpture out of yellow cedar while also learning about its cultural significance and history.

Kari Morgan is a full-time entrepreneur, sculptor, painter, and designer, whose clear passion for art and mixed media emerged in her early childhood. Her background is Nisga’a from the house of Kw’isk'ayn, European, and Metis. Kari believes traditional art is more than just the visual language for the people of the Northwest, she also believes it is medicine for the soul. Kari has instructed multiple artist talks and art practice workshops throughout the Northwest in various schools and locations.

Totem poles are a sacred and spiritual art for the people of the Northwest Coast, this course will cover some history and symbolism of the totem pole, yellow cedar, and the bear while maintaining respect to the ownership of this artform.

In this five-day course you will learn to block out, carve, knife finish, and oil a three-dimensional bear sculpture out of yellow cedar. All sculptures will be roughly 6 inches wide by 6 inches deep, and 12 to 18 inches high, depending on personal preference. Kari will include demonstrations on the traditional use of tools, carving instruction, as well as be available to assist one-on-one. There will be some required tools for this course but each student may find a preference for the use of some tools specifically. This course will cover a broad range of techniques and skills, and it is well suited to beginners as well as advanced carvers.

If students have taken Kari’s course previously and would like to attend this course again but carve a different animal, Kari will have the drawings and layout techniques for a Wolf sculpture. 

Tools 

PTSW will provide a set of carving tools for each student to use. This kit of tools will include an elbow adze, rubber mallet, various straight knives, and gouges.

We recognize that carving is often a personal practice. Please bring any carving tools that you have experience or comfort with. These items could include:

• Elbow Adze

• Bent Knives

• Mallet

• Straight Knives

• Chisels 

• Gouges

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to info@ptwoodschool.org.

Prerequisites

Open to All

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12
Cost: $895
Materials Charge: $75