Summer 2026
August 1-2

Class size: 12
Cost: $250
Materials: $50

Join us in this 2-day open carving studio, a new type of offering here at PTSW. This weekend will be a departure from our typical class structure, and we hope it will be the first of many. Bring your unfinished projects, new concepts for sketching a development, or tools you're looking to sharpen and learn to use more effectively. Think of this as an opportunity to dive deeper into the art and hand skill of Tlingit-style carving in a supportive environment. 

Instead of formal instruction, the learning will be student-guided, with the support of Tlingit carver James Johnson. This open studio is an opportunity to share space, tools, and knowledge with others practicing Tlingit carving techniques. The session will emphasize the basics of learning to carve in the Tlingit style with respect to the traditional art form. This session seeks to build connections and understanding of one of the most iconic art forms of the Pacific Northwest First Nations people. Share discussion in the history, culture, and technical skills of both carving and formline design.

James Johnson ​was born and raised in Juneau, AK. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killer Whale). James's great-great-grandfather was Chief Gusht’eiheen (“Spray off the Dorsal Fin”) of the Dakl’aweidi of the Xutsnoowú Kwáan​ ​(Angoon, Alaska). His great-grandfather was Chief Jimmy Johnson, and his grandfather was Chief Peter Johnson, whom he is named after: James Peter Johnson. James’s strong ancestral history led him to pursue the Tlingit art form. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. James has now dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work. 

Choose how you would like to spend your time over this 2-day workshop. Do you want to focus on developing your adzing skills? Or perhaps you have a concept for a formline drawing that you’ve been struggling to get right. Others might bring a project from a class that they’ve had a hard time finding focused time to finish. James will work with students to guide them in their unique carving journey. 

We will have tools to share, drawing supplies, paint, and some wood available for practice. Smaller pieces of Alaska Yellow Cedar, Western Red Cedar or Red Alder will be available, but if you have a large project you are planning, please bring your own materials.

Tools 

Required

PTSW will provide all the tools necessary for this course. However, we strongly encourage you to bring your own carving tools. There are a few blacksmiths now making and selling Northwest Coast Salish-style carving tools. Most are made to order, so make sure to place your order as early as possible so that you have your tools by the start of class. Some of the tools can also be made with simple techniques, especially if you have any experience working with metal. Here is a tutorial on how to make a bent knife.

Please also bring any other carving and layout tools you already have and like to use. 

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

Recommended

• Baby straight knife 

• Detail straight knife

• Two bent knives

• H-3 

• H-1

Prerequisites

Open to All.

Class Information and Registration

This class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday through Sunday in TBA Building 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.