Northwest Coast Art Education
Bringing traditional Tlingit artistry to the modern era with northwest coast art classes and workshops throughout Olympia and Seattle. Whether you are looking for a social creative experience or a deep technical dive, there is a path for you here.
From beginner-friendly Paint & Sip evenings to the in-depth Formline School curriculum, every offering here carries the weight of traditional knowledge – taught directly by a practicing Tlingit formline artist. Whether you join for a single workshop or work through a full course sequence, you are learning the same design language refined and passed down across generations on the Northwest Coast.
Northwest Coast Art Classes: Creative Workshops
Focused on community, culture, and hands-on creation. Held at partner venues in Seattle and Olympia.
Paint & Sip
A relaxed introduction to formline on cedar plaques. Our Seattle and Olympia sessions in partnership with Art Zowie frequently sell out!
Paddle Painting (Axáa)
An immersive, small-group experience painting ceremonial Tlingit dance paddles. Join us for these specialized Olympia workshops – limited to just 20 participants to allow for personalized, one-on-one instruction.
*Includes light hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and all premium materials.
Formline School
Technical Mastery. Our academic curriculum is designed for artists and students throughout the PNW, offering both in-person intensives and digital resources.
- Formline Fundamentals
- Design & Composition
- Digitalizing Designs
- Regalia Crest Design
- Historical Evolution
School courses move through the core formal elements of Northwest Coast art: primary formlines, secondary formlines, tertiary fills, U-forms, ovoids, split-U forms, and eye forms. Students build technical skill alongside cultural context, working through historical examples from across Tlingit and broader Northwest Coast traditions. Both in-person intensives and digital modules are available for students across the Pacific Northwest.
Gunalchéesh for your interest in preserving and evolving Tlingit art culture.