Axáa: Tlingit Dance Paddle Painting Workshop
The Axáa workshop is a deep-dive experience offered at select times throughout the year. To maintain a high level of instruction, each session is designed for an intimate group of only 20 participants. This ensures a focused environment where I can provide tailored guidance as you navigate the complexities of formline on a unique cedar surface.
The Experience Includes:
- Intimate Setting: Small class size (max 20) for a curated learning experience.
- Refreshments: A selection of hand-picked hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
- Premium Materials: Your own custom-cut and smoothed Western Red Cedar dance paddle, ready to paint
Registration & Dates
Our paddle workshops are high-demand events and frequently sell out. We partner with Art Zowie to handle all current scheduling and ticketing.
If no dates are currently listed, please check back soon or follow Formline Evolved on social media for announcements.
The Role of Paddles in Tlingit Culture
For the Tlingit people, paddles are much more than tools for travel; they are symbols of connection, identity, and storytelling. Living along the coastline, families traveled to hunting and fishing areas using canoes propelled by paddles. Traditionally, these were crafted from Yellow Cedar, prized for its durability, or Red Cedar traded for special projects.
Dance Paddles: Ceremonial Artistry
Distinct from everyday tools, dance paddles are ceremonial objects used during winter gatherings and storytelling performances in the longhouses. These paddles are often adorned with clan motifs—intricate designs representing family lineage and spiritual connections. During ceremonies, they are used to visually narrate clan histories, acting as a form of visual language that honors our ancestors.
Painting: A Living Tradition
The art of paddle making and painting is a vibrant part of Tlingit heritage. In this workshop, you will learn about the use of traditional pigments and the complex “formline” drawing techniques that define our visual arts.
My instruction is built upon the lessons passed down through generations, including the technical precision I studied under Master Carver Nathan Jackson and the classical formline insights of Steve Brown. By participating, you aren’t just painting wood; you are contributing to the resilience and continuity of Tlingit culture.
Why This Matters
Participating in this workshop is an opportunity to connect with a living tradition and honor the stories embedded in each paddle. Whether you’re painting an Axáa for ceremonial use or as a personal keepsake, you’re celebrating Tlingit identity and the vibrant Indigenous arts community in the Pacific Northwest.