Success Stories
Tlingit carver Calvin Morberg
Calvin is in his early 20s and is now instructing the beginner program after being a participant. One of his masks was presented as a gift to the Prime Minister, and another commissioned by the Canada Winter Games Host Society. He represented Yukon artists on a trip to Russia in March 2008. Calvin has travelled to the United States and Peru to represent Tlingit culture and demonstrate his art. Over the past five years Calvin has overcome many challenges; he is now a responsible father and homeowner and provides excellent role modelling and leadership to the youth.
Kwanlin Dun carver Justin Smith
Justin's work has been selected for the cover of the Northwestel phone book in 2008. Justin also presented his “Dancing Wolf” print to the Governor General in June 2007 during her visit to the Sundog Retreat carving studio in Whitehorse.
Tlingit Carver William Callaghan
William has presented a mask to the Governor General at a state dinner during her June 2007 visit to Whitehorse. William combines his commitment to carving with his talent for traditional dance, travelling with First Peoples’ Performances. His work has been displayed at the United Nations in New York, and is sold through galleries in Vancouver and Juneau. William has danced at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and loves to dance at the biannual international Tlingit celebration in Juneau, Alaska.
Other Successes:
- Other artists have been invited to provide demonstrations as the Artist In The Park in Whitehorse (Jared Kane, William Callaghan, Jared Lutchman)
- National Parks Canada staff gathering (Aaron Blanchard and Josh Skookum),
- Canada Day celebrations (several),
- Winterlude in Ottawa (Angel Hall, Calvin Morberg, William Callaghan),
- Angel Hall K.E.S.H.’s “Do Not Touch” mask (featuring porcupine quills) was purchased by the Yukon Permanent Art Collection in 2008
- Justien Wood was commissioned to create a logo for a national aboriginal women’s organization
- Seven artists completed masks for the Yukon government that will be given as gifts to Western Premiers (carvers William Skookum, Aaron Blanchard, Duran Henry, Jared Lutchman, Brian J. Francis, Calvin Morberg and William Callaghan)
- Kwanlin Dun carver Duran Henry has images featured on the KDFN government website
- Demonstrations at local schools (several). As word spreads, new invitations are arriving weekly!
Carvers learn traditional and contemporary carving practices in incremental steps, and then share their skills with younger students. Carvers have represented Yukon culture in demonstrations and galleries in Whitehorse, Ottawa, Vancouver, Russia, Peru, Arizona, New York, and Juneau, among other places.