"THE LAND OTTER" PNW NATIVE ART PAINTING EXPERIENCE

In this immersive painting experience you'll paint your own traditional formline Land Otter (Kóoshdaa)on a beautiful red cedar plank.

In Tlingit culture, the Land Otter is a complex symbol, primarily representing supernatural power and transformation, with strong attributes such as boldness, dexterity, and intelligence.

What to expect:

You'll encounter the rich connections of an ancient art form, which depicts animals, supernatural beings, and figures from oral histories.

As you paint, sounds of traditional village music and forest sounds will surround you, drawing you closer to both your artwork and the vibrant native art culture surrounding us.

Smoked fish bites enhancing your connection to the Pacific Northwest will be served along with an assortment of NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages

***Please Note*** Outside food and beverage is allowed. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED in The House of Welcome

Location: ‘The House of Welcome’ (sgwigwia?ltxw)Longhouse Education and Cultural Center at Evergreen State College. It is the first building of its kind on a public campus in the United States.

-This unique painting experience invites you to explore the visual language of the native peoples of the Northwest Coast of North America.

-No painting experience is necessary; all you need is the willingness to explore your inner creativity and embrace the beauty of formline.

Join us for this unique painting experience with Tlingit tribal member and formline artist, Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa (Bill Pfeifer, Jr.)!

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Artist- Bill Pfeifer, Jr (Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa)

Bill (Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa) is a proud member of the Tlingit tribe, whose artistry seamlessly blends traditional Tlingit craftsmanship with modern urban aesthetics. Growing up in the vibrant culture of the 80s and 90s, Bill's diverse background includes influences from skateboarding, graffiti, anime, music, and technology. These elements are intricately woven into his artwork and brand Formline Evolved, where he reinterprets formline, a unique and ancient art style of the Native peoples of the Northwest Coast of North America.

Inspired by his father, an artist who instilled in him the fundamentals of formline design, Bill conveys the stories, values, and beliefs of the Tlingit people through his creations. He has also had the honor of studying under Nathan Jackson, a distinguished Tlingit master carver renowned for his totem pole artistry, alongside Bill’s father.

Employing digital tools such as Fresco, Photoshop, and Illustrator, Bill produces vibrant and dynamic designs that pay homage to the rich tradition of formline art. His mission is to share this cultural heritage with a wider audience, fostering awareness and appreciation for Tlingit artistry. In 2024, Bill was commissioned by Friends of Waterfront Park to create six murals that transformed shipping containers along the historic Seattle waterfront.

A Tlingit tribal member from Southeast Alaska, Bill resides in Washington with his beloved wife, Hailey, and their two young children. He continues to maintain a strong connection to his culture and homeland.

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