PNW Native Art Immersive Paint & Sip Experience with Bill Pfeifer, Jr

Join us for a unique time of painting, sipping & immersion, where you'll create your own traditional formline orca whale (kéet) on a beautifully smooth red cedar plank. Guided by the talented formline artist and Tlingit tribal member, Bill Pfeifer, Jr. (Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa), you'll delve into the rich connections of this ancient art form, which depicts animals, supernatural beings, and figures from oral histories.

As you paint, let the soothing sounds of traditional village music and the enticing aromas of our environment envelop you, drawing you closer to both your artwork and the vibrant native art culture surrounding us. Enjoy cups of wild herbal spruce tip tea and delightful smoked salmon bites throughout the experience, enhancing your connection to the Pacific Northwest. (Adult & Non-Alcoholic Beverages are Available for Purchase at our Snack Bar)

This one-of-a-kind artmaking session, invites you to explore the unique 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 an unforgettable painting encounter where art, culture, and community come together!

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. His Neon Series: A Culture of Resilience is currently on display at 5th and Pike in downtown Seattle, where it will remain through June 2025.

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.

Host or Publisher Art Zowie