Exhibits & Events at Sheldon Jackson Museum

Introspection by Robert Hoffmann Filling Empty Spaces – Attraction and Distraction is an exhibition of new works by Robert Hoffmann.

Robert (Davis) Hoffmann, Xaashuch’eet, is originally from Kake. He is primarily a wood carver and painter, but has worked in multimedia sculpture and has recently been experimenting with casting. He is represented by the Stonington Gallery in Seattle, and his works can be found in private collections and museum collections including the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

In his artist statement Hoffmann says: “Through his carvings and paintings, Hoffmann explores cultural values, and to what ends they drive us in a search for fulfillment.” 

In addition to being a visual artist, Hoffmann is an accomplished poet. His published works include Soul Catcher, Village Boy: Poems of Cultural Identity and his most recent book of poetry Raven’s Echo, just published by Arizona Press, Suntracks Edition. Hoffmann has also illustrated both books in the Raven House Mouse book series written by Jan Steinbright. 

Filling Empty Spaces will be on exhibit at the Sheldon Jackson Museum until April 22, 2023. The proposal for the exhibition was selected by panel from over a dozen applications. The next Solo Show Exhibition Series will take place in 2023. Images of the exhibition will be posted on the Alaska State Museum website in the online exhibitions section and a recording of Hoffmann’s talk will be uploaded to the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum Youtube Channel.

Jan Steinbright (Non-Native)

Friday, February 3, 2023, 12-12:45pm
On Zoom and in-person at Sheldon Jackson Museum   

Guest speaker Jan Steinbright (non-Native) will give a presentation entitled “Out of Roots, Bark, Grass, and Baleen: Alaska Native Basketry Stories.”

Steinbright shares this about her presentation:

In my 40 some years living and working with Alaska Native artists, I have had the honor of getting to know some incredibly talented people. As an artist myself, I was particularly drawn to the practice of basketry, an art form I had been involved with since childhood. My job allowed me to gather materials and interact with Native basket makers as they went about their work. I also was privileged to organize workshops around the state and work on exhibits for museums on basketry. From these precious experiences, I have come away with many stories which I love to share.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, I will talk about the gathering and preparation of natural materials and the basket construction, and share some personal stories of these amazing people.

People may attend the event in-person at the museum or on zoom. To attend via zoom, visit www.zoom.com and input meeting ID: 895 9116 4275 and passcode: Jan.

Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum Annual Meeting

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 1 pm

At 1:00 pm there will be hors d’oeuvres, renewal of memberships and registrations, and a cash-only 50/50 raffle. At 1:30, a short business meeting and election for board members will be held. At 2:00 there will be a presentation by guest lecturer Desiree Jackson, executive director of the Goldbelt Heritage Foundation in Juneau. After the speech, there will be one final chance to purchase raffle tickets before the winner(s) and the recipients of door prizes are announced. We hope to see you there!

At the 2023 meeting, FOSJM will vote on a set of minor revisions to our organization’s bylaws, intended to formalize the option for Zoom participation in meetings and correct grammatical errors. View the proposed changes.

Artist talk with Maryteri Kennedy (Tsimshian)

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 12-12:45 pm
On Zoom only    

Maryteri Kennedy (Tsimshian) will give an artist talk entitled “Cultural & Environmental Changes of Tsimshian Weaving.” Kennedy will describe traditional Tsimshian weaving - the style of weaving, materials used, and how language was used to “teach” this style of weaving. She will also detail how the Metlakatla weaving style was heavily influenced by neighboring tribes and how it has changed slightly over time. The talk will highlight weaving in the 1980s and 1990s, when Lillian Buchert, Lucy Rainmen, and Brenda White were known for Tsimshian weaving. At that time, Violet Booth taught many students at Annette Island School District, though only a handful of students became weavers in their adult lives.

To attend via zoom, visit www.zoom.com and input meeting ID: 815 1922 9955 and passcode: Metlakatla.