At the Evergreen Longhouse Holiday Market

Booth

Clarissa’s booth at the Evergreen Longhouse in Olympia, features similar sale items as the Alaska-Juneau Public Market during Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska

The Evergreen Longhouse Holiday Art Market is generally held for two days the 2nd weekend in December in Olympia, WA.  Sue Shotridge and I decided to do one day, Saturday, December 13th.  A couple of weeks prior we were both at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market and we sold fairly well, though of course we would have enjoyed selling more!  We knew we would most likely not sell as much at this venue since it was a lot smaller, however, there was more of a Native customer base since all the vendors were Native Americans from the area.

EnjoysMask

It’s always the female customers who enjoy the painted masks

It’s always interesting to see what most folks are interested in; you just never know until you put it out there.  Most were unawares of the Chilkat and Ravenstail weavings on the young  mannequins.  To my surprise, I cannot say anyone even remarked or paid attention to the weavings – I guess we were too far south (even as close as Olympia is to Alaskan shores!).

SuesBooth

Sue and Israel Shotridges booth next to Clarissa’s at the Longhouse Holiday Art Market

 

Ravenstail Border for a Button Blanket Robe

The completed Ravenstail border for Israel Shotridge’s button blanket robe

Sue Shotridge is sewing a button robe for her husband, Tlingit artist Israel Shotridge, in time for the opening ceremonies of the Chief Shakes’ Clan House Renovation project in Wrangell, Alaska the weekend of May 3rd, 2013.  They wanted something special for his button robe; this is it!

The preliminary drawing of the pattern for the border incorporating “Shaman’s Eyes” and “Bear Tracks”

The “bear tracks” pattern is an old traditional pattern; the ‘shaman’s eyes’ pattern was designed by my daughter, Lily Hope, which is a take-off on an old traditional pattern as well.

“Bear Tracks” pattern woven two ways – courtesy of the Ravenstail Weavers Guild booklet entitled “Ravenstail Weaving Patterns and Projects – Ancient and Contemporary” – can be purchased at Hearthside Books in Juneau, Alaska

Close-up of the “bear tracks” on top with “shaman’s eyes” below

Clarissa’s completed Ravenstail border on the weaving loom in front of the Chilkat robe she is presently weaving

The completed border will be attached to the button robe that Sue Shotridge is finishing for her husband, Israel – in time for the dedication ceremony of the Chief Shakes’ clan house renovation next weekend of May 3rd in Wrangell, Alaska

Shotridges Open New Gallery

Israel and Sue Shotridge's new gallery "Raven's Nest" on Vashon Island, Washington State

On my return to Colorado, I made it a point to take a jaunt over to Vashon Island and visit fellow artists Israel and Sue Shotridge who have been living in this small community for the past 15 years and are originally from Ketchikan, Alaska.  I wanted to check out their gallery space and their workshop space because I have been invited by the Shotridges to conduct a class in button blanket making and possibly do a First Friday exhibit of my work in November this year.

Sue Shotridge stands behind a display case exhibiting her husband Israel's silver work in pendants, earrings and bracelets

After helping Sue load in some of her back room supplies and seeing this wonderful cozy gallery, and the way she has set it up, I could not help but want a gallery for my work too!  hahaha!  I never thought I’d ever hear myself say such a thing, let alone think it!

The Shotridges are arranging their schedule of workshops for this Summer into Fall.  Check out their website for details on workshops and images of Israel’s work at:  www.shotridgestudios.com

Or if you are in the Vashon Island neighborhood, stop by and check out their beautiful creations on the right side of the main drag in downtown Vashon!