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NATHAN JACKSON

Traditional Tlingit Artist

Fall 2024

The Arts Council of Princeton is proud to announce Nathan Jackson, nationally-renowned Alaskan Tlingit totem pole carver, as Artist-in-Residence.

Jackson is a traditional dancer and an esteemed bearer of Tlingit values as well as a master wood carver, metalsmith, and creative artist. Art is an integral part of the Tlingit social system, which is made up of clans, and many of the design motifs of Tlingit art are generated from clan crests such as the raven, eagle, killer whale, and beaver. Others come from traditional stories. An accomplished traditional artist must know the meanings of these symbols and stories, and a totem carver must know the protocol involved in commissioning, carving, and raising a totem pole.

Mr. Jackson began carving a totem pole at the Edwin DeWill Carving Center in Saxman Native Village, Alaska, and, after shipment of the pole to New Jersey, will complete the carving at the ACP in October 2024.

His residency project “Monumental Sculptures: Understanding the Totem Poles of the Northwest Coast”, honors and celebrates the artwork of the Tlingit peoples of the Northwest Coast.

DEDICATION CEREMONY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
6-7PM

Join us for the unveiling of our new totem pole, beautifully crafted by Artist-in-Residence Nathan Jackson. As we celebrate this incredible piece, we’ll also bid a fond farewell to Mr. Jackson, who will soon return to Alaska after his three-week residency in Princeton. Enjoy remarks from both Mr. Jackson and our Executive Director, Adam Welch, followed by wine and light refreshments. Don’t miss this special occasion! Learn more.

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS
AVAILABLE NOW

These 12×16”, three-color screenprints were designed by Jackson, and printed by Master Printer and ACP Studio Manager Dave DiMarchi. They’re available for order now in a limited edition of 50 prints, signed by the artist.

“Eagle” and “Raven” represent the two moieties of the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska.

PAST EVENTS:

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS + Q&A with NATHAN JACKSON

Tuesday, September 17 • 2-6pm

Wednesday, September 18 • 9am-12pm

Thursday, September 19 • 2-6pm

Friday, September 20 • 9am-12pm

Saturday, September 21 • 9am-12pm

Monday, September 23 • 6-8pm

Tuesday, September 24 • 11am-3pm

FAMILY WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
11AM-12PM

This workshop will allow parents or guardians to bring children to observe firsthand history in action. Learning from a Tlingit Master Carver demonstrates how a totem Pole is made. Listen to the sounds of the adze as it creates a smooth and rhythmic surface. Hear stories from the artist about totem poles and Tlingit culture. Participate in a hands-on art makings project and bring home a piece of history.

RAVEN STORY READING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
3:30-4:30PM

Join us for a special reading of Raven and Fog Woman with Sarah Rivett. The legend of the Fog Woman is a story that the native Tlingit used to explain the bounty of salmon during certain months and the disappearance of salmon in other months.

This reading is held in celebration of renowned Alaskan Tlingit artist, Nathan Jackson, and his visit to the Arts Council of Princeton for an Artist Residency. Themes and imagery from Raven and Fog Woman will be found in his project.

Sarah Rivett is a Professor of English and American Studies at Princeton University as well as the 2023 – 2024 Old Dominion Professor in the Humanities Council. She is the author of The Science of the Soul in Colonial New England (2011) and Unscripted America: Indigenous Languages and the Origins of a Literary Nation (2017).