Carving your clan workshop shares Ojibwe art in local communities

Have you been wanting to pick up a new hobby or learn more about Ojibwe culture? Stone carving plays a unique role in the indigenous communities here in the Northland. For the next several days the Carving your Clan workshop invites community members to learn about this special artwork.

Ojibwe artists are continuing this artform to help keep their cultural narratives alive for future generations. Jeffery Tibbetts, the Program Director at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College says he’s been developing this workshop.

“I’ve worked with the Southeastern Library Association and also now the Arrowhead Library system. So it’s been really nice going all over Minnesota and bringing art and culture to people,” Tibbetts said. “Today we have owls, wolves, bears, turtles, cranes, and different animals. Some are clan animals, some are just animals that people like. It’s for all the different skills. We do a process and we work through it and everybody seems to be able to finish.”

This program is meant for those age 10 and up. Although adult supervision will be required for younger attendees as sharp objects will be used to carve. People who are interested in attending should contact or visit their local library for workshop details, because space and supplies are limited.

“I learned by watching my dad carve as a young person. People bring their different skill levels here with them. Some have never carved before. Some are artists in their own right,” Tibbetts said. “Everybody go through the stages and come out with a finished product. I’m just really appreciative of the opportunity to bring art and culture and different people that may not get to experience it.”

Also here’s a list of several libraries featuring the Carving your Clan workshop happening over the next several days.

Tuesday, March 18, 10:00am – 1:00pm – Cloquet Public Library

Wednesday, March 19, 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Baudette Public Library

Thursday, March 20, 1:00pm – 4:00pm – International Falls Public Library

Friday, March 21, 10:00am – 1:00pm – Coleraine Public Library

Tuesday, March 25, 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Hoyt Lakes Public Library

Wednesday, March 26, 10:00am – 1:00pm – Ely Public Library

Thursday, March 27, 10:00am – 1:00pm – Silver Bay Public Library

Friday, March 28, 10:00am – 1:00pm – Grand Marais Public Library

This Arrowhead Library System sponsors this program, and the Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage help fund it. To learn more about Arrowhead Legacy Events, you can look at their calendar at www.alslib.info. Also for other stories with the Ojibwe you can read more here.