ARTShops 2022 Nikki Corbett in Nome
Qaspeq Sewing Workshop
The ARTShops program is a collaboration between the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation and The CIRI Foundation’s A Journey to What Matters: Increased Alaska Native Arts and Culture grant program. Established in 2016, ARTShops support emerging Alaska Native arts leaders to develop their skills in leading community-based arts programs.
Quyana to The CIRI Foundation and the Alaska Native Heritage Center for giving me the opportunity to travel to Nome to teach a traditional qaspeq workshop. I was given the amazing opportunity to teach a traditional qaspeq workshop to six incredible young ladies. The skills, knowledge and wisdom that I incorporate from my teachings have been passed down from my grandmothers. In my workshops I share the handmade garments that were created by my grandmothers to showcase the incredible designs and simplicity. I am thankful for the knowledge that was passed down to me by my cousin/sister/auntie who taught me to create my first qaspeq when I was around 10 years old. Qaspeqs have been around for many generations and it is important for that knowledge and skills to be passed down so that we can keep apart of culture alive and thriving today.
Quyana Ellam Yua, quyana to my grandmothers, and quyana to all those who attend my workshops time and time again. I am grateful to be able to share the knowledge, skills and wisdom around creating qaspeqs.