Willy White will be weaving a Chilkat dance apron and leggings which were commissioned by MOA to accompany the Chilkat robe he completed in 2004 as another commission—MOA Collections 2641/1—Sala gamiilga gaax ganou: The Raven Dances with Frogs. The dance apron and leggings will be created not only for museum display and education, but also for activation through community access and ceremonial use.

We welcome you to visit Willy while he is working at MOA, during regular museum hours. This is a special and rare opportunity to witness the artist at work, and to join him in conversation about his artistic practice.

Schedule

Tuesday, February 8 – Saturday, February 12  | 12 – 5 pm
Tuesday, February 15 – Sunday, February 20  | 12 – 5 pm

William (Willy) White lives in northern British Columbia. His Tsimshian name is Lii Am Laxuu and he is a member of the Raven Clan of the Git-wil-gyoots, which translates as “the people of the seaweed.” A weaver for twenty-three years, he has also been a dedicated teacher for more than a decade, with a particular interest in supporting the growing interest in Tsimshian weaving and the return of weaving as a cultural and personal statement at ceremonies. He has travelled throughout the Tsimshian Nation and smaller villages, promoting and teaching traditional weaving. He is proud to be a Chilkat weaver and honoured to be a carrier of the traditional knowledge among the people of the Tsimshian Nation.

Watch this video from the Royal BC Museum to learn more about the weaver and his process.