Artist Profiles

Kathy Ward
Traditional Inupiat Artist

I was born in Nome and grew up in the Arctic in the Villages of Nome, Barrow, Atqasuk, Point Hope, and Kotzebue. My father is Inupiaq and my mother is English, Irish, Blackfoot and French Canadian. Coming from such a rich cultural background I was inspired by the cultural arts I saw practiced as I grew up. The dolls of Ethel Washington have especially been an inspiration to me in my work.

The natural world inspires my work. I was sitting on the beach when I began to carving my first doll head. I continue to walk the beach and gather objects to use in my work. A small bone or piece of driftwood triggers my imagination to use this artifact to create a scene with my dolls that depicts life in simpler and harder times.

When I make and sell my dolls I hope that I am a model for other young people in my culture. I want them to know that they can do traditional crafts and it will help them to define their cultural identity.

Winner of Miss Arctic Circle
First Runner Up Miss World Eskimo Olympics
All Alaska Art Contest - Printmaking
Cover Art for "We Speak Eskimo" Book
Doll in Personal Collection of the Governor of Alaska
Doll Displayed in the White House
Doll and Mask on Exhibit at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Resident Artist at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Supervisor at the NANA Museum of the Arctic - Kotzebue
Supervisor of the Culture Camp - Kotzebue
Supervisor of the Fish Camp - Sadie Creek
First Place - Washington Talent Show- Vocals
Performed at a Variety of Gatherings - Vocals

NATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS:

Eskimo Dolls
Caribou Skin Masks
Eskimo Yo-Yo's
Fur Parkas, Mukluks, Trim, Ruffs
All Variety of Skin Sewing

WORKSHOPS:

Instruction in a Variety of Native Crafts and Skin Sewing
Marketing Native Arts and Craft

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Contact the Artist:

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