Stacey Williams
student, artist, teacher

Stacey Williams is a Tlingit weaver and artist, descendant of the Saanya Kwaan (Cape Fox) tribe in southeast Alaska. She studied basketry and textiles in Ketchikan, AK where she apprenticed to Haida master weaver Holly Churchill. Under her guidance, Stacey learned how to teach youth techniques of weaving while perpetuating indigenous ways of being. For her, the identification of art comes second to the original intention of utilitarian use. Form follows function and the function of today's form must root itself in intention. Stacey maintains her connection to the fundamentals of her instruction while extending her studies to the mid-west of the continental states. While she recently relocated from the Tongass rainforest that shaped her techniques, she continues her research with ancestral items. Many creators remain unknown and unnamed in historical documents; their contributions and dedication to what is now defined as an art form will always be a guide to this student.

Numerous artists have been generous in continuing their forms through instruction. As a student, Stacey acknowledges Diane Douglas-Willard, Evelyn Vanderhoop, Dorica Jackson and Kathryn Rousso for excellence in teaching.

Her works are on display with Ketchikan Museums and available for purchase through Crazy Wolf Studio and limitedly through Sealaska Heritage Store. Commissions are accepted at her discretion. She welcomes inquiries via email at staceywilliamsweaver@gmail.com

Weaving belongs to us all.

- A wise weaver

Learning Through Teaching was an educational and interactive exhibit curated by Stacey Williams encouraging all ages to learn about the Alaska Native weaving practices of Southeast in March of 2022 at the Main Street Gallery in Ketchikan, AK.

Scroll down to watch a short clip about display!

selected works

here you'll find some results of intricate lessons for my most inspired pieces

form follows function

"One doesn't simply put razor clams into a beach asparagus basket"

Virtual Native Artist Residency
with Sealaska Heritage Institute

A total of 10 videos resulted from this residency including

interviews with mentors, live Q&A's and the instructional demonstrations shown below

HOW TO TWINE

Thank you to Sealaska Heritage Institute for supporting the arts through this Virtual Artist in Residence. This video will guide you first through one strand plaiting, and then continue with basic two-strand twining.

Learn More

LEARN HOW TO PLAIT

Thank you to Sealaska Heritage Institute for supporting the arts through this Virtual Artist in Residence. In this video, follow along with plating a table mat. You can increase or decrease the amount of strips you work with to change the size and difficulty level.

Learn More

large open weave gathering basket

red and yellow cedar bark, private collection

Red Cedar Open Weave

1/4

Red Cedar Basket
This piece is located in the educational collection at Ketchikan Museums and is available for research by request. The warps are doubled in place and Tlingit weaving techniques were implemented throughout. The open weave uses a basic 2-way twine and is followed by a 3-way twine that frames a twill design. The last of the four rows of twill is incorporated into the ending in conjunction with a final 3-way twine as all the warps are folded into their own place leaving a loop. After the weaving is completed each of the loops has a red cedar weft inserted and is carefully pulled down around to ensure a tight and solid ending for utilitarian use.