22 Ft Totem Pole Part of NMAI Artist-in-Residence Program

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

WASHINGTON - A 22-foot totem pole arrived in Washington DC from Washington state on Tuesday at the National Museum of the American Indian. The totem pole will be part of the artist-in-residence program this week beginning today and continuing through next Wednesday, January 11.

Totem Pole Arriving at National Museum of the American Indian for Final Carving and Painting

Tsimshian carver David Boxley and his son, David Robert, will complete and paint the totem pole as artist-in-residence, inviting visitors to watch and learn about the carving tradition and the story that their newest creation illustrates, from 10 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 5:30 pm daily.

Visitors Can Watch and Learn as the Story the Totem Pole Illustrates Unfolds

Boxley is an internationally recognized Northwest Coast Native artist and culture bearer. He primarily produces his artwork on a commission basis, and has accepted commissions from organizations, individuals, companies and governmental bodies.

Known for his elaborately decorated, symbolic totem poles, David Boxley has been so successful that they are placed in a wide variety of locations: Walt Disney's Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida; Knott's Berry Farm in California; the office of the Mayor and Microsoft Corporation in Seattle, Washington; and in the collections of the Emperor of Japan; the king and queen of Sweden; the President of West Germany, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.

posted January 4, 2011 7:10 am est