Lee Burkhart and Herb Sheakley Jr. in the Artist Studio

Meet two Tlingit artists — Lee Burkhart and Herb Sheakley Jr — as they demonstrate their work and share their knowledge in the Artist Studio.

Lee plans to share an engraving demonstration, showing the process of carving a Tlingit bracelet.

Herb will demonstrate the wood carving process of a model dugout canoe. He will also teach visitors about different types of watercraft used by Tlingit and other Northwest Coast Tribes.

About the Artists

Lee Burkhart 

William Lee Burkhart III was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska, into a family of multidisciplinary Tlingit artists, starting with his great grandfather, George Benson. At an early age Lee spent a lot of time watching his father Will Burkhart carve totem poles, masks, bentwood boxes, canoes, and murals. His father also engraves copper, silver and gold. Not only did Lee learn the art form of his ancestors from his father, but also from his cousin Nicholas Galanin, late uncle Dave Galanin, and late mentor Louis Menard.

In 2004 Lee ambitiously applied for a Cultural & Heritage grant from Shee Atiká Inc. as he was eager to purchase engraving tools and begin to apprentice under his father Will Burkhart and late uncle Dave Galanin. At the time he was only 12 years old and the youngest shareholder to receive the grant. In 2018, Lee again received a Cultural & Heritage grant from Shee Atiká Inc. to purchase additional tools and apprentice under Nicholas Galanin. Lee has also taken chasing and repousse classes under Nicholas Galanin. In 2020 Lee took a seal and otter fur sewing class under Robert Miller. In June 2020 and 2022, Lee was a Division Winner in Carving, Sculpture, and Metal in the Sealaska Heritage Institute Juried Art show, for his Copper Bent Box, and Killer Whale Pendant.

Currently living in Juneau, Alaska Lee is an accomplished engraver and wood carver. Lee’s project experience includes work on a 42' totem pole with Nicholas Galanin, which was raised in June of 2018 on Douglas island. In September of 2019 he completed a 10’ wolf house post totem, carved solely by himself, at the top of Mount Roberts tramway, in Juneau, Alaska. In December 2020 he finished work on a 12’ House post totem in Sitka, Alaska while working with Nicholas Galanin. In October of 2021 he apprenticed under Nicholas Galanin and his father Will Burkhart while carving a 25’ red cedar dugout canoe. In 2022 Lee worked again under Nicholas Galanin and Will Burkhart on a 25’ totem pole representing his father's clan the Kaagwaantaan in Sitka, Alaska.

Lee has a home studio where he engraves on copper, silver, and gold jewelry. He also has started to engrave on knives that he designs and forges. Lee also works on small-scale wood carving out of his shop. Lee’s future goals include learning rock carving and expanding his experience in metal smithing, along with exploring more the craft of otter and seal fur sewing.

Lee is eager to pass his knowledge down to future generations, to help preserve and uplift our once dying visual language

Herb Sheakley Jr.

Kaax̱ Tséen Herb Sheakley Jr., a Tlingit Northwest Coast artist whose passion for revitalizing his ancestral heritage, has captivated the hearts and minds of all who encounter his remarkable work. Born in Ketchikan, Alaska, in 1985, Kaax Tséen is a visionary force dedicated to rekindling the spirit of the Tlingit people and their traditional watercraft. 

Immersed in Tlingit language during his formative years, Kaax Tséen's upbringing fostered a profound connection to his roots. However, a void emerged as he realized the Tlingit language was slipping away, leaving him feeling incomplete. Determined to bridge the gap, he embarked on a lifelong mission to reclaim and celebrate the language and culture of his people the Tlingit and their connection to the water’s they have thrived on for thousands of years.

Harnessing his skills and collaborations with accomplished artists, Kaax Tséen transformed his acquired expertise into a powerful educational platform. His creative prowess serves as a gateway for students to immerse themselves in traditional Tlingit heritage and culture by giving them knowledge and skill set to crave at traditional yaakw at every level of the architectural process.

Kaax Tséen's impact extends far beyond academia. His unwavering dedication to the younger generation’s knowledge and skill building in the classroom, creating material for not just students but for boat building enthusiasts and everyone who has no knowledge or material focused on Tlingit watercraft. Building the foundational interest in many mediums around Tlingit and other indigenous watercraft such as prints, jewelry, and models.

A husband and father to two vibrant children, aged 12 and 9, Kaax Tséen breathes life into his cultural teachings. The Tlingit language permeates every aspect of their lives, becoming a living testament to the richness of their heritage. Through his tireless commitment to living and learning his culture and language, giving his kids so much more of their people’s way of life.

Working for cultural resurgence and inspiring all those who encounter his work, where ancient traditions meld with contemporary artistry, ensuring the heartbeat of the Tlingit people echoes through time.