Traditional Iroquois Pottery Workshop

Join us for a two-day Traditional Iroquois Pottery Workshop, led by Tett Artist in Residence, Sheldon Traviss. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture through hands-on, land-based experiences.

Day 1:
Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Outdoors (Rain Location: Rehearsal Hall) at the Tett Centre
Learn about the process of wild clay and begin forming your own pottery vessels.

Day 2:
Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Outdoors (Rain Location: Creativity Studio Common Area) at the Tett Centre
Finish your pottery and prepare for firing. In case of rain, Sheldon will discuss finishing techniques instead.

The goal is to create a space for individuals to engage deeply with Indigenous culture, learning through the experiential creation of traditional Iroquois pottery. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the land and explore a rich cultural tradition!

This workshop is presented as part of 2024 Ontario Culture Days.

Beginner Friendly | Ages 12

Registration
Free/By Donation | Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/traditional-iroquois-pottery-tickets-1004624116777?aff=oddtdtcreator

About the Artist
Sheldon is an emerging artist living in Kingston, Ontario. Being of Mohawk descent, he has spent the majority of his life attempting, as best as he can, to live a traditional life. This pursuit guided him as he trained as a firekeeper in his youth and continues to guide him today as he nurtures his passions for Indigenous culinary tradition, community involvement and volunteerism, food sovereignty, and cultural revitalization.

His artistic practice includes graphite and digital drawing and ceramic and wood sculpture. Sheldon is pursuing cultural revitalization through the creation and use of traditional Haudenosaunee cooking vessels and pottery using locally sourced, self-processed materials.

Sheldon continues serving as a member of the board for the All Our Relations Land Trust and is a founding member of Cataroquai Longhouse Education and Archival Research. He still joyfully participates in ethical research steering committees at Queen’s University while continuing duties as a traditional firekeeper for his local urban Indigenous community.