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Learn traditional Indigenous beading from recognized artist Savannah LeCornu in downtown Ketchikan. This intimate, two-hour workshop includes all materials and a shared Alaskan charcuterie board—perfect for cruise stop cultural stops or slow travelers.
Learn traditional Indigenous beading from recognized artist Savannah LeCornu in downtown Ketchikan. This intimate, two-hour workshop includes all materials and a shared Alaskan charcuterie board—perfect for cruise stop cultural stops or slow travelers.
Book with Alaskan Island Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Alaskan Island Adventures · Ketchikan, Alaska
On a rain-softened afternoon in downtown Ketchikan, Alaska, a small café at 625 Mission St. Ketchikan, AK 99901 becomes a classroom and a living gallery. Native Beading Class by Indigenous artist Savannah LeCornu invites visitors to learn a traditional beading technique and create an Alaskan-inspired beaded patch—fish, bears, eagles, and native flora—over a focused two-hour session. The workshop is hosted at Ketch me if you Kan Café and organized by Alaskan Island Adventures, with all materials supplied and a shared Alaskan charcuterie board to keep hands and conversation fed. Ketchikan sits on the eastern edge of the Tongass National Forest where coastal rainforest, tidelines, and salmon runs shape local life. That landscape is the palette for Savannah’s work: she blends Tsimshian, Haida, and Nimiipuu visual language into contemporary pieces that teach history as much as technique. The class is capped at ten people, so instruction is hands-on—Savannah demonstrates formline patterns, stitch sequence, and composition choices while telling the stories behind each motif. Practical travelers will appreciate the meeting logistics. Arrive 15 minutes early to the meeting point, order your complimentary drink, and settle in for check-in; the session runs roughly two hours and is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. Beginners leave with a finished patch and a grasp of the basic stitch; more experienced crafters get personalized feedback on color, bead tension, and finishing. What makes this offering stand out is the combination of skilled cultural instruction and local context. Savannah is a self-taught artist with regional and national recognition whose practice crosses painting, digital art, and beading—bringing plateaus and coastal styles together into playful, modern work. Learning directly from an Indigenous artist in the heart of Ketchikan turns what could be a souvenir workshop into a meaningful exchange that supports living culture. This experience fits a range of visitors: cruise day-trippers seeking an indoor, weather-proof cultural stop; slow travelers looking for intimate craft experiences; and anyone wanting a tangible reminder of Southeast Alaska’s natural and cultural motifs. Beyond the table, the café’s location makes it easy to pair the class with nearby Creek Street, Totem Bight State Historical Park, or a short walk to the waterfront for eagle-watching. Book early—the ten-person limit fills quickly, especially in summer. Practical details are straightforward: the workshop has a minimum age of 14, a 10-person maximum, and is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. All materials are provided and the class runs about two hours; cancellations accepted up to 24 hours before the session. Whether you’re on a cruise stop or planning a quieter Alaska itinerary, this hands-on class offers more than a keepsake—it’s a chance to listen, learn, and leave with an object that carries the stories Savannah shares.
easy.
2 Hours.
Light—able to sit and concentrate for two hours; fine motor control helpful for beadwork
Yes—all beads, thread, needles, and backing materials are provided during the two-hour class.
The workshop runs approximately two hours from the scheduled start time.
Yes—the minimum age for participants is 14.
Yes—the location is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; if you have specific needs contact the operator ahead of time.
No—this class welcomes beginners and offers personalized guidance for more experienced beaders.
Meet at 625 Mission St. Ketchikan, AK 99901 and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Savannah LeCornu works in Tsimshian, Haida, and Nimiipuu artistic traditions; Ketchikan has long been a gathering place for Southeast Alaska Indigenous culture and woodworking practices.
Choose low-impact transport, avoid single-use plastics, and honor cultural intellectual property by asking before photographing or reproducing designs.
Alaskan Island Adventures is a Ketchikan, Alaska based tour company that specializes in small-group nature and cultural experiences. The company offers guided Wildlife Viewing tours that showcase bald eagles, seals, and black bears in Alaska’s rainforest and coastal environments. Local expert guides lead trips through the region’s lush landscapes, providing natural history interpretation and safe, respectful wildlife viewing. In addition to wildlife tours, Alaskan Island Adventures partners with indigenous artist Savannah LeCornu to offer a Native Beading Class. In that intimate workshop guests create an Alaskan-inspired beaded patch while learning traditional techniques from a practicing indigenous artist. The beading class includes a shared charcuterie board and storytelling that foregrounds indigenous culture and craftsmanship. All experiences operate from Ketchikan and emphasize small groups, direct instruction, and close attention to safety and cultural respect. The company’s descriptions and guides reflect a focus on responsible wildlife viewing and hands-on cultural exchange rather than mass-tourism experiences. Prospective guests can expect clear trip summaries, specific meeting locations in Ketchikan, and professional guidance during each outing. Alaskan Island Adventures documents the scope of each activity so visitors know what to anticipate before booking. By combining wildlife interpretation with authentic cultural learning, the company provides complementary ways to experience Southeast Alaska—both on the water and in a workshop setting. Travelers seeking attentive guides and meaningful, place-based experiences will find the company’s offerings well suited to Ketchikan itineraries. Bookings and availability vary seasonally; visitors should review dates and preparation details provided in each trip listing before reserving online.
Book with Alaskan Island Adventures