Fish-skin sewing is a traditional craft of the Yu’pik people of Alaska. Originally functional to create waterproof bags and booties, the craft has continued to be part of the Yu’pik culture in more ornamental forms, especially as baskets. Enter Minnesota-based dance choreographer Emily Johnson, originally from Alaska and of Yu’pik descent. After learning fish skin sewing from Audrey Armstrong, master fish skin sewer, Emily has developed her own fish-skin project- a lantern that she will use in a large dance project, her newest work, "Niicugni" (Listen) - a work that will ultimately be performed inside an installation of lanterns. Emily will lead participants in this workshop in creating a lantern, starting with fish fillets. Participants will use wild-caught Lake Superior fish, and learn the processes for preparing and sewing fish skin. The finished lanterns will be used by Emily and her dance company in an upcoming piece. Your tuition includes the fish fillets from the project.