Introducing Arts in Action Fellow, Claire Helgeson!
My name is Claire Helgeson and I’m the 2022 Arts in Action fellow at Native Movement! I grew up in Seattle, Washington, and have lived on Áak’w Ḵwáan land, Juneau, for five years. My family originates from Scan- dinavia and the Celtic regions of Europe. I carry the Woosheektaan name Shkaayiltín. Alongside making art, I work with Tlingit and Haida’s Lingít language immerson preschool, Haa Yoo X̱ ’atángi Kúdi.
My passion for Indigenous language revitalization inspires much of my work. Being in the Lingít language community in Juneau has brought so much into my life. I am inspired by the powerful healing that our languages bring. I have encountered this healing globally in my travels to Ireland to learn my ancestral language, Gaeilge. I am excited to find ways to continue to express the link between my art and my love for language through this fellowship.
Ireland is my place of inspiration. I have been traveling there since 2018. Beginning
to learn the language has been an abundant journey for me. I love drawing connections between my experiences in the language there and here in Juneau. When I am there I gather new ideas and inspiration to bring back to my studio. I find balance as an artist by doing collaborative projects with people in Alaska and in Ireland. I am grateful for the full life I have!
Instagram: @claire.helg
https://www.clairehelgeson.art
The Arts in Action Fellowship with Native Movement is a 3-month part-time position which provides hands-on experience working with our team. The goal of this Fellowship is to give space to be creative in a collaborative environment, build capacity in our communities for Arts in Action, and support BIPOC, and queer artists/creatives who are interested in expanding their skills around Arts organizing.