Folk Arts - Master Artist - Frank Fulmer

Frank Fulmer. Photo by Fritz Dent.

Without a written history, the Hoonah Tlingit relied on oral history and the hieroglyphic pictures that adorned their houses and possessions. In 1944, however, a fire swept the Hoonah village, destroying homes, art, and history. Tlingit native, Frank Fulmer’s lineage traces back to the Hoonah; his mother and grandparents were one of the few families left to set up spring camp in Glacier Bay, Alaska before the US Government declared the area a national park and cut off hunting rights.

As much of Hoonah’s heritage was destroyed in the 1944 fire, Frank Fulmer has dedicated himself to reproducing the history and art styles of his people. As a Tlingit, Frank has steeped himself in the oral histories of his people, becoming a primary carrier of culture himself. Dedicated to honoring his ancestors through his art, Frank had worked to bring that culture alive in his work.

Frank’s art can be seen in the new Wes Johnson Library in the Olympic College in Shelton. The piece, called ‘Eagle Dancer’, brings with it the story of the Hoonah people struggling to survive after the ravaging fire. The Burke Museum of Art, as well, has featured Frank’s presentations, as well as put his art in a cultural exchange program with China.

For the Tlingit, pictures contain meaning. In a carving of a wolf, many would simply see a wolf, but the Hoonah see clan, family, and ancestors. By bringing these images to life, Frank builds not only a future for his people, but their past as well. His works keeps alive a culture that was nearly lost, making it visible and available for the Hoonah and the world.

In 2003 Frank was awarded a Folk Arts to recognize his outstanding contributions to preserving traditional Hoonah Tlingit cultural traditions.