Jessica Kammer

Medium: Skin Sewing, Beading

Jessica is the daughter of Almeria (Carroll) Christiansen and the late Wesley Christiansen. She grew up in Old Harbor and spent much of her adult life in Kodiak. Like many young people of her generation, she learned skin sewing during Alutiiq Week celebrations and at Dig Afognak culture camps. Susan Malutin was one of her mentors, and Jessica’s mother provided tips and encouragement.

Jessica also enjoys beading, a skill she learned from her Athabaskan family members.

“My Gwich’in Athabaskan grandmother in Chalkyitsik, Alaska taught me how to do beadwork when I was ll years old, when I would spend the summers in Interior Alaska,” she said.

For Jessica, making artwork provides important personal time. “It is who I am, and I love to share my culture through my work. But mainly, sharing the talent that God has given me.”

Jessica sells her artwork online, through bazaars, and at the Alutiiq Museum Store. She also enjoys making pieces to donate to fundraisers. She is both an Alutiiq Seal and Silver Hand artist.