Eli Whitney Museum

Totem poles for Northwest Coast Indians provided a means of communicating their stories, myths and legends. They are an arrangement of symbols that convey meaning. Students will build their own totem pole, using wood, clay and found objects; it is a first step in the lifelong process of making meaning out of objects. Students can make a personal totem or a cultural totem.

Susan Clinard is the Artist-in-residence at the Museum. She is a sculptor in clay, wire, wood, and thread and exhibits internationally.