Nick Vonda

Nick, born in 1970, was raised in Juneau and continues to live and work here. A Tlingit of the Wooshkeetaan (eagle, shark) clan, he was given the Tlingit name Snow-Taan. Master carvers took notice of Nick’s natural artistic talent while he was in Elementary School learning to carve in Native Study classes. He apprenticed under some of the most skilled Native artists in the area, always evolving and transforming his own unique style. Well-known artists he’s worked with are Walter Bennett, Mick & Rick Beasley, Doug Chilton, and Dwaine Price. 

Although Nick works in several mediums, is highly skilled in executing traditional Tlingit designs, his connection to the smells, texture, and manipulation of Alaskan cedar proved to be his true passion. He evolved into a master wood carver through his study of wood as it “revealed” what it should become and perfect attention to every detail in its final formulation.  Dedicated to staying true to tradition, Nick is famous throughout Southeast Alaska for his Northwest Coast transformation paddles, totem poles, masks, bowls, bentwood boxes, wall plaques and rattles (this full selection of art is featured in the Mt. Juneau Trading Post).  When not carving, Nick is embracing the outdoors, fishing, or hunting.