James Schoppert Artist

Robert James "Jim" Schoppert (May 28, 1947 – September 2, 1992), was a Tlingit (/ˈklɪŋkɨt/ or /ˈtlɪŋɡɨt/) Alaska Native born in Juneau, Alaska. His father was of German descent and his mother Tlingit. During his life, Schoppert became one of the most prodigious and influential Alaska Native artists of the twentieth century. His work includes carving, painting, poetry and essays. He has been described as an innovator, that made traditional and contemporary Alaska Native works often pushing the boundaries of what was considered "traditional" Northwest Coast art. Throughout his career he was a spokesman for Alaska Native artists and artists in general. Having taught at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) as a guest professor and giving talks and lectures at elementary schools throughout the states of Alaska and Washington, his positive influence was spread through his work and words over the course of his career.