Sharon Filyaw

Sharon Filyaw moved to Ketchikan in 1980 from Washington’s Olympic Peninsula when her parents followed their “Alaskan Dream.”

She saw her first pine needle basket when she was 15 and fell in love with the art form and was determined to learn to make them. She is self-taught and has never taken a class. She loves to incorporate nature into her work. Her grandchildren love to help her gather things from nature to use in her work. No two baskets are alike. Each one takes on its own personality according to the stone or wood she is working with.

Sharon developed an early appreciation for the outdoors through hiking, camping, fishing, and anything outdoors. Sharon is an avid fisherman and loves being near the water and mountains.

In 2021, Sharon was recognized by the Rasmuson Foundation with an Individual Artist Award, a well deserved honor.