About the artist

Jerry Laktonen is an Alutiiq carver from Kodiak Island whose paddles and masks are celebrated for their craftsmanship, vivid detail, and deep connection to Alutiiq heritage.

Laktonen turned to art after the Exxon Valdez oil spill disrupted his fishing livelihood. Drawing on his experience in boatbuilding and extensive study of museum collections, he has become one of the most recognized Alutiiq carvers of his generation. His work blends cultural authenticity, storytelling, and a profound spiritual connection to his ancestors. 

Born in Larsen Bay in 1951, Laktonen spent his youth fishing Kodiak’s waters and later worked in boatbuilding. That experience sharpened his skills with wood. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he turned to carving as both a livelihood and a form of cultural expression. What began with homemade tools and experimentation grew into a celebrated body of work that has helped preserve and elevate Alutiiq art. 

His carvings are part of major collections, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. There, his blue Alutiiq paddles have greeted visitors at the gallery entrance. He has earned first-place awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Fair in Phoenix, and other major Indigenous art shows across the country. 

In addition to his artistic achievements, Laktonen has mentored emerging artists, advocated for the rights of Alaska Native artists, and played a central role in raising the visibility of authentic Alutiiq art. 

In 2025, Jerry received the Distinguished Artist award from Rasmuson Foundation.