Abel Ryan was born in Ketchikan, Alaska and raised in Metlakatla.  Abel is Tsimshian of the La̱xgiboo clan.  He graduated from Sheldon Jackson College with a B.A. in Liberal Arts and a minor in Art, as well as from University of Alaska Fairbanks with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native Arts Studio and Printmaking.
Abel studied traditional Tsimshian art under master carver Jack Hudson of Metlakatla.  He has carved for over 24 years. Working in the medium of wood and metals, Abel produces masks, bowls, spoons, plaques, combs, bracelets, rings, and other hand carved items. Abel’s work is sold in galleries in Juneau, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Sitka.  He also has work in private collections.
“I love my culture, my heritage.  I love that my people took such great care in creating the things that they used.  They developed such a unique and beautiful style of expression that I wish to carry on.”