Fairbanks
Arts Association
State of the Arts A monthly newsletter of the Fairbanks Arts Association
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fairbanks, Alaska Permit No. 17
August 2006
State of the Arts The monthly newsletter of Fairbanks Arts Association
August 2006
P.O. Box 72786 Fairbanks, Alaska 99707
August Gallery Exhibit: XXXI All Alaska Juried August Literary Reading Fairbanks Arts Association Board of Directors Corlis Taylor, President Marcella Hill, Vice President Mryna Colp, Secretary John Kohler, Jr., Treasurer Bob Dempsey Scott Swingle Jerrie Graham Leafy McBride Joan Stack Staff June Rogers, Executive Director Sherry Faught, Office Manager /Bookkeeper Rachael Kvapil, Program Director Gabriel Lopez-Shaw, Tech Assistant
Featured Gift Shop Artist
Volunteers Needed for Artrain USA’s First Visit to the “Land of the Midnight Sun” Fairbanks Arts Association is working with Artrain USA as it conducts its first ever tour to Alaska in September and October this year. Artrain USA, a nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, MI, is an art museum housed in vintage rail cars that travel via the nation’s railroads. More than 3.2 million people have visited Artrain USA during 800 community visits since its founding in 1971. Artrain USA’s Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture a contemporary Native American art exhibition will be on display in five Alaska communities: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Nenana, Palmer and Seward. Artrain USA’s facility – five train cars that serve as galleries, artists’ studio, gift shop & crew offices – arrives by barge from Seattle and premiers in Anchorage on September 17th. Artrain USA will then travel the Alaska Railroad to each of the five selected communities where it will spend three to seven days on display. As the host organization, FAA is preparing for its arrival by recruiting local residents interested in volunteering as Educational/Group Tour Guides for the exhibit. Help is also needed help with the welcoming reception and other activities during the Artrain USA visit. Native Views is a contemporary Native American art exhibition that explores the influence of popular culture and the many commonalties shared by all Americans. Visitors discover the richness, complexity and breadth of contemporary Native American art while examining varying perspectives on society. Select Alaska Native artists will also be on board for demonstrations and displays as part of Artrain USA’s Alaska Native Artist Fellowship program. Native Views is touring America from April 2004 through 2007 and will reach more than 100 communities.
FAA Invites Dinners in the Homes Hosts for Thank You Dinner September 22 Art Train USA Comes to Alaska Fairbanks Arts Association is funded by private, corporate, and foundation memberships and donations, City of Fairbanks, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts
Alaskans take pride in their adventurous spirit and their ability to adapt to all types of situations whether it’s braving the elements, living without modern conviences, or watching the moose in their backyard. Every summer the dinner table becomes its own adventure for one Fairbanks Arts Association volunteer who frequently transports out-of-town guests to dinners at the homes of people she has never met...
Dinners in the Homes:
An Example of the True Alaskan Spirit by Betty Robinson
for their advice. They proclaimed their dinner experience as the best part of their Alaskan journey. It’s not uncommon for hosts to serve meals made with produce from their own gardens or with produce from the local farmers market. Many meals also feature handpicked berries, wild Alaska salmon, halibut, or game culled from wild herds. I also enjoy pointing out many of the edible wild flowers, greens, herbs and berries that uring the summer phone calls frequently come from grow around the homes of hosts. Fairbanks Arts Association asking me to drive for the Hosts encourage their guests to ask questions, especially “Dinner in the Homes” fundraising program. Driving is my when the host family is from different ethnic backgrounds. way of contributing, though other volunteers host dinners The questions are numerous and, sometimes, quite for out-of-town guests traveling with Colette humorous. Guests also get a chance to Tour Company. This summer, Friday nights “I have transported learn more about other travelers in their are when Fairbanksans open up their homes guests to all group during these evenings. There is to some adventuresome visitors. a lot of interaction, teasing and laughter As a driver, I have transported guests to styles of homes that takes place. Sometimes we have all styles of homes built from logs or framed built from logs or sing-a-longs and there is frequently a homes with outhouses and dog kennels framed homes with lot of joke telling. Admittedly, some of to spacious elegant mansions where them are really corny. champagne and several course dinners are outhouses and dog Volunteer hosts and drivers are served. Visitors are always amazed at the kennels to spacious always needed. Just over a thousand diversity of structures in our Borough and are participating in the elegant mansions.” visitors many are envious of the freedoms we still “Dinners in the Homes” program. This have in Alaska. Guests are also impressed by the variety important fundraiser allows Fairbanks Arts Association of local arts displayed in and around the host homes. to grow programs in our five disciplines: Visual, Literary, At one unfinished home in North Pole, the host Performing, Community Arts and Arts Education. encouraged his twelve guests to suggest how the builders should proceed with the various steps needed to finish the For more information about the “Dinners structure. As they sat in a half-circle around a cold pot- in the Homes” program contact Fairbanks bellied stove, a couple of the gentlemen drew sketches Arts Association at 456-6485 ext. 224 or email on a pad. Guests were surprised and pleased to be asked fairbanksarts@mosquitonet.com. Editor’s Note: Betty Robinson is a long-time participant in FAA’s Dinners in th e Homes fundraiser. Through out the year she has transported a great number of guests, helping to co-host and entertain people with her fascinating stories about living and working in Alaska. Betty had the following throughts to share about Dinners in the Homes:
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On the Cover: Volunteer Host Virginia Damron stands with guests from the 2005 Dinners in the Homes. Her guests sent her this picture after they returned from vacation.
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Thank you
To All Our Wonderful Volunteers!
Gallery Volunteers: Betty Robinson Jean Erickson Martha & Lem Gelineau Sue Cole Susan Holder Penny Wakefield Phil & Ivan Kvapil Deborah Koons Cheryl Joens Andrew & Brian Cooper Clint Meyer Kathy Dubbs Ed Workman Missy & John Kohler, Jr. Barbara Pomar Tom & Tori Foote Barney & Diane McClure Jason Dahlen Eileen Cummings Susie & Greg Zimmerman Judy Wellnitz Wendell & Judy Shiffler Lori & Doug Lange Cora Cook Monte & Lynn Slusher Mark & Nancy Plante Mary Lou Jorissen Mary Burtness Svetlana & Keith Nuss Lee Harris Jim & Jinx Whitaker Ray & Claudia Pierson Laura Fenton Elise & Richard Solie Linda Schandelmeir & Shirley Phelps Craig Salsbury& John Davies Sherry Lewis Penny Clark Hundreds of Volunteers Helped Mary Worral To Host, Co-Host, Entertain and Transport Kathy Richardson Jerrie Graham Summer Visitors for FAA’s Karen Janssen 2006 Dinners in the Homes Fundraiser Margaret Wiedeman Jane Zimmerman C.J. Thomas Jeannine Senechal Vi Robinson Julie Fischer Everyone Who Helped in Any Way is Invited to Dinner Mike Kermes Friday, September 22 -6:30 pm Barbara Short & FAA Bear Gallery Nancy HausleAlaska Centennial Center for the Arts Johnson
Now It’s Our Turn to Host and Say Thank You
Newsletter: Diane Sigfried Mary Lou Jorissen Betty Robinson Jason Dahlen Phyllis Movius Kathy Dubbs Ivan Kvapil Dinners In the Homes: Myrna Colp Barry & Dorli McWayne April Crosby Merrit Helferich Jeanne Daniels Anne & Randy Baker Keith Gianni Tom & Bonnie Roberts Mary Mitchell Margret Van Flein Mark & Mimi Chapin
Pioneer Park
Do you have a favorite story, hosting tip, or recipe? This is the perfect time to share! RSVP: 456-6485 ext 224 or specialprojects@acsalaska.net Barbara Pomar Ken & Penny Wakefield Linde Kienle Martin & Susan Miller Marilyn Richardson Michelle Amstrup Francis Adams Eric & Laura Bergh Marilyn Biagi Kate & Richard Foggia John & Diane Sigfried Lee Harris
Corey & Diane Borgeson Miriam Cooper Mary Beth Olson Kevin Alexander Mary Matthews Libby Martin David & Aldean Kilbourn Ingrid Taylor Valerie Therrien Mercia Kalloch Margaret Wiedeman Curtis & Marcella Hill
Jenifer Cameron Jason Hodges & Evan Hall Susan McGinnish & Joy Morrison Paul & Ester Bermudez Pat Knopf Cheryl Joens David Watson Kathy Vaupel Sandra Boatwright Yvonne Greer Tony Gasparron & Sara Maden Herb & Hilda Melchior Peggy Pollen Jackie Owens Peggy Burkenbuel Marvin & Becky Hassebroek Ed & Mary Husted Marilyn Russell Andy & Sonia Schumacher Theresa Reed David Marusek Shane Hurd Ted Sponsel & Linden Staciokas Patty Kastelic Betty Pixley John & Sheila Fellerath Colleen Smith-Thomas Judy Farnham Marvid & Becky Hassebroek Sig & Arlene Stranberg Jodi Gowens Bill Rogers Joe Enzweiler Susan & Martin Miller Lorraine Peterson Kurt Dinsmore Susan Davis Chick & Carolyne Wallace Jeff Mann Lee & Betty Higbe Roxanne Buckmeir Kathryn Wood Richard Gumm Judy Divinyi
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Greetings from the Gazebo
-Gabriel Lopez Shaw
Fairbanks Arts Association is pleased to introduce Gabriel Lopez-Shaw as the New Technical Assistant for our Performing Arts Program. Gabe is in charge of handling sound and the projector for our film series and sound for our Gazebo Nights programs during June, July, and August (see schedule on right). His talents have helped featured a list of Interior performing artists, which have drawn crowds continuously throughout the summer: Greetings from the Gazebo! The series is now entering the final month and it has been as season to remember. FAA has showcased everything from hunting stories to Polynesian dance to steel drums and celtic fiddle in the month of June. In July, audiences enjoyed Middle Eastern dance, world music played on the mandolin, electric piano and slack key guitar. Even the occasional rainy night couldn’t stop Gazebo Nights from displaying a wide range of Fairbanks talent. Be sure to stop in for shows every evening at 7pm until the end of August. The weather is still beautiful! In closing, I would like to express gratitude to all of the participating artists. It has truly been a gift to be a part of these unique performances.
Featured Artist in the Gift Shop
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Fairbanks Arts Association Brings Summer Entertainment to Pioneer Park Fairbanks Arts Association provides one-stop entertainment from June through August in Pioneer Park. With a host of activities every single evening, there’s always something to do in Fairbanks! Arts in the Park Activities for August: Gazebo Nights offers live entertainment seven days a week starting at 7pm. These free performances are near the park’s front entrance. Bring a chair and blanket, bench seating is limited. The August schedule is as follows:
AUGUST Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays
Free Admission All Shows at 7pm
Eargasm Rock Ukulele Users Group Traditional/Non-traditional Martin Miller Storytelling Mike Stackhouse Original Folk Theresa Bauer Country/Rock Steve Moore Favorites on Guitar w/ Vocals Brookelyn Bellenger (1st 2 weeks) Folk Joan Stack (Last 2 weeks) Vocalist
Fairbanks Arts Association Bear Gallery: a contemporary Fine Arts gallery, located on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts. August show: XXXI All Alaska Juried Art Exhibit. Open 11-9 daily. Fairbanks Arts Association’s Monthly Literary Readings: every third Saturday of the Month. On August 19th, youth winners of the Tanana Valley Fair Junior Creative Writing Division will be invited to read their entries. Readings start at 7pm in the Bear Gallery.
auren Payne is a jewlery maker who was born and raised in Fairbanks where she was exposed to many creative activities during her childhood: painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, paper making and beading. Her mother sparked additional interest when she began a career in oil painting. Lauren has always had a passion for creative tasks and unique one of a kind designs. In addition to jewelry making, Lauren has been very involved with athletics throughout her life and has become fervent about traveling. In May 2006 she graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelors of Science degree. Her specific area of study was Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Health Promotions. Over the past five years Lauren has made it a point to travel and live somewhere different every summer including Costa Rica, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Australia where she lived in a van for 2 months traveling the coast and studying in Sydney for 4 months. She has also taken long excursions around England, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand. Many of the stones, shells and gems Lauren uses in her jewelry have been collected while traveling. Now that Lauren has a bit more time on her hands she is trying to integrate both her creative, athletic, and traveling passions into an interesting and unique career. Lauren’s jewlery is currently available in FAA’s Bear Gallery.
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Dinners In The Homes Guest Sends Thanks to Host From Marilyn J. Hoffert of Mount Vernon, OH: My husband and I attended a wonderful dinner Friday evening, July 7 at the home of Dr. Keith Gianni. We were served great homemade food accompanied by beautiful harp music and fabulous, informative talk about art in Fairbanks. Dr. Gianni’s collection was spectacular. We would like to thank the good doctor and the other volunteers who provided us with such a memorable evening. We were at the very beginning of a great 12 day Alaskan adventure that took us over land (Denali & Anchorage) and sea (Haines, Juneau & Ketchekan). Our evening at Dr. Gianni’s home was a high point. The sights that followed were great but that first Friday evening will long be remembered as OUTSTANDING!!! Thanks to all.
Interior Artist Recognized at 2005 Pacific Northwest Quiltfest
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eborah Wilkinson traveled to Seattle this month to recieve an award for her piece “Red Diamonds,” entered into the Pacific Northwest Quiltfest. The quilted jacket was one of 276 quilts and wearable art entries from five northwestern states and four western provinces. The Pacific Northwest Quiltfest is August 11-13 at the Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall. The event is sponsored by the Association of Northwest Quilters.
Monthly Literary Reading for August: Class Champions of the Tanana Valley State Fair’s Junior Creative Writing Division Fairbanks Arts Association is pleased to feature the eight Class Champions of the Tanana Valley State Fair’s (TVSFA) Junior Creative Writing Division Competition. FAA seeks to provide a venue for writers of all ages and by working with the Tanana Valley State Fair has identified young writers who are eager to present their work. Tanana Valley State Fair accepts submissions for poetry: rhyming and non-rhyming; plays, skits, and scripts; anecdotes, nonfiction, short fiction, fiction and desktop publishing. The Junior Creative Writing competition is for youth age 16 and under. FAA’s Monthly Literary Reading is Saturday, August 19 in the Bear Gallery, third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts in Pioneer Park.
Call for Art The Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) announces a Call for Art for the Fairbanks International Airport Terminal Area Development Project. Artists are invited to submit concept proposals for artwork to be commissioned for the Fairbanks International Airport Terminal. At this time, the public art committee requests proposals for signature exterior and interior art. This call is open to all statewide, national and international artists and/or teams of artists. Budget for art: $400,000 Submission Deadline: August 31, 2006. Please visit Artist Opportunities on the ASCA website www.eed.state.ak.us/aksca for more information.
For additional information about arts-related events, committees, educational activities or opportunities visit the Fairbanks Arts Association website at
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his biennial exhibit is always well received by local
August Gallery Exhibit: audiences because of its inclusion of a wide variety XXXI All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition of high quality new works by many Alaska artists. Some artists have been represented for a number of years, and it Exhibit Dates: August 4-August 27, 2006 is good to recognize their most current work. Some artists Opening Reception: Friday, August 4, 5-8 pm are new to the exhibit. This is an exciting event for those
artists who are pleased to have a venue to display their work and for the museum staff who are always gratified Editors Note: The Anchorage Museum of History and Art to find new talent within the state. This year’s exhibition featured the XXXI All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition January 15 includes 80 works of art by 55 artists. A total of 177 artists through March 5, 2006. It is now travelling around the state. from 25 Alaska communities entered 576 works for the The following statement is part of the foreword presented jurying process, including 36 who are new to the museum’s by Anchorage Museum of History and Art Director Patricia database. Wolf in the exhibition guide, reprinted with the museum’s The character of the All Alaska Juried Art Exhibit is based permission: upon the artists who submit entries and the selections of a distinguished juror from outside of Alaska who has significant credentials in organizing exhibits but is unfamiliar with Alaska’s art and artists. This year’s juror is Matthew Drutt, Chief Curator of the Menil Collection in Houston, Texas. He has organized many prestigious exhibitions and publications for their museum including: Robert Gober: The Meat Wagon; Ellsworth Kelly: Tablet; Olafur Eliasson: Photographs; Tony Smith: Elevens Are Up, Wall and New Piece. A Permanent Installation in Loretto Park; and Dan Flavin: Clockwise Monuments for Vladimir Tatlin. from top left: Prior to working in Houston, Drutt served as Curator Untitled by Jessie Hedden, at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. Stay II by Annie While there, he organized, among others, Kazimir Duffy, Ascent, Malevich: Suprematism; Amazons of Avant-Garde; Six Fairbanks, AK Russian Artists: Alexandra Exter, Natalia Goncharova, by Kate Wool. Liubov Popova, Olga Rozanova, Varvara Stepanova, These artworks and Nadezhda Udaltsova; Bill Fontana: Acoustical are among Sounds of Venice, from the Venice Biennale; The Art the 80 works of the Motorcycle: Max Beckmann in Exile; and Josef featured in the Albers: Glass, Color and Light. XXXI All Alaska Drutt has taught at Columbia University, School of Juried Art the Arts in New York; Division of Graduate Studies, Exhibit cont. next page
Interior Artists Featured in the XXXI All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition Valerie D. Cline, Fairbanks Magical Thinking Acrylic, ink on board Award
Annie Duffy, Fairbanks Stay II Cast paper, hemp twine Award
Inari Kylanen, Fairbanks Mysteries of Cat Language Acrylic, hair
Jessie Hedden, Fairbanks Untitled Collage, acrylic, paper, push pins Award
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Nancy Burnham, Ester Beguiling Mixed media Karma Mixed Media Da-Ka-Xeen Mehner, Fairbanks Reflections Digital photo
Kate S. Wool, Fairbanks Ascent, Fairbanks, AK Silver gelatin print Elizabeth Eero Irving, Fairbanks Three Leaves Mixed media on paper Red Collection Mixed media on paper
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Fashion Institute of Technology; Hart Leadership Program at Duke University; he was a Teaching Fellow, Department of History and Art, Yale University. He received his Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts/Russian from New York University, his Masters from Yale University, and was a PhD Candidate (ABD) at Yale University. In addition to selecting the works to be included in the exhibit, Drutt also selected the pieces that received the awards. The $1,000 Juror’s Choice Award was given to Marianne Elson Grifith, Anchorage for her oil paiting 4th Avenue. Awards of $500 were given to Fredrick Anderson, Naknek, for his drawing Self Portrait in Bush; Valerie Cline, Fairbanks, for her painting Magical Thinking; Don
Calendar of Events Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Contact: Chérie Stihler: stihlerunits@mosquitobytes.com SCBWI Alaska’s Editors Day 3 September 10 10 am - 4 pm Featuring actively acquiring editors: Lauren Velevis from Harper Collins and Deborah Wayshak of Candlewick Press Editors Day 3 Registration SCBWI Members $60/ Non-members $100 www.scbwialaska.org/ED3.html
Decker, Anchorage, for his carved wood sculpture Rain/ Sun; Annie Duffy, Fairbanks for her sculpture Stay II; Jessie Hedden, Fairbanks, for her untitled collage; and Will Rindom, Palmer, for his black and white photograph Superstructure. Submissions by four Anchorage artists were given Honorable Mention. They include: Edward Albe, Valdez, Alaska 2004, photographed by Michael Conti; Isaac on the Kenai, an acrylic painting by Lorri Davis; Wellspring III, a work on paper by Ted Herlinger; and Way Too Long in a Yoga Pose, a mixed media on aluminum piece by Ward Hulbert. The All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition is an important vehicle for expressing the Museum’s commitment to collecting and exhibiting works by Alaska artists.
Northland Children’s Choir Contact: Melissa Downes, 388-0543 www.northlandchoir.org Auditions by Appointment Beginning August 22 Boys and girls 8 -18 years old. 2007 Fundraising for England Tour Ongoing Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow Contact: Valerie Jenson, 456-2245 vjensen@alaska.net www.midnightsunpowwow.net General Membership Meeting Sunday, August 13 Location TBA
Friends of Creamer’s Field Contact:452-5162 creamers@ptialaska.net www.creamersfield.org 9th Annual Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival August 25-27 Creamer’s Field Celebration includes walks, seminars, workshops, and other events for adults and kids alike. Dance Theatre Fairbanks Contact: 452-1113 info@dancetheatrefairbanks.com www.dancetheatrefairbanks.com Fall 2006 Semester Registration August 22, 24, 25 @ 6:30-8:30 August 26 @ 2:00-4:00 Placement Class dates Age 8-11: August 22 @ 4:30-6:30, August 24 @ 4:30-6:30 Age 12-up: August 22 @ 5:30-6:30, August 24 @ 5:30-7:30 Babes in Toyland Auditions Age 8-11: August 25 @ 5:30-7:30 Age 12-up: August 26 @ 10:00-2:00
North Star Ballet Contact: 451-8800 Company & Apprentice Company Auditions August 24 @ 5 pm In-person registration August 25, 26 from 10 am-6 pm Junior Company Auditions August 25 @ 5 pm Scholarship Auditions August 26 @ 2 pm Open Auditions for Nutcracker Children’s Roles September 17 @ 2 pm
Fairbanks Choral Society & Tanana Yukon Historical Society Contact: Dr. Suzanne Summerville. 456 1144 sing@mosquitonet.com There’s No Place Like Nome: Songs, Piano, and Poetry from Early Gold Rush Days August 25 @ 7 pm The Chapel, Pioneer Park No Charge
Fairbanks Arts Association:
Cinema Arts Committee: Every other Wednesday at 5:30pm
Community Arts Committee: August 30 at Noon
Community Writer’s Group: Sunday, August 13 from 1-4pm Submission Deadline: August 4th in Bear Gallery
All Meetings are in the Bear Gallery unless otherwise stated.
Visual Arts Committee: August 9 at 5:30pm Literary Arts Committee: August 10 at 5:30pm
Submit newsletter information to: rachael.kvapil@acsalaska.net or call 456-6485 ext 226
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