State of the Arts
The
monthly newsletter of Fairbanks Arts Association
February 2007
I N THIS ISSUE p2
FAA W r iting in the d a r k
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Re a d ing S e r ies & G a l l e r y A r tist
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FAA A f f i l i ate s p o t l ight
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V o l untee r th a n k s
G a l l e r y e x hi b it
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Art expo
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c a l en d a r o f e v ents
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c a l l f o r a r tists
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“Promoting contemporary and traditional arts in Alaska’s Interior.”
FAA’s 2007 Writing in the Dark: ”Transforming Personal Experience into Art” “Some people say personal experience is all
by Rachael Kvapil
that we really have along with imagination I remember one of the most inspirational
The $30 pre-registration fee ($35 at the
and faith,” says Marjorie. “Adventures and
writing moments in 2006. I was sitting on
door) includes a continental breakfast and
personal experience are what brings life to
the couch at the Four Winds Foundation
lunch. Writers are encouraged to bring
our fiction, poetry, and essays.”
journals, inspirational writings to share
staring at a piece of paper with a single
and, above all, their love of writing.
speaker
Marjorie grew up in Fairbanks, earned an
Jerah Chadwick was instructing us to write
M.A. in English from UAF and an M.L.S. from
Over the years I have made many friends
something about the word given to us by a
the University of Washington. She taught and
because of the Writing in the Dark Retreat. For
fellow writer in the room. I raised my hand
worked in libraries in Alaska until 1998, when
instance, Betty Higbe admitted that she made
and asked, “What if I don’t know what my
she turned to writing full time. Her poetry
up the word ‘univesence’ and thoroughly
word means?” Jerah laughed and said, “Write
and short stories have appeared in many
enjoyed the humorous philosophies about
whatever comes to mind then.”
journals, including ‘Grain,’ ‘Chattahoochee
the ‘Essence of the Universe’ that the word
Review,’ ‘Alaska Quarterly Review,’ ‘Ice Floe,’ Every “Writing in the Dark Retreat” has
inspired. Every now and then she’ll ask if I’ve
‘Passages North,’ ‘Cream City Review,’ ‘Room
provided an inspiration. It didn’t matter if
managed to find a spot for the word in any of
of One’s Own,’‘Seattle Review’ and others, and
the guest speaker wrote mysteries (John
my science fiction pieces.
her work has received awards from ‘Glimmer
Straley), non-fiction (Sherry Simpson), or
Train,’ ‘Explorations,’ ‘Cream City Review’ and
poetry (Jerah Chadwick). Each writer brought
the ‘Ester Republic.’ Her
information and exercises that applied to the
essays have appeared in
process of writing. The remote setting at Four
‘Commonweal,’ ‘Poets and
Winds Foundation provides a snow covered
Writers,’ the ‘Los Angeles
landscape that inspires and offers just enough
Times,’ ‘National Catholic
escapism from the fast paced “real world.”
Reporter
word “Univesence.” Our
guest
This year Marjorie Kowalski Cole is the guest presenter. Her session is titled: “Transforming Personal Experience into Art.”
and others. In
2004, she was awarded the Bellwether Prize for her novel, Correcting the Landscape,
about
her
hometown of Fairbanks.
Writing in the Dark 2007 “Transforming Personal Experience into Art” featuring Marjorie Kowalski Cole Name:__________________________________________________________ Phone:
Bre Lunc akfast & h In clud ed!
Address:________________________________________________________ E-mail: $30 for Early Registration. Registration must be postmarked or delivered Saturday, February 10th to receive this rate. Registration can be dropped off at the FAA Bear Gallery, 3rd Floor, Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way. Cost is $35 after February 10th. Method of Payment:
Check Enclosed
Return to: Fairbanks Arts Association P.O. Box 72786 Fairbanks, AK 99707-2786
MC/Visa Amount: Card Number: Expiration date: Signature:
Fairbanks Arts Association
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February 2007
Reading Series: Libbie Martin f a i r b a n k s
a r t s
a s s o c i a t i o n
.:: Reading Series ‘07
Libbie Martin
Libbie Martin is a transplant from California who gave up the sun and the sand for snow and wilderness when she moved to Fairbanks in 2005. She has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, but it is rumoured that she started writing as a toddler, frantically scrawling stories while other kids her age were making like Picasso on the walls. (It is also rumoured that her first writing implement was a purple crayon). Libbie's training in journalism and her penchant for remarkably odd jobs (casino blackjack dealer, office manager for non-profits, Girl Scout leader, supervising DUI pre-sentence cases, and so on) make her a keen observer of life's absurdities, and she enjoys nothing more than putting those absurdities to words. She writes book reviews for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner under the moniker of The Armchair Adventurer. She writes poetry, novels and biographies. Her first book, "We'll Give Him A Hearty Welcome, Then ..." won several awards from the Sacramento Publishers and Authors organization in 2005.
The Monthly Literary Reading is Saturday, February 3 at 7pm in the FAA Bear Gallery.
Gallery Artist for February: Suraiya John Suraiya John was born raised in Fairbanks and comes from generations of Athabascan artists. With family ties stretching through the Upper Tanana Region of Tetlin, her Athabascan heritage has given her the opportunity to develop skills that range from carving to singing to beadwork. Her grandmother Yvonne John and her greatgrandmother Jesse Mark taught her the art of beadwork and basketry, and she is proud to carry on time-honored traditions into today. Her beadwork honors traditional patterns while introducing modern styles. Her specialty includes necklaces, wall art, and skin sewing. She is also learning to sew traditional porcupine quills in addition to developing advance basketry techniques. Through art she hopes to bridge the world of her ancestors’ traditions with that of the modern world. She is excited to be featured as a featured artist in the FAA Bear Gallery Gift Shop.
February 2007
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Fairbanks Arts Association
F.A.A. Affiliate Spotlight: Cabin Fever Quilters Guild
The Cabin Fever Quilters
January, “Quilting in the Snow,” offers
Quilt Auction at the Tanana Valley Fair and
Guild began in 1979 with five ladies
a two-day weekend retreat held at Chena Hot
host the Quilt Show that showcases quilting
who wanted to gather together
Springs Resort for guild members who enjoy
talent from throughout the Interior.
others interested in the art of quilting.
classes and relaxation.
Over 28 years the Guild has grown to
February offers participation in
Guild year with an Annual Banquet at a local
include hundreds of members from
“Secret Pals.” Each participant is given the
restaurant with special door prizes and the
Fairbanks, other towns in Alaska
name of another and throughout the year
installation of new officers.
and around the world. Members
“Secret Pals” give surprise gifts to each other
meet monthly for a regular business
throughout the year.
in the University of Alaska Women’s Holiday
meeting that includes a show and
Bazaar at Wood Center.
tell of quilt projects, drawings (block
in March and held at the Pioneers Home.
of the month, fat quarters and door
exchange. Each member brings hand crafted
prizes) and possibly a technique
and potholder exchange.
holiday ornaments and leaves with another.
demonstration.
The Guild offers other
New Members Tea is often scheduled April introduces our Annual Potluck June brings us a Solstice Quilting
October marks the end of our
November the Guild participates
In December we have an ornament
Our meetings are held in the multi
Party where we quilt all day and all night.
purpose room of Monroe Highschool the 3rd
activities in addition to monthly
Tuesday of each month at 7:15pm. Please
meetings
anticipated Brennest Quilt Show at the Bear
consider joining–come visit at a meeting!
Service, which provides quilts to
Gallery.
burn-out families throughout the
such
as
Community
In
July
we
host
the
eagerly
In August we sponsor the Small
year.
Fairbanks Arts Association
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February 2007
To Our Wonderful Volunteers! Thank you Gallery Docents Kathy Dubbs Jane Gregory Cheryl Joens Edie Barbour Lee Harris Laura Christos Frances Schulz Mary Lou Jorissen Helga Wagenleiter Debbie Bayer Penny Wakefield Heika Vig Mary Martin Dan Bandel Doug Von Gausig
• Time Out at Noon Performers
Volunteer Needs: • First Friday Crew
Come see us at the UAF Volunteer Fair! Wood Center, 11am-2pm February 15th.
• Gallery Docents
Contact: Rachael Kvapil rachael.kvapil@acsalaska.net 456-6485 ex: 226
Karl Monetti Rachael Kvapil
(Greeters and Food Preparation) Friday, February 2, from 4-9pm FAA Bear Gallery (Gift shop sales, Gallery Attendant)
Tuesday and Thursday from Noon to 1pm
• Reading Crew
(Setup Crew and Food Preparation) Saturday, February 3 from 5-9pm
First Friday Crew Vi Robinson Peggy Birkenbuel Cheryl Joens
Time Out at Noon
• School Performance Ushers for IONA Dance (help seat students) Friday, February 16, 9:15am and 11:15am at Hering Auditorium
February
• Writing in the Dark (Setup,
Registration and Food Preparation) Saturday, February 17 at 7am
Committee Schedule: Literary Arts Committee Thursday, February 8, 5:30pm
Timeout @ NOON
Community Writers Group Sunday, February 11, 1-4pm
sponsored by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation
Bring lunch Enjoy a FREE performance Meet local talent in the Exhibit Hall Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts
Tuesday & Thursday Noon to 1 pm For more information: 456-6485 ext. 227 or go to www.fairbanksarts.org
Community Arts Committee Wednesday, February 14, NOON Far North Conservation Film Festival Wednesday, February 14, 2:30pm Literary Arts Committee Wednesday, February, 5:30pm Cinema Arts Committee Wednesday, February 21, 5:30pm All meetings in the Bear Gallery, 3rd Floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way
February 2007
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Fairbanks Arts Association
February Gallery Exhibit: Patterns of Influence: Jeremy Kane “Changing Times” February Gallery Exhibit - “Changing Times”, Jeremy Kane Exhibit Dates: February 2-24 Opening Reception: Friday, February 2, 5-8pm Patterns of Influence is Fairbanks Arts
to facilitate my ideas about America,” says Kane.
pattern is specific to china, the images I choose
Association’s only juried exhibit with a theme.
“Through the use of historical techniques and
are American. Semi-trucks, flames, American
This year Jeremy Kane, Assistant Professor
found objects I narrate my thoughts on the
flags, mud-flap ladies and humorous phrases
of Art at the University of Alaska Southeast,
culture in which I grew up. These ideas stem
are appropriated on the forms. The images
will jury submissions based on the theme
from the ideas that occur when associating
are proud, similar to stickers plastered against
“Changing Times.” The following description of
amongst many “types” of people. My pieces
and old instrument case or on the bumper of a
Kane was written by Stephanie Lanter, writer
are sturdy and often modified with chrome
family station wagon. These are souvenirs and
and friend of Kane who featured the artist in
additions, rubber and metal to pay homage
icons of American culture.”
her article “Semi Porcelain: American Jr. Ware
to trucks, antiques and industrial design. They
Ceramics”:
contain bright colors and narratives about specifically American attributes. They embody
“Stripes of Semi-truck decals ramble down the
everyday common images. Just as the willow
sides of “Jr.” Jeremy Kane’s Chinese-looking lidded jar. Pink “His” and Blue “Hers” spittoons sit nearby in his studio. A hillbilly potter with schoolboy savvy, Mr. Kane’s fancy clay and mixed-media wares satirize the mechanisms of capitalism as well as consumers themselves. Contemporary mythologist Lewis Hyde calls the artist/trickster a “culture hero,” a brand fitting Jr. like Levis on a wrangler. “Most at home on the road or at the [neon] twilight edge of town” and “always out to satisfy an
On January 29th, Kane will give a slide lecture called “Horrible, humorous, and ‘Made in America.’” The presentation will take place in the Blue Room, on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts Exhibit Hall, Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way. inordinate appetite” a trickster is a “dirt worker” who “usefully disturbs the shape of things by crossing or reworking the line between the elevated and the excremental.” Kane’s progressive honkeytonkin’ with traditional objets d’Americana pushes common and esoteric values into simultaneous question and preservation.” “Highly crafted porcelain objects act as a canvas
Fairbanks Arts Association
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February 2007
Fairbanks Arts Association’s Thirteenth Annual
Statewide Poetry Contest The Fairbanks Arts Association’s Literary Arts Committee is now accepting entries for the 13th Annual Poetry Contest. The purpose of the contest is to encourage, publicize, and reward the writing of high quality poetry. Divisions:
Awards:
Adult High School Grade and Middle School
First Place $150 - Second Place $100 –Third Place $50 First Place $100 - Second Place $50 – Third Place $25 First Place $50 - Second Place $30 – Third Place $15
Poetry Judge will be Peggy Schumaker – Peggy was born in La Mesa, California and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. She earned her B.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. Peggy was writer in residence for the Arizona Commission on the Arts, working with prison inmates, honors students, gang members, deaf adults, teen parents, little kids, library patrons and elderly folks. She won a poetry fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and several awards for teaching. She served as Poet in Residence at the Stadler Center for Poetry at Bucknell University and as President of the Board of Directors of the Associated Writing Programs. Professor emerita from University of Alaska Fairbanks, Peggy was Chair of the English Department and Director of the M.F.A. program in Creative Writing. She currently teaches in the low-residency Rainier Writing Workshop. Peggy and her husband Joe Usibelli live in Fairbanks, Alaska and travel widely. DEADLINE: 5PM ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2007 Entries must be postmarked (or hand-delivered to the Fairbanks Arts Association’s Bear Gallery) by that date. Entry Fee Grade, Middle, and High School: $3 per poem or $10/four poems. Adults: $4 per poem or $13/four poems. • • • •
No more than four poems per author may be entered. All poems must be original. Each must be typed on an 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper and may not exceed 100 lines in length. Cover page should include name, address, phone and category, as well as the title of all poems submitted. AUTHOR’S NAME SHOULD NOT APPEAR ON ANY POEMS. No entries will be returned. A list of winners will be sent if SASE is included. Send entries with entry fee to: (Checks should be made payable to Fairbanks Arts Association) Fairbanks Arts Association FAA Poetry Contest 2007 P.O. Box 72786 Fairbanks, AK 99707
The Literary Arts Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Bear Gallery.
For more information call 456-6485 x226 or e-mail fairbanksarts@mosquitonet.com
The Literary Arts Committee of the Fairbanks Arts Association, an organization 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, sponsors this contest.
February 2007
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Fairbanks Arts Association
Friday Events
Join us for ArtEXPO 2007! March 17 & 18 11am-5pm Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way
Fairbanks Arts Association
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February 2007
Saturday Events Application for Exhibit Space ART EXPO 2007 Saturday, March 17 & Sunday, March 18 Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way Name: Business Name: Address: City:
State:
Phone:
Zip:
E-mail:
Fax:
Number of Spaces ($100 for a 9’x 8’ space) Two Tables provided per single space. Will you need an electrical outlet? Yes (Extension cords not provided.)
No
.
Please let us know if you have special needs, every effort will be made to accommodate requests.
Description of Product Line: (First time participants in Art Expo please send a photo or sample of your work)
You will be billed $100 for each space at time of acceptance. Submit application to: Fairbanks Arts Association PO Box 72786 • Fairbanks, AK 99707 Exhibit space is limited. Assignments will be made in order of the date received. Fairbanks Arts Association reserves the right to accept only those exhibits that reflect the character of the show.
A $25 application fee will be added to all applications received after February 15, 2007.
February 2007
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Fairbanks Arts Association
Calendar of Events Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival Contact 474-8869 festival@alaska.net www.fsaf.org Gospel Choir featuring Bobby Lewis and Eustace Johnson Monday, February 12th-Friday, February 16th, performance Sunday, February 18th in Sacred Heart Cathedral @ 4 PM Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre Contact: 457-POET info@fstalaska.org www.fairbanks-shakespeare.org Auditions for “The Monkey King” Saturday February 3rd, 2-4:30 PM Noel Wien Library Auditorium; Sunday, February 4th, 2-5 PM Empress Theatre Festival of Native Arts Contact 474-6889 festival@uaf.edu Festival of Native Arts Annual Benefit featuring Tezkatlipoka Danza Azteca Saturday, February 24th @ 6 PM Sunday, February 25th @ 6 PM, doors open at 5:30 PM West Valley Performing Arts Center Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Contact Chérie Stihler stihlerunits@mosquitobytes.com Coffee Chat Social Hour - [1st Saturday] Saturday, February 3rd 4:00 - 5:00PM Alaska Coffee Roasting Company Opera Fairbanks Contact: operafairbanks@ak.net Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies Opera/Music Cartoons Sunday, February 18th 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM & 7 PM Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts Theatre Fairbanks Concert Association Contact: 474.8081 info@fairbanksconcert.org www.fairbanksconcert.org
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The Italian Saxophone Quartet Saturday, February 10th @ 8 PM IONA Dance: Hawaiian Myths & Legends Sunday, February 18th @ 4 PM Both shows at Hering Auditorium Fairbanks Drama Association Contact: 456-PLAY fda-fct@mosquitonet.com Hearts Round-Up Party for 2007 Mortgage Makers February 3rd from 7 to 9 PM ART February 9th –25th Fridays and Saturdays at 8:15pm, Sundays at 2pm. Both events at the Riverfront Theatre UA Museum of the North Contact 474.7505 museum@uaf.edu www.uaf.edu/museum Museum Lecture Recording Culture: Ethnographic Film Past and Present Thursday, February 8th @ 7 PM; Museum Film Festival Culture on Film: The Best of the Society for Visual Anthropology Friday, February 9th through Sunday, February 11th; Member’s Reception Meet the Curators Thursday, February 15th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM; Saturday Family Program Ice Carving with Mark & Mimi Chapin Saturday, February 24th from 10 AM – Noon; Special Exhibit The Nature and Art of Collection February 10 - April 29, 2007 Fairbanks Symphony Association Contact: 474-5733 or 474-5852 www.fairbankssymphony.org Cello Recital Thursday, February 22, 2007, 8pm Andres Diaz, cello Eduard Zilberkant, piano Andres Diaz returns to perform Dvorak Sunday, February 25, 2007, 4pm
Fairbanks Arts Association
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February 2007
Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Eduard Zilberkant, conductor Andres Diaz, cello Both events: Charles Davis Concert Hall Ice Alaska Contact: 451-8250 iceart@icealaska.com www.icealaska.com World Ice Art Championships Single-block Classic: February 27th - March 1st Multi-block Classic: March 4th – 9th Lighting Ceremony, March 10th Best viewing of finished sculptures: March 10th – 18th The Ice Park will be open until March 25th, weather permitting, just off Phillips Field Road
Fairbanks Arts Association Fairbanks Arts Association was established in 1966 to promote and support the arts in the Fairbanks area. The 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. With assistance from professional staff and charitable volunteers, the Association provides services in five areas: Visual, Literary, Performing, Community Arts and Arts Education. The Association also helps raise funds for other arts groups, provides technical assistance and support for arts programming, encourages and advises individual artists beginning organizations and sponsors workshops and educational meetings. Board of Directors Corlis Taylor, President Marcella Hill, Vice President Leafy McBride, Secretary Myrna Colp, Treasurer Members: Bob Dempsey Jerrie Graham Joan Stack Shane Hurd Lorraine Peterson Staff June Rogers, Executive Director Sherry Faught, Office Manager/Bookkeeper Rachael Kvapil, Program Director Gabriel Lopez-Shaw, Tech Assistant Igor Pasternak, Gallery Assistant Tanya Clayton, Gallery Assistant
Opportunities for Artists
February 2007
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Fairbanks Arts Association
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The
monthly newsletter of Fairbanks Arts Association
February 2007
State of the Arts
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fairbanks, Alaska Permit No. 17
P.O. Box 72786 Fairbanks, Alaska 99707
Volunteer of the Month:
Vi Robinson
I came to the Fairbanks Arts Association in the late eighties for job training. I learned may skills like bulk mailing and early lessons on the computer. My greatest enlightenment was about the many, many forms of art. I am a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in Chistochina through my teens. Unfortunately in my era there was no school and so my foster mother read to us during the long winter evenings. She read many classics like Lewis Caroll’s Alice in
Wonderland, which gave me great appreciation for literature into my adult years. I really enjoy FAA’s Monthly Literary Readings in the Bear Gallery and Gazebo Nights in summer months. Lately I have been involved with the Dinners in the Home Program as a driver. I enjoy meeting all the visitors and showing them the Fairbanks I have come to know over forty years. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to be involved with FAA. It has really enriched my life! I am glad to have met so many creative and friendly people. I am thankful for my time there.
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Fairbanks Arts Association
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February 2007