July 2006 Newsletter by Fairbanks Arts Association

State of the Arts

Fairbanks

Arts

A monthly newsletter of the Fairbanks Arts Association

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fairbanks, Alaska Permit No. 17

July 2006

Association

State of the Arts The monthly newsletter of Fairbanks Arts Association

July 2006

P.O. Box 72786 Fairbanks, Alaska 99707

July Gallery Exhibit: QuiltAlaska2006 July Literary Reading: Susie Halfhill 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

Ester Artist Brings “The Great Alaskan Outhouse Experience” to the UA Museum of the North

hen the University of Alaska Museum of the North asked Craig Buchanan to propose an installation piece for their new Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, he decided to design a work that epitomized Alaska. Buchanan created a mixed media outhouse. “Alaskans are tied to outhouses,” Buchanan explained. “Throughout history Alaskans have used outhouses. Some people still use them.” “The Great Alaskan Outhouse Experience” is an invitation for exploration. Aside from the historical and cultural relevance, he said people tend to be ‘in the moment’ in an outhouse and somehow more receptive to ideas. In that vein, there are plenty ideas to explore in Buchanan’s outhouse. The two story outhouse is filled with memorabilia, collections, and original 3X3 “miniature” artworks contributed by artists in the Fairbanks/Ester area. Pop culture icons such as Steven Spielberg’s E.T., Ronald Reagan, the Beatles, and Michael Jackson are mixed with Alaskan specific newspaper clippings, bumper stickers, and license plates. “I hope a lot of people see the humor in some of the pieces within the exhibit,” he said. Buchanan said the outhouse came together in separate parts over the course of a year. At this time he is giving few specifics about the actual construction, as he is designing an informational brochure to accompany the display. “The Great Alaskan Outhouse Experience” took residence in the “Sense of Place” section of the UA Museum’s Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery on May 15th. Buchanan speaks highly of his collaboration with the museum and hopes that it continues to open doors for further collaboration with other Alaskan artists. “Everyone from the museum was relaxed, patient and insightful. I appreciate the opportunity to create a permanent installation for the new gallery.”

FAA Recruits Hosts for 2006 Dinners in the Home Arts in the Park Schedule 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

Feature Story • •

Combine: 1 or more Volunteer Hosts 4 or more visitors Whisk from Wedgewood Manor to your home Add a simple meal Season with plenty of good

conversation • Mix well on a Friday evening in July, August or September • Return to Wedgewood and savor Make a memorable evening for all and helps fund Fairbanks Arts Association

Dinners in the Homes:

One Volunteer Shares Some Dinner Hosting Experiences by Dian Sigfried

amounts to a relaxed evening. “Dinners in the Homes” is not only a wonderful fundraiser, but also an opportunity to meet people with whom we would otherwise not have crossed paths. We have met people from all over the lower 48 and Australia. We y husband, three children and I have have spent many evenings talking about our hosted “Dinners in the Homes” for the different ways of life. Most people who come past four years. We started this adventure have always dreamed of coming to Alaska and as a last minute sub-host. I can thank Jinx are very interested in how we survive the dark Whitaker for looking at me and telling the and cold. Most don’t think too much about the person on the other end of the phone “Sure I longer sunlight hours unless they happen to come around June 21st! will take 4 people and Dian will take the other 4”. Jinx “Dinner’s were once This year has provided us with a few told me, “It’s fun and very a carefully planned obstacles that have limited our ability easy. Come by the house event. Now I decide to host (the sale of our old home and and get a bottle of wine and last minute what we construction on our dream home). We really have missed having new then fix whatever you want will have for dinner friends coming through our home, so for dinner.” That’s how it all and what amounts to a in the middle of everything we are began. once again back to hosting. Sharing Now it is only my husband relaxed evening.” our wonderful state with strangers and I hosting as all the kids who become friends and supporting have graduated high school and moved on to college. It was surprising to see the kids our art community is very important to my Even through obstacles we will filter through the house during those evenings family. to visit with the newest “strangers.” It could continue this very important and fun evening! So the Alaskan Amber is chilled, the grill is have been the home cooked meals but I think they enjoyed meeting guests who have come heating up and there are a few blueberries left to our wonderful state. Dinners were once for ice cream!!! FAA thanks every volunteer host who has 1 a carefully planned event. Now I decide last minute what we will have for dinner and what contributed to this important fundraiser. Editor’s Note: Dian Sigfried contributed her thoughts on Fairbanks Arts Association’s Dinners in the Homes fundraiser after hosting guests a number of years. During the 2005 fundraiser she hosted guests every other week from June to September:

Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali National Park Summer Courses

observe, reflect, and renew their connection to the living world. Join long-time Denali resident and writer Tom Walker for fieldbased journaling in one of the most pristine natural ecosystems in the world. Exploring July 14 - 16: Art Design Denali, you’ll learn how to make detailed Join Talkeetna artist Tony Crocetto for a observations in the field and capture these creative closer look into Denali’s natural world. scenes while they happen. An endless source of inspiration, Denali has been the backdrop for thousands of artists August 4 - 6: Wilderness Writing in dozens of different media. Working on For many people, wilderness embodies a location, you’ll use a simple palette of colors primal human need, a place in the heart as to capture the drama of Denali’s landscape well as on the map. Join Alaska writer and in quick studies and more finished paintings. teacher Sondra Porter and learn how to The instructor will be using water based use the wilderness to tap into your creative paints, but participants are welcome to use potential. With the Denali landscape as a backdrop and an inspiration, you’ll hone whatever media they prefer. your creative writing skills both individually July 28 - 30: Field Journaling and through group discussion. You’ll also In any season and any weather, a journal examine the writing techniques used by offers people the opportunity to slow down, various wilderness writers for inspiration and enjoyment.

A Call For Poets: The annual Sandhill Crane Festival held at Creamers Field Wildlife Refuge in Fairbanks is sponsoring a Crane Poetry Walk, August 21-31, as part of the festival activities. Local residents, adults and children, are invited to contribute poems about sandhill cranes. Poems will be enlarged, laminated and displayed along parts of the Creamers Field Nature Trail for visitors to read during the Sandhill Crane Festival. If you would like to share your poems with the community in this unique venue, please send them by August 4th to:

Calendar of Events

• • •

Recipe for a Unique Fundraiser

All courses occur 34 miles inside Denali National Park at a field camp. Accommodations (tent cabins with bunks and foam mattresses) and meals are included in the course fee. All courses are limited to ten participants and offer an intimate hands-on experience for each student. Contact Jessica Brillhart, Program Coordinator at 1-888-688-1269 or email Jessica-Brillhart@ alaskanha.org; website: www.murieslc.org Fairbanks Drama Association Contact: 451-4378

Friends of Creamers Field PO Box 81065 Fairbanks, AK 99708

Summer Drama Project Session 3: July 10-30, Ages 12-18 at the Riverfront Theatre. Tuition is $195

If you have any questions, call Friends of Creamers Field at 452-5162.

Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow Contact: Valerie at 452-5255

Submit newsletter information to: rachael.kvapil@acsalaska.net or call 456-6485 ext 226

2006 Event July 21, 22 and 23, 2006 Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Avenue

Summer Activities cont.

Monthly Literary Reading for July:

Susie Halfhill

Susie Halfhill, originally from a small town in Iowa has resided in Fairbanks since the early 1990’s. She came to Alaska as a military wife and remained with her three children who are now ages 26, 21, and 19. She has worked in the community as a retail manager for over a decade. Susie began expanding her writing skills from personal hobby to publication four years ago with the encouragement of an uncle who is also a published, award winning poet. Now published in two poetry anthologies and recipient of three awards in poetry writing, she is on her way to the publication of her first book length collection of poetry entitled ‘Faulty Logic.’ The book is a compilation of poetry and facts designed to educate the public on the catastrophic impact that domestic violence and sexual assault has on both individuals and the communities in which they reside. ‘Faulty Logic’ is a story of fractured minds and desperation. It tells the tales of mental and emotional disorders that result from a lifetime of emotional and physical abuse. It is also a tribute to the tremendous courage of beautiful women, reaching out in kindness to help each other, even when they are not yet capable of helping themselves. A survivor, herself, of childhood trauma and of an abusive adult relationship, Susie began writing on the subject as part of her own healing process. She changed career paths in 2005 to work as a crisis intervention advocate at the Fairbanks shelter for domestic violence victims, until a work injury that occurred in September, 2005 left her temporarily disabled. Still wishing to assist other women in their own healing process Susie took advantage of her 5 extended recovery time to begin the lengthy effort required to see the book in print.

FAA Meeting Schedule Fairbanks Arts Association: Visual Arts Committee: July 12 at 5:30pm Literary Arts Committee: July 13 at 5:30pm Cinema Arts Committee: Every other Tuesday at 5:30pm Community Writer’s Group: Sunday, July 9 from 1-4pm Submission Deadline for Critique:

June 30th in Bear Gallery Community Arts Committee: July 26 at Noon All Meetings are in the Bear Gallery unless otherwise stated. Susie continues to reside in the Fairbanks community with her partner, Roger and her daughter, Ambrosia. She continues to write and is also in the process of publishing her first book length children’s story, ‘Lilly Meets Mr. Black,’ which deals with the sensitive subject matter of the death of a family member. This writing is currently being used in youth ministries in the Midwest. She is still healing from her work injury and is hoping to have both her books for sale in stores nationally by Spring 2007. Susie plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to the healing and support of domestic violence victims in the Fairbanks Community. Local freelance artist, Bob Grunditz, is providing illustrations for both books. Bob studied art in California and has been working in the Fairbanks art community for twenty-two years. He is a multi-talented artist who does sculpture, graphic arts, cartooning, and textile design, including silk screening. Illustrations for the poetry collection are the style of pointillism.

Dinners in the Homes Hosts are still needed for the following 2006 dates: • July 21, 28 • August 4, 11, 18, 25 • September 1 To participate in the Dinners In Homes Program as a host contact the Fairbanks Arts Association at 456-6485 ext. 224 or email fairbanksarts@mosquitonet.com

Volunteer Drivers Provide a Valuable Service To the Dinners in the Homes Program...

In addition to hosts, volunteer drivers are needed for hosts to transport guests from the Wedgewood Resort on Friday nights. While most hosts pick up their guests, drivers are needed for larger groups visiting a single home. It is a great way to contribute to the Dinners in the Homes Program and visitors enjoy learning about Fairbanks from as many people as possible. Drivers can volunteer transportation services by calling 456-6485, ext. 224 or email fairbanksarts@mosquitonet.com.

Docents Volunteers Staff Fairbanks Arts Association’s Bear Gallery

airbanks Arts Association’s Bear Gallery and Gift Shop is open for its summer hours through August. The Bear Gallery opens at 11am and closes at 9pm daily. The extended hours mean we need more docents to run the gift shop, answer questions about the current exhibit and ensure the integrity of the artwork on display. Fairbanks Arts Association provides training for prospective docents. Anyone with an interest can develop the skill necessary to help in the Bear Gallery. To become a docent volunteer call Sherry Faught at 456-6485 ext. 223 or email fairbanksarts@acsalaska.net.

OLDIE

but

GOLDIE

film series

sponsored by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation

Fairbanks Arts Association ‘Oldie But Goldie’ Film Series is postponed until September. Films will resume September 7 with ‘Color of Pomegranates (Sayat Nova)’. For more information about FAA’s Cinema Series call Rachael at 456-6485 ext. 226

For additional information about arts-related events, committees, educational activities or opportunities visit the Fairbanks Arts Association website at

www.fairbanksarts.org

Gallery

uiltAlaska is a biennial exhibition of traditional and contemporary quilted items sponsored by the Cabin Fever Quilters’ Guild. The non-juried exhibition is held during the month of July in even years (2004, 2006 etc.) in the Fairbanks Arts Association Bear Gallery, on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts in Pioneer Park. This year the show will open July 4, 2006 and run until the end of The Cabin Fever Quilters’ Guild will exhibit approximately 50 quilted items during QuiltAlaska 2006, a bienniel showcase the month. in the Fairbanks Arts Association Bear Gallery. This queen The previous thirteen QuiltAlaska exhibitions size quilt entitled “Blue & White Bear Paw” made by the have included approximately 75 items that guild for their annual raffle is an example of the pieces that be on display.~ Picture provided by the Cabin Fever ranged in size from large bed-size quilts, to will Quilters’ Guild wall hangings, to quilted clothing and miniature have come to expect nothing less from this quilts. As a non-juried show, entry was open eclectic group of fiber artists.” to members of the guild, as well as anyone The show will be ready for viewing on July 4th. who lives in Interior Alaska. This year nearly An opening reception will be held on Friday, 50 artists submitted entries. July 7 from 5-8 pm. Quilts will Inspirations for quilted “Visitors are always be on display until July 30th. items come from a variety of surprised at the high Cabin Fever Quilters’ Guild places throughout the year. is a non-profit organization For designer Nancy Norum quality of work-dedicated to promoting the “Black Ice and Snow,” quilted although Fairbanksans appreciation and knowledge by Teri Helmers, grew from a of quilts and quilt making. have come to expect workshop sponsored by the Meetings are generally held Cabin Fever Quilters’ Guild in nothing less from this the third Tuesday of every September 2005. month beginning at 7:15 PM ecclectic group...” “(It) ended up as a queen at the Monroe High School size bed quilt featuring as many black and mulit-purpose room. Non-members may attend white fabrics as I could lay my hands on,” says twice as guest. Guild membership is open to Norum in her artistic statement. anyone interested in quilts. Annual dues are The show is one way in which the Cabin payable in October: Fever Quilters’ Guild reaches out to Fairbanks residents and visitors, as a way to share the $25 Regular joy and enthusiasm for quilting. In addition $20 Senior Rate 60+ years the guild has the opportunity to showcase $15 Newsletter Only members incredible talent. Artist Kathy Dubbs The guild mailing address is: P.O. Box 83608, say that QuiltAlaska is an exhibit that never Fairbanks, AK 99708. For more information disappoints. “Visitors are always surprised at visit the Cabin Fever Quilters’ Guild website at the high quality of work--although Fairbanksans www.cfqgalaska.org.

Fairbanks Arts Association Brings Summer Entertainment to Pioneer Park Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation & Fairbanks Arts Association

Proudly Presents:

Summer Activities

July Gallery Exhibit: QuiltAlaska 2006 Exhibit Dates: July 4-August 31, 2006 Opening Reception: Friday, July 7, 5-8 pm

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 July: 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 July schedule is as follows: Sundays in July: Tundra Caravan: Middle Eastern Dance Mondays in July: Genie Loser: Celtic Harp Tuesdays in July: Joe Feller: Folk, Rock, Country & Alaskana Wednesdays In July: “Hunt-Bayer”: World Music with Mandolin & Piano Thursdays in July: Karl Monetti: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar

June, July & August

Featuring Local Arts at Pioneer Park* 2300 Airport Way

Gazebo Nights – Local Entertainment Nightly at 7pm – Free Fine Arts Gallery & Gift Shop Open Daily from 11am -9pm – Free Cinema Series-Oldie nebutdGoldie Series

Twice Monthly Poston Thursdays at 8pm

Monthly Literary Readings Third Saturdays at 7pm – Free

*All Activities are in the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts Gallery, Theater or Outside at the Gazebo. 2300 Airport Way

For more info call 456-6485

Letter fill above is from December Dawn by Jesse Venable, 2006

Fridays in July: Joan Stack: Vocalist Saturdays in July: Dance Theatre Fairbanks: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hiphop & Theatre Dance Fairbanks Arts Association Bear Gallery: a contemporary Fine Arts gallery, located on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts. July show: QuiltAlaska 2006. Open 11-9 daily. Fairbanks Arts Association’s Monthly Literary Readings: every third Saturday of the Month. On July 15th, Susie Halfhill will read from his works. Readings start at 7pm in the Bear Gallery. FAA sponsored reading and book signing by Jim Madonna: Jim Madonna is releasing his new book ‘Alaska Gold Trails Volume IV: The Life of Felix Pedro and the Life of Earl Pilgrim.’ 2-4pm on Saturday, July 22 in Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts lobby.