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Activities
Cheyenne, Age 8
Griffin, Age 10
Riley, Age 12
Huhnkie, Age 43
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Coloring Page
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Music
Contributed by Taylor Jordan Black Birch Books proudly presents poet-guitarist Daniel Kosel live, featuring two unique events on August 25th and August 30th! General Admission Event, 25 August from 6pm-8pm - $40 Exclusive Event and New Album Launch Party, 30 August from 6pm9pm - $60
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Tickets for sale in person at Black Birch Books, EventBrite.com (search Daniel Kosel) or follow the link on our Facebook Event! About Daniel Kosel: Daniel Kosel is a Montana poet, guitarist, recording artist and touring musician whose resonant vocals, sultry guitar, and emotionally intelligent poetry are a signature blend of original blues, country and rock - Made in the USA! For the second time, Mr. Kosel will be playing at the Alaska State Fair with
motive to make you move! The artist’s music is inspired by life experiences with unusual people, stunning ecosystems and emotional situations. His poetry, guitar work, and vocals exude a powerful kinship and empathy with strangers, friends, Mother Earth, and the spiritual beyond. Daniel says that his favorite musical influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, ZZ Top and many more great artists of all flavors and genres. Albums include: Beartooth Stage (2017), The Rain (2017), More Than Enough (2019), Better Days (2019), 16 Favorites (2021), and 1970 (2021). We hope to have our coffee shop up and running in time for his concerts! During these performances we ask for that you refrain from using your cell phones and maintain silence. There will be a brief intermission in the middle of the performance. Our facility is fully handicap accessible.
Contributed by MK Tickets on sale for Young Dubs, Lil Tjay and Clutch The Alaska State Fair is pleased to announce three additional acts confirmed for the 2021 AT&T Concert Series: Celtic rockers, the Young Dubliners, on August 26; young rapper, Lil Tjay, on September 3; and legendary rockers, Clutch, on September 5. Tickets are currently on sale. Thursday, August 26: Young Dubliners. The Young Dubliners (aka the Young Dubs) are known worldwide for their fusion of traditional Irish music and modern rock ‘n roll. During their more than 30-year career, the Celtic
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Music
rock band has released nine albums, had their music featured in movies and commercials, and toured the U.S. and Europe, supporting music greats like JethroTull, John Hiatt, Chris Isaak, Jonny Lang, Great Big Sea and Collective Soul. Friday, September 3: Lil Tjay. Bronx rapper Lil Tjay’s first tracks showed up online in 2017, when he was still just a teenager. His first hit, 2018’s “Resume,” went viral, earning the attention of major labels and leading to a deal with Columbia. A series of albums and hits quickly followed, including “Ruthless, “Laneswitch,” “Hold On,” “Zoo York” and “None of Your Love.” Lil Tjay’s latest album, Destined 2 Win, with the single “Calling My Phone,” was released
earlier this year. Sunday, September 5: Clutch. From their 1993 debut, Transnational Speedway League, to their 12th studio album, Book of Bad Decisions, legendary Maryland rockers Clutch have been in the “business of writing stone cold classics” for 30 years. Hits over the past three decades include “Careful With That Mic,” “Immortal,” “Open Up the Border,” “The Mob Goes Wild” and “PigtownBlues.” Their latest release, Book of Bad Decisions, came out in 2018. Beginning Friday, July 23, tickets for the Young Dubs, Lil Tjay and Clutch will be available for purchase on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org. Concertgoers can purchase concert-only
tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 25. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply. The Fair’s 2021 concert line-up also features Portugal. The Man on August 20 and 21, Martina McBride on August 22, Michael Jr. on August 23, Dashboard Confessional on August 27, Jon Pardion August 28, The Guess Who on August 29, Zach Williams on August 30, Common Kings on September 2, and Billy Idol on September 4. Tickets for these concerts are currently available.
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Arts our kitchen window. That little fellow was perfect for the back of her boat.
Contributed by Douglas Girard
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One of the traditions I like to partake in with my wife is to visit the book section of our local thrift store. There is an element of excitement perusing the books in their sometimes haphazard piles. I always imagine myself finding a real blockbuster. I’m not sure what it will be, but I’ll know it when I see it. Some months back, I came across a book I didn’t know I was looking for. I found a book titled: “The Dancing Goddesses, Folklore, Archaeology, and the Origins of European Dance.” The title appealed to me on so many levels. I am fascinated by mythology, archaeology, and history, and so many of my paintings involve dance or the female goddess archetype. Wow! I couldn’t wait to read it and was not disappointed. To my surprise, birds were responsible for the original dances. I was surprised and delighted because I
paint birds and feathered female dancers surrounded by birds. I was somehow tapping into this ancient tradition without knowing it. The book tells of how European dances started as fertility rituals thousands of years ago in western Eurasia. To our ancestors living in the harsh northern climate, the coming of spring was of the utmost importance. (I am sure those of you who have lived in Alaska for some time can attest to this.) They noticed that the birds would come back in spring and that soon new chicks would be hatching. The sun’s warmth gave new vigor to all the plants and animals, and planting the crops could begin. Birds became associated with the fertility of the people and the land. Through ritual dance, the ancients thought they could entice the birds to return. Thus fertility to their women and the land would increase.
Young girls and women would dress in very long-sleeved clothing and dance in a way that mimicked the flight of birds. Dances such as Greek line dance and the Waltz have their roots in ancient fertility rituals. One sentence created an image immediately in my imagination. It told of the Germanic goddess Ursa who would carry the moon across the sky in her silver boat. The image was so striking that I had to paint it and soon started its planning. While I was drawing the composition, I remembered four-thousand-year-old Scandinavian rock carvings of boats I had seen. With some research, I found that one of these boats was excavated and is on display. The boat, in this painting, is derived from this design. After the painting had begun, a Northern saw-wet owl visited us just outside
In Africa, where I grew up, at dusk, the swallows would swoop and dive all over our yard as they chased after flying termites. I love their forked tails and speed and have felt a special connection to these little spitfires ever since. They were the ideal escort for Ursa in her silver boat. I am pleased to announce that this image, “Ursa and the Moon,” is now available as a Fine Art Print at my website studiogirard.com. You can also find a hundred other paintings available as prints on metal, paper, canvas, acrylic, wood, mugs, pillows, puzzles, phone cases, and bags. You will also find over 50 of my popular small “Bird Blocks” for sale. “Bird Blocks” are small, 3.5” wide, portraits of birds. You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook @studiogirard. In the afternoon, one can watch me paint “Live” on Instagram many days of the week.
Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum Last May I hosted my first virtual book launch via YouTube for my seventh collection of poetry, Interstitials. On August 31 of this year, starting at 6 p.m., I’ll be hosting yet another virtual launch, for my first collection of fiction, The Birthday Picture: and Other Stories. Fortunately, this is not out of necessity, and I am grateful to also have the opportunity for an in-person book signing this year. As you well know, Alaska — particularly the Mat-Su Valley — has relaxed its COVID-19 mitigation restrictions to the point where we can pretty much go where we please without a mask, despite the fact that much of the world still requires social distancing or is re-implementing quarantine procedures due to COVID-19. Whatever your perspective on the situation here or Outside, things seemed to have somewhat returned to “normal” (at least for now) and many authors can once again celebrate their newly published works with people in the flesh. However, what I learned from my last launch — and my interactions with writers all over the world in various virtual capacities during the height of the pandemic — is that technology is able to foster truly precious communication that we should continue to take advantage of in positive ways.
costly and not always feasible, this virtual launch allows us both to celebrate the publication of the book, along with all our friends and family, connecting people who might not otherwise ever come in contact with one another. Attendees will get to see and hear Briana and me talk about the process of creating the book, in addition to readings of the stories, and have their questions answered via the live chat function on YouTube. It’s exciting, right? But we authors are also a little desperate to see readers in-person again, to enjoy signing a book and handing it over to a fan for purchase in our favor-
ite local bookstores. For my part, I am happy to bring some more business to Black Birch Books at their new location on Sept. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. Each event is sure to be a good time, with special giveaways and discounts, so everyone is invited to attend both and enjoy this new hybrid life we live. For more information on how to host a virtual book launch (and to read more of my work), please visit caitbuxbaum. com/blog To pre-order a copy of The Birthday Picture: and Other Stories, please visit redsweaterpress.com/store
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For this new book, which consists of nine short stories (seven previously published, individually), I contracted a college friend of mine to create multiple pen-and-ink illustrations. Since she lives in Minnesota, and travel is still
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Literature
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Arts Contributed by Charice Chambers Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop is packed with a plethora of creative crafts and artistic design work. It surrounds the shopper with excitement, diversity, intensity and in some cases, humor. As interesting as its contents are, the consignees who give birth to them are even more arresting and interesting than their creations. One such designer is Sharon Blades. Blades is a basket maker, and honed her skills while living on the Oregon coast. There she collected all manner of treasures on her frequent beach strolls particularly following southwestern storms. The booty was too great to pass up and as her collection grew; she knew that she needed to do something with the stuff. So began her basket-making career. The inspiration for Blades’ methodology was developed in 4th grade where her teacher instructed all students in the art of knitting. The teacher’s goal was to improve student eye-hand coordination. How surprised she might have been had she realized the results of that training for one little girl!
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In 1986 Blades moved to Alaska taking
up residence in Clam Gultch. There, she once again roamed the beaches, gathering driftwood, shells, seaweed and feathers. Seldovia, Homer and Clam Gultch as well as other Alaskan beaches rendered up glass floats, beads, horns and antlers. These new finds added a depth and interest to her basketry that had been lacking before. All her baskets are made from all-natural fibers. New seaside treasures also suggested new types of projects including her popular wind chimes to which she adds wine corks and trade beads. The chimes are available in both large and small sizes and numerous colors. According to Blades each winter she settles down by her warm wood stove and discovers how her summer gatherings will blend to create each unique piece and perhaps some new products as well. While she works, she thinks of long sunny days and quietly anticipates the return of summer and it’s treasures. Blades has spent much of her life as a seamstress. She took one sewing class, discovered 4H, and was off on a great
stitching adventure. It included buying and operating a fabric store with her mother, crafting her own clothing, and ultimately becoming a professional seamstress and designer. Currently she makes hostess aprons from a selfcreated pattern that include a number of pockets-even one for life’s greatest necessity, the cell phone. Her stitch witchery has also led to writing tablets, which include hand-stamped paper, and a pen all wrapped up in a padded fabric holder. Placemats, shopping bags and bag holders are also a part of her repertory. She has even created children’s fur trimmed parkas and kuspuks that are both fun and affordable. Blades judiciously searches for fabrics that are not only strikingly attractive, but express the themes and character of Alaska, making her products perfect destination gifts. Blades is surrounded by many other equally talented artists and crafters at the gift shop. Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in the Palmer Senior Center (across from and adjacent to Palmer Junior Middle School), the shop is open from 11 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Thursday.
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett Valley Arts Alliance painters have found a new place to display their paintings. There are several types of paintings and painters in the Valley Arts Alliance, so no matter what your preference in art you should be pleased with the variety of styles represented in this display. We will be displaying our artwork at Sophia’s Cafe, where you can sample Greek food, European coffee and tea while looking at our latest outpouring of artwork displayed for your enjoyment. Whether you prefer great landscapes, whimsy or a dreamscape you can find something to suit you particular fancy. Please
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Arts take time when you are visiting Sophia’s to walk around and look at how much talent is right here in the valley.
and a lot of fun. For more information on what Valley Arts Alliance is doing go to valleyartsalliance.com
If you are interested in joining the Valley Arts Alliance, we meet every Thursday morning at 11AM right here at Sophia’s Cafe. If you are an aspiring artist please come to the Valley Recycling Center VCRS off 49th State Street. We meet at the education room of the center together with other artistic people every Thursday from 1 to 3 and paint, draw and learn from each other. It is a nonthreatening atmosphere
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Poetry & Prose
By Robert Lyons Madness I say, the day’s change rattling the fabric of time The tactic to individualize the experience Technify the abode and make loads of dough Stream their message immediately Segregation through self-selection Neglecting the “soul” purpose, solely for profit The end is here, the credits roll But as the rows of seats lay empty Missing is the conglomerate enjoyment of others The smells and sounds, a frightful scream A jolly laugh Sadness we pay, as memories spiral away never made We lay in isolation, staring at screens in our own defecation Forgetting the elation of social interaction The satisfaction when the lights go down
By Katherine Baker
By Katherine Baker The cat will not be hunted. A cat stalked, salivates. The confused dog, is spun, chasing its tail. The cat chases YOU. Every sound, every movement in the shadows, slashed, shredded, snapped. You think you hunt the cat, but the cat hunts YOU.
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The cat will not be hunted. Perpetual cat and mouse game. Any survival, highly improbable. When the cat isn’t YOU.
Never have I felt such sorrow, none of which I sought to borrow, all my joys melt of tomorrow, lately, lifeless, hopeless hollow. Never have I knelt to anguish, never just the must to vanquish, in the dust I barely languished, gone the sight of all the world. Shocked and worn and barely able, this terror was no labeled fable, now the nightmare must stop before, all of life is gone, obscured. Weary, dreadfully, leery of the dark, Noticed I, myself, was marked, on their phrases all life embarked, until thwarted by my departed heart.
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Poetry & Prose By Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum the water leaps to clasp my hand and passes through me like a ghost — the heart reaches over us, keeping watch
by Nan Potts A baby born, Yet not forlorn, A happy, hardy soul. His innocence, Proves reticence, Mere smiles he does cajole. But future makes, Abounding aches, For some it takes its toll. Though circumstance, Spoils many chance, His heart shepherds his role. For those who strive, Truly survive, May earn their lifelong goal. Then hope anew, And carried through, Born to once more extoll.
by Zoe Cole Dead mosquitos in my bed I hear them fly around my head With little brains and speedy wings I toss their carcass with a fling The other dat I went to hike When I encountered a ‘skeeter tyke He must have called his friends to us ‘Cause soon the trip turned murderous We wack, slap, flick and squish The Alaskan ‘skeet are devilish MID-AUG 2021
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Auditions Auditions will be held Thursday September 2 at our weekly meeting at Sophia’s Café, 11am until 1pm. Sophia’s Café is located at on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway at 9191 Frontage Road, phone 745-9001. If you can’t attend the auditions, please contact Carmen (at) ValleyArtsAlliance (dot) com.
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Contributed by Carmen Summerfield
Airport.
Would you like to share your stories about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska? Coming soon, Season Eight of The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show!
The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! is the Valley Arts Alliance rendition of a live radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, with skits, music, and dance acts, similar to the popular Prairie Home Companion radio show on NPR.
The 2021 Wasilla Episode will be broadcast live on Saturday October 9 from the historic Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI) gallery next to Wasilla International
For those of you who haven’t seen or heard one of our episodes, The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! features interesting stories by Alaskans about the best, the worst,
and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska. In previous episodes, we heard from The Roving Reporter, Guy d’North, and The Sommelier, as well as news from Lake Willowa and Mukluk Radio. The 2021 season is our ninth year producing The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show!, and we will continue with new music and dance acts, occasional impersonations of local celebrities, and will be occasionally broadcast live by Radio Free Palmer on 89.5 FM.
So mark your calendar! The Wasilla episode of the VAA Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! will be broadcast at 7pm Saturday, October 9,2021, at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. A cash bar will be open during the event. To see exciting scenes of these episodes, visit our Archive Pages at www. ValleyArtsAlliance.com.
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