MAY 2016
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com PAGE 2
PAGE 4 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
VARIETY. GOT IT. MAY 2016
WE
MAT-SU 365-7384 Wasilla • Palmer
THEALASKACLUB.COM
Wax Art
Contributed by Judy Vars
The earliest surviving examples are the Fayum mummy portraits (300 B.C. to 100 A.D.), discovered near
A Green Beauty Contributed by Charissa Hooyman, Jewelry Designer In articles past I have written about rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, now I will be adding the last piece of the puzzle; more on that later. Emeralds have been around since the time of Cleopatra and have been associated with much lore. So what makes this green beauty so valuable?
On a recent trip to Southern California we visited the J. Paul Getty Museum; this marvelous museum contained a room devoted to Fayum portraits and other fascinating funerary from Roman and Egyptian culture. Alone in this room I felt a visceral connection to the long dead people and the artists who faithfully tried to create a likeness of the person, it was a rare glimpse into the faces and eyes of an ancient civilization.
The qualities of the artwork that can be achieved with encaustics are unique. The beeswax is pure and organic, perfect for artists concerned with the Green Revolution. The methods are more like alchemy and magic than painting. It can be layered with translucent pigments to mysteriously reveal what lies partially hidden, carved back to reveal what is beneath.
The earliest icons were painted with encaustic wax Encaustic painting fell into obscurity by Emeralds have been associated with much lore such as, healing, protection from evil spirits, and the revelation of truth or falseness of a person’s love oath. It has even been said that the emerald was one of the stones given to Solomon by God and the four stones together is what “endowed him with the power over all creation.” (GIA) What are the characteristics that make emeralds sought after? Most important is the color, then clarity, cut, and carat weight. People in the gemstone trade value the green color as most important and have used emerald’s green color to set the standard against other green gemstones. Some of the most valuable emeralds are bluish green to green. Columbia has some of the most beautiful green emeralds, having a warmer and pure green color.
As encaustic goes main-stream, art collectors and galleries are becoming more interested in the medium. Encaustic art is losing some of its novelty - which is good. Collectors will not shy away from this medium as more people hear about it and understand its unique qualities which include durability and permanence. My mission is to spread the “cult of the wax” so, fired up with enthusiasm! I will be teaching a 1 ½ day workshop Artist Technique, Experimentation and Enlightenment in Encaustic paints at the Machetanz Art Festival at Mat-Su College June 3rd and 4th.
The depth and luminosity that can be achieved is remarkable. Modern artists have taken the wax to amazing places. It also appeals to artists who want to carve, sculpt or collage.
Bring your ephemera, sacred objects, photographs and I’ll bring mine, together we’ll create some art, imagination and willingness are all that is required.
Inclusions are generally accepted by trade members and consumers because emeralds typically have them, especially those that are not seen by the unaided eye. Sometimes inclusions are visible to the naked eye and can, at times, negatively affect the price. Emeralds without inclusions are rare and are the most valuable. How the emerald is cut can affect its value as well.
by Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the ‘Patricia’ from one of the Columbian mines weighing 632 carats. I cannot forget to mention a cup made from a pure emerald once owned by Emperor Jehangir. Wow! What a unique place in history emeralds have! Another unique place emeralds have in jewelry during the…
A cutter has to be able to bring out the best color and paying close attention to the fissures (fractures within the gemstone), which could result in wasting of the carat weigh. Carat weight usually rages from .02 to .50 carat weight for accent pieces to 1 to 5 carat weight as center pieces. Different emerald mines can produce different carat weights as well. Some of the most popular emeralds are the 75.47 carat Hooker Emerald worn
Read in next month’s issue to find out how rubies, sapphires, and diamonds all came together with the emerald to create a unique pieces of jewelry.
MAY 2016
Emeralds were first mined in Egypt since around 330 BC to 1700. Cleopatra was said to have used it in her royal adornments. In Columbia, the Incas had been using emeralds in their religious ceremonies since before the arrival of the Spanish.
the seventh century and was forgotten with the invention of more practical methods such as oil and tempura. Electricity and pre-made pigments have made encaustic more available to everyone. Now in the 21st century encaustic is back in a big way!
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Encaustic is a Greek word translated, it means “to burn in.” Natural pigments are made from pure organic beeswax, mixed with dammar resin and fixed with heat. The exact formula was lost until a modern chemist reinvented it in the 1940’s.
Alexandria, Egypt where embalming was big business and a lengthy process taking 70 days, the head and shoulder portraits of the individual were painted onto wood panels for the mummy casing - an early Greek version of the funeral makeup artist.
PAGE 5
Arts, Jewelry Encaustic
PAGE 6
Non-Profit Directory Families & Children:
Non-Profit Organization? Join our growing list for as little as $15.00/mo! Non-Profit’s Help Our Community!
www.makeasceneak.com/nonprofitdirectory The Urban Junktion Vintage Market Contributed by Urban Junktion Urban Junktion is hosting Wasilla’s first Vintage Market at the Menard Sports Center on July 16 and 17th. Many of your favorite vintage, up-cycled, and handcrafted small businesses will be featured, including
Rally 2 the Ranch: 3rd
Annual Clean & Sober Run
Contributed by Nugen’s Ranch Adult Long Term Recovery Program
MAY 2016
On Saturday June 4th, Nugen’s Ranch is having their Family Fun Day-Open House. Join us at Nugen’s Ranch; we are located on 26731 W. Point Mackenzie Road. Food, fun, and prizes all day. It’s a great time for all, and will show support for the ranch. So bring your bike and even your family. Cars are welcome too. Have some fun!
ARTS:
Families & Children:
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
Valley Arts Alliance
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111 Join the March of Dimes for our annual High Heels for High Hopes this fall. To become a model or participant, call 276-4111. The March of Dimes helps moms have fullterm pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types—painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Alaska Picker, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, and Cover Ups Design. Extra-wide aisles to accommodate the crowds for a comfortable shopping experience. Activity tables, and a Make & Take craft station will be on hand to make this a fun day out for the entire family! Food and drinks available for purchase at the show. Tickets are $5 and get you entry to both days! Visit www.urbanjunktion.com for more info or to sign up.
Kickstands up at 10:30. (There will be a poker run with this, and t-shirts for sale too.) 1st Stop: Denali Harley Davidson 2nd Stop: Wasilla Alano Club 3rd Stop: Knik Chevron 1PM Nugen’s Ranch Call 907-376-4534 for more information about this event.
HOMELESS YOUTH: Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE)
CONSERVATION: Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544 It’s not just for hippies anymore! Everyone in the Mat-Su valley can recycle. Drop your stuff off Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6 and Sat 10:30 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE! We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community! Check out our website for details www.valleyrecycling.org - Call us at 907.745.5544 with questions or comments.
10AM Rally Up at Whaler Bar and Grill Special thanks to Second To None M/C who will be organizing and leading the run from Whaler.
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111 The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357 MY House is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Steamdriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, Outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to Public Health and NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY: Wasilla Homeless-Committee
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833 Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, yearround. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949 Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley. Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
PAGE 7
Music Contributed by David Ion Sterling Silver Band
By paying out $100.00 to a single “host” to run these jams, seems the only one making any money is the club owner. The musicians that come out to support their friends cannot continue at a less than zero income. Unless they get the position of running yet another jam at yes another club. And I add for less than 1970 money, $100.00. Then they invite their friends to come out and support “their new jam”. This is becoming a horrendous vicious cycle. Oh I ask what fresh hell is this becoming at the expense of the musician, and the absolute gain of the club owner? This brings us to a
Back in the day we always had a proper stage with a railing and proper presentation lighting. We did not have to argue about moving tables and chairs every time we arrived weekly to set up and perform, wasting another hour of our time for the sake of seating capacity and profit loss claims. And we got paid appropriately for service rendered.
ART ON FIRE 2016 page 15
But alas, the lack of frequency and promotion is what really kills any chance of a successful event or any future longevity. In short this is not getting better, but rather seems to be getting much worse . . . I am not done, stay tuned monthly for more, Sincerely, David Lee Ion - one professional musician under financial duress. New Access for viewing on both iPhone and Android Devices: Stormy Thursday Webcast Theater stormythursdaywebcasttheater.com
ARTIST DOUGLAS GIRARD AT TOWN SQUARE ART GALLERY page 21
MAY 2016
CIRCUS ARTS: sahara storm productions page 22
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
“We are being jammed up” What has been an epidemic is fast becoming a pandemic against the working professional musician, and the jam sessions roll along with an ever gaining frequency and intensity. To the point of jam sessions every night of the week, thereby eliminating most all paying jobs for working musicians.
point where the question has to be asked, “What is the solution”?
PAGE 8
Community Events Art City of Wasilla Arbor Day Celebration 5/16/2016 - 11AM City of Wasilla Iditapark (907) 373-9010
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Happy Run 5/16/2016 - 6PM Active Soles Performance Footwear 642 S Alaska St. Ste 100, Palmer FREE Event (907) 746-0600 www.happyrunak.com MSCS End of School Picnic 5/17/2016 - 11AM Mat-Su Central School Newcomb Park/Wasilla Lake FREE Event (907) 352-7457 www.matsucatalog.org/events Estate Planning Seminar 5/17/2016 - 4PM Alaska Family Services 1825 S. Chugack St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-6231 Allergies Discussion 5/18/2016 - 5:30 PM Mat-Su Health Services 1363 W. Spruce St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-2411 Color Me Purple Dance Review 5/18/2016 - 6:30PM MVD Dance Studio Glenn Massay Theater Tickets: $10 - (907) 746-9300
MAY 2016
Hearing Screen 5/19/2016 - 5:30PM Sertoma Club of Mat-Su Health Services 1363 W. Spruce, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-2411 Nourished: Health Coach Services Adult Cooking Class 5/19/2016 - 6 PM Butte, Alaska $60 for 1 person/$80 for 2 907-982-9933 www.nourishedak.com nourishedak@gmail.com
Submit Events Online www.MakeASceneAK.com Palmer Cash Mob 5/19/2016 - 6:30 PM Downtown Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 745-2258 denise@nonessentialsalaska.com WordPress Web Design Workshop May 20 & 21, 2016 - 9AM Out of Jams Solutions 642 S Alaska St. Ste 200, Palmer Cost: 1 Day- $299 Both Days- $499 (907) 745-2015 www.outofajam.net Little Explorers 5/20/2016 - 11AM Eagle River Nature Center 32750 Eagle River Rd. Eagle River FREE Event - (907) 694-2108 Friday Fling: Open Air Market 5/20/2016 - 11AM Palmer Economic Development Association Downtown Palmer FREE to Attend fridayfling@mtaonline.net The Hunting Ground Film Screening 5/20/2016 - 7PM Glenn Massay Theater Glenn Massay Theater Donations Accepted www.glennmassaytheater.com Taika Con: Alaska’s Fandom Convention 5/21/2016 - 10AM Glenn Massay Theater Admission: $15 for General $10 for Students FREE for Children 12 and Under www.taikaicon.org Alaska Arbor Day Celebration 5/21/2016 - 10AM MatSu District Cooperative Extension Service Matanuska Experiment Farm (907) 745-3360 Cabin Builders Workshop 5/21/2016 - 10AM Friesan’s Custom Cabins Friesan’s Custom Cabins FREE Event - (907) 746-2082 friesenscustomcabinsck@gmail.com
Magpie Clothing Exchange 2nd Anniversary Party 5/21/2016 - 6PM Magpie Clothing Exchange 1901 N Hemmer Rd. Ste 108, Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 745-5551 Lip Gloss & Leadership 5/21/2016 - 6PM Mat-Su Women in Business Curtis Menard Sports Center, Wasilla Charge: $2 www.level5-lipgloss-and-leadership.com Palmer Museum Annual Celebration & Palmer Midsummer Garden & Art Faire Preview Night 5/21/2016 - 7PM Palmer Museum of History & Art Cost: FREE for Members General Public- $10 (907) 746-7668 www.palmermuseum.org Drag Racing: Points 5/22/2016 - 10AM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer Cost: $0-$10 - (907) 748-7201 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com Untold Stories 5/22/2016 - 7PM Palmer Museum of History & Art Vagabond Blues Admission: $15 - (907) 746-7668 www.palmermuseum.org Summer Improv Camp May 23-27, 2016 - 12:30PM & 3PM Denali Arts Council Cost: $60 www.denaliartscouncil.org Military Appreciation Lunch 5/24/2016 Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Settlers Bay Golf Course Lunch Sponsorship: $15 - (907) 376-1299 Survivor of Suicide Meeting 5/25/2016 - 7PM 400 N. Yenlo, Wasilla FREE Admission - (907) 715-8314
Stalking the Bogeyman May 27 & 28, 2016 - 7:30PM Glenn Massay Theater Glenn Massay Theater Tickets: Students- $10 General Public- $15 www.glennmassaytheater.com
One Day Improv Class for Adults 5/28/2016 - 3PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: $15 - (907) 733-7929 www.denaliartscouncil.org
Talkeetna’s Teeny Tiny Comedy Festival May 27-29, 2016 - 7:30 PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: DAC Members $13 General Admission $15 Festival Pass $40 - (907) 733-7929 www.denaliartscouncil.org
Drag Racing: Anchorage Chrysler Dodge King of the Street & Gambler’s Bracket 5/28/2016 - 4PM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer Cost: $0-$15 - (907) 748-7201 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com
Ham Radio Meeting 5/27/2016 - 7PM Matanuska Amateur Radio Association Fire Station 61, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 746-6845 kl7jfu@gci.net www.kl7jfu.com Mega Mash-Up 5/27/2016 - 7:30 PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: $40 www.denaliartscouncil.org The Iditaprov Parks Highway Throwdown 5/27/2016 - 10PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: Adult- $15 DAC Member- $13 www.denaliartscouncil.org Valley Garden Club Annual Plant Sale 05/28/2016 - 9AM Valley Garden Club Boys&Girls Club 3700 Bogard Rd Wasilla FREE Admission
The Merge 5/28/2016 - 10PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: Adult- $15 DAC Member- $13 www.denaliartscouncil.org Drag Racing: Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Prockish Classic Top Eliminator, Pro-Nostalgia May 29 & 30, 2016 - 10AM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer Cost: $0-$20 - (907) 748-7201 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com Sunday Student Showcase 5/29/2016 - 7:30PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: Adult- $8 DAC Member- $6 www.denaliartscouncil.org 2016 Green Light Circus Registration Now Opened! Registration Deadline: 5/31/2016 Green Light Circus www.denaliartscouncil.org Machetanz Film Festival May 31-June 5, 2016 1PM
The Rachel Baiman Band 6/3/2016 - 7PM Tap Root 3300 Spenard Rd. Anchorage $10 At the Door- $12 www.taprootalaska.com Rally 2 the Ranch: 3rd Annual Clean & Sober Run 6/4/2016 - 10AM Nugen’s Ranch Whaler Bar & Grill FREE Event (907) 376-4534 Annual Country Fair 6/4/2016 - 11AM Saint Herman’s Antiochain Orthodox Church 6988 N. En Dove Rd. Wasilla www.sainthermanwasilla.org Alaska Picker Day 6/4/2016 - 11AM Alaska Picker Alaska Picker FREE Admission (907) 357-7425 Tesoro NASCAR Oval Racing Debut 6/4/2016 - 3PM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer Cost: $0-$20 (907) 748-7201 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com MAY 2016
Saturday Open Air & Farm Market 5/28/2016 - 11AM Sutton Public Library 11301 Chickaloon Way, Mile 61.5 Glenn Hwy. FREE Admission - (907) 745-4467
Iditaprov 5/28/2016 - 7:30PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Cost: Adult- $15 DAC Member- $13 www.denaliartscouncil.org
A Talk: “Prayer That Transforms Us” 6/2/2016 - 7:30PM First Church of Christ, Scientist Alaska State Fairgrounds, Colony Inn FREE Event (907) 982-0245
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Nourished: Health Coach Services 5/27/2016 - 6 PM Butte, Alaska $60 for 1 person/$80 for 2 - (907) 982-9933 www.nourishedak.com nourishedak@gmail.com
Tickets: $13.50 Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Drive, Palmer Tickets: $13.50 - (907) 746-9300 www.glennmassaytheater.com
PAGE 9
Community Events
page 10 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Community Events Percussion Summer Camp June 6-10, 2016 Percussion in the Valley Register Online (907) 631-8079 meggieaube@hotmail.com www.percussioninthevalley.com Alaska Trauma Center: 2nd Annual Suicide Awareness Symposium June 7, 8, & 10, 2016 - 8 AM Palmer Train Depot FREE Event - (907) 775-8701 suicidesymposium@gmail.com www.alaskatraumacenter.org Paint the Town 6/9/2016 – 8AM Palmer Museum & Visitor Center 723 S. Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 677-8471 cwelch@nwalaska.org Colony Days Celebration June 10-12, 2016 Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Downtown Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 745-2880 RiverGrass Music Festival June 10-12, 2016 - 4PM RiverGrass Music Festival Sandy River Amphitheatre Tickets: $40 https://planetxtickets.webconnex. com/rivergrass2016
MAY 2016
Wilderness First Aid Course June 11-12, 2016 - 9AM Wilderness Emergency Medical Education Spring Creek Farm, Palmer Cost: $250 - (907) 982-6945 akwildmed@gmail.com Get the Junk Out of the Trunk Saturdays starting June 11th - 10AM Ewenique Designs AK Palmer Pavillion & Madd Matters Cost: $20 per space per week - (907) 677-9276 Colony Days Parade 6/11/2016 - 11AM
Palmer Mayor
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Downtown Palmer FREE Event (907) 745-2880 8th Annual Thunder Valley Flag Drags 6/11/2016 - 4PM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer Admission: $10 Cost to Race: $20 (907) 748-7201 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com Summer Jam 2 6/11/2016 - 6PM Brothers In Arms Glenn Massay Theater FREE Event - (907) 632-7126 Drag Racing- Driver Appreciation Day 6/12/2016 - 10AM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer Cost: $0-$15 - (907) 748-7201 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com Bill Mitchell Fun Run 6/12/2016 - 11AM Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Downtown Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-2880 T-Rex - Indie Pop Lens Series 6/12/2016 - 2PM Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr. Palmer, AK FREE Event www.t-rexthefilm.com Summer Art & Music Classes 6/13/2016 - 11AM Tina Larkin Music & Art Studio Wasilla, Palmer, Talkeetna Cost: $49 - (513) 205-0476 tinalarkinmusic@live.com Big Lake Mud Volleyball 6/18/2016 - 9AM
Big Lake Lions Recreation Center Registration: $200 - (907) 892-8687 fishcrk@mtaonline.net 18th Annual Founders Scholarship Golf Tournament 6/23/2016 - 12PM Ami Sommer Settlers Bay Golf Course $500 per Team Donations Welcome www.sara@tutkallc.com Art on Fire 6/25/2016 - 10AM Valley Arts Alliance Museum of Alaska Transportation & Industry Cost: $10 www.valleyrecycling.org 7th Annual Ride for a Cure 6/26/2016 - 9:30AM KMBQ Valley Radio/MS Association Alaska State Fairgrounds Cost: $25 Donation per entry/ticket Eddie.maxwell@ohanamediagroup. com Palmer Midsummer Garden & Art Faire 7/9/2016 - 10AM Palmer Garden & Art Downtown Palmer FREE Admission www.palmergardenandart.org Cardboard City Mat-Su 7/15/2016 - Overnight Family Promise Mat-Su AK State Fairgrounds, Palmer FREE Event www.familypromisematsu.org Urban Junktion Vintage Market July 16-17, 2016 Urban Junction Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla Tickets: $5 www.urbanjunktion.com
DeLena Johnson
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS. PaLMer resiDent? Let your opinion be heard! djohnson@palmerak.org
Contributed by Carmen Summerfield
A team of skilled foundry men and women, consisting of Pat Garley, who owns Arctic Fires Bronze in Palmer, D’jean Jawrunner, a college professor from New Mexico who teaches metal casting, Donnie Keen a commercial foundry owner from Houston, Texas, and other local sculptors and skilled metal workers will demonstrate the fascinating 5000 year old iron casting process using a custom designed furnace known as a cupola. In the weeks preceding this event, Pat Garley (441-6728) will be offering workshops in metal casting and mold making at his studio in Palmer. These workshops will continue at the VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest, when these molds are poured with liquid iron.
Sandra will provide each participant with a vessel or pot of unglazed ceramic ware, known as bisque, which the participants will decorate with a variety of glazes and then fire in one of Sandra’s special Raku kilns. After a short firing, the “red hot” vessels will be placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials, a process that draws the oxygen out of the glaze and is responsible for the unique and completely unpredictable Raku look. The Association of Alaskan Blacksmiths will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques, Judy Vars will demonstrate Encaustic wax painting, and other fiery arts, such as glass flame working, will also be demonstrated. Sahara Storm Tribal Dance Troupe will perform. Live music and food will be available. The VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive (near the airport) in Wasilla, from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, June 25. The ticket price is $10, with children under 12 admitted free. Please join the fun! We hope to turn this day into an extraordinary Iron Pour Art Fest in the Valley!
MAY 2016
See scenes of last year’s event on our 2014 Art on Fire archives page, www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com. And for examples of completed iron sculptures that were displayed at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art in Anchorage, see our archive page.
Throughout the day, artist Sandra Cook, who owns “SL Cook Pottery and Fiber Works” in Palmer, will conduct her Raku pottery workshop.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
It’s time for another hot, hot, hot Iron Pour! Yes, for the 9th consecutive year, the Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 in Wasilla. The Valley will be buzzing with artists from across the country, as they gather to cast unique iron sculptures, create Raku pottery, and engage in other similar “fiery” events.
page 15
Arts
PAGE 16 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Arts, Community
Contributed by Tina Larkin Music and Art Studio There is a new Music and Art Studio in the Valley, and the only one of its kind in Alaska! Musician and Visual Artist Tina Larkin moved back to the Valley this past November, after 14 years outside. While in the Lower 48, she got teaching certification and a master’s degree in Visual Art. She also recorded Senka’s Joy, a beautiful CD of Celtic, Jewish and original music, available through her and through Cdbaby.com (see Fortuity Duo). On this album you can hear her fiddle, viola, harp and mandolin.
MAY 2016
The Larkin Music and Art Studio is unique in that it not only gives
equal time to both disciplines, but emphasizes the connections between visual art and music.
Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon whereby one part of the brain is very connected to another. Tina has visual/audial synesthesia, so she can see music and hear colors. Research shows that humans are born this way, and that the connections often break as our brains grow. Tina’s approach to teaching art and music is to utilize all the senses, not just vision and hearing. During the school year, Tina teaches art at Mat Su Central, and music at Twindly Bridge and St. Ann’s Academy. She also offers ongoing violin, fiddle, harp and
uke lessons. Classes this summer are for kids and adults, at various locations. For locations and tuition, see website, www.tinalarkin.net Call: 513-305-0476. Email: tinalarkinmusic@live.com Nature Drawing and Journaling, one session, June 11, July 16 or July 23 Music and Movement (ages 6-11), 4 sessions, June 13-16 Watercolor and Color Theory ages 13-adult), 4 sessions, starting June 21 ‘Zines for Teens (ages 12-19) 4 sessions, June 20-23
A Bargain Book, a Lifetime of Healing
Contributed by Tony Lobl
It was just a book bought at a bargain price in a secondhand bookstore by my friend, Frank. He said it contained some of the spiritual ideas we’d been discussing during our last months at University. Friend or not, had the book bored me Franks’ gift would have quickly been returned to the shop it came from. Instead, what followed revolutionized my life, offering a whole new way to think about life and stay healthy.
Like most people, I had grown up relying
Does God Exist? Yes!
Contributed by Tony Lobl
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God.” ~ Psalm 19:1 I’ve never once doubted God’s existence and have always had a strong sense of His presence as far back as I can remember. It’s in my conscience. An instinctive, deep down sense. It’s also the result of my own personal experience witnessing God’s good works. Moreover, I’ve concluded that life is simply too complex to have evolved on its own and without an origination point of man’s existence. It’s preposterous to think humans grew into a complex organism from a single cell or amoeba eons ago through evolution. A supreme being has to have been present to create everything. The question is, who is this Supreme Being? Is it the God of the Bible or something else?
In addition, I owe my straight teeth to a caring orthodontist who managed to relieve me of a rather chronic case of Bugs Bunny lookalike syndrome. While I also had problems that medical care hadn’t solved, I still wasn’t looking for an alternative approach to caring for my health.
“It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony,” is how Science and Health put it. In other words, the book was telling me that getting to know God better could not only help me grow spiritually, but also help heal my mind and body. I soon saw this “healing” was not about simply soothing sickness or empowering me to manage a condition - as valuable as those can be. It could be “heal” as in remove the symptoms and restore health.
that spiritual growth and a willingness to let go of attitudes and actions that don’t square with the expression of an all-good God, which I have learned is the inherent identity of us all, as Jesus proved by his own, unparalleled healing works. I’ve loved learning that and striving to see myself and others in that light. And I’m truly grateful to have been shown a different, spiritual starting point from which to seek both health and healing: namely, the allencompassing reality and infinite love of the divine Mind, God. From headaches to heartache, and from friction at work to troubled finances, looking beyond the material surface of things into a diviner reality has brought me a broad array of experiences of a grateful restoration to harmony and a far more consistent, spiritual joy.
The fact is I wandered into my spiritual lifestyle solely because the ideas in Science and Health resonated with an intuitive spiritual sense I had of God’s goodness. I’d first felt
That’s not to say such healing works like waving a magic wand. At times recovery has been quick, even immediate. Other times it has taken time, prayer and persistence. Sometimes the deeper need has been for
Thirty years on, I can say that bargain priced book was a great investment, one that continues to pay huge dividends.
performed miracles by healing people from their infirmities including raising the dead, is a documented fact. He was tried, convicted and put to death on the cross for simply confessing that he was sent here by God.
wise, the code in DNA instructs your cells to perform functions. Microsoft founder Bill Gates observed that “DNA is like a software program, only much more complex than anything we’ve ever devised.”
dictable, but are not. Nobel Prize winner for quantum electrodynamics, Richard Feynman, said, “The fact that there are rules at all is a kind of miracle.”
Christianity is a proven and reliable doctrine and the Bible is an accurate source of information and truth. This includes the fact that Jesus is the son of God, that heaven exists and that those who believe in Him are afforded salvation. Even non-Christian writers from long ago confirm these teachings and events of the New Testament including Roman historians, Suetonius and Tacitus, and Romano-Jewish scholar, Josephus. All three present significant detail on Christianity and the life of Jesus. Another Biblical researcher and respected author, Dr. Gary Habermas, wrote that “We should realize that it is quite extraordinary that we could provide a broad outline of major facts of Jesus’ life from secular history alone.” This further confirms the historical accuracy of the Bible. From a scientific perspective, look at DNA. DNA is like a computer program that writes code to instruct your cells to do certain functions. Programmers develop code to instruct a computer to do certain things. Like-
No evidence exists suggesting that natural, biological causes are involved with this process as you simply cannot find such instruction without someone intentionally creating it. The fact that DNA is mathematically perfect is further evidence that an intelligent designer has coded DNA for a specific purpose. Such precise instructions behind the complex DNA code can only be intentionally programmed. I’m no Biblical scholar or scientist, but it doesn’t take a genius or a Ph.D. in biological sciences or astrophysics to recognize that God exists. The evidence is all around us. The earth is perfectly situated given its size, gravity, atmosphere, rotation and proximity to the sun. The odds are infinitesimal that this could happen by chance. When you consider that the universe is so orderly and reliable and that the laws of nature never change, it further underscores God’s existence as there’s no logical reason for our universe to follow a strict set of rules on its own. The conditions should be unpre-
God’s existence has been enormously helpful to me personally. I’ve relied on Him during trying times with my legal battles as I fought off hostile government authority figures determined to destroy me. I leaned on God as a legislator when facing intense political opposition that even included an occasional death threat from people who hated my Christian, conservative principals. And thanks to my faith in God, I’ve survived the trauma of losing loved ones in recent years. Without Him, I probably would have succumbed to the stress of it all. I can’t imagine how people without faith cope with such life’s challenges on their own. Even with direct evidence aside, one can rely on instinct to know God’s there. Each of us has that gnawing feeling deep down that something superior exists, something that created all life. One only needs to consider the complexity of the human body to know intelligent design has been at work. Or something as simple as snowflake, which upon close examination, is wondrous with its beautifully intricate patterns.
MAY 2016
I’m convinced that “God” is indeed the God of the Bible. Not of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam or Sikhism. Individuals representing the world’s major religions over time identified themselves as prophets or teachers. But only Jesus claimed to be equal to God which separates him apart from all others. And it was Jesus, as God’s son, who
I also had a routine operation at thirteen years old. I’ll spare you the details, except to say it was a success.
that when I was 12 years old and actually experienced a physical healing through a spiritual experience when I was 18. Studying this book in my early twenties soon showed me such healing could become a natural part of understanding and experiencing divine goodness.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
The latter point didn’t strike me at first. At the time, I wasn’t looking for a different approach to healthcare. But that is one of the treasures I found within the pages of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.
on the expertise of the family GP and the emergency department of the local hospital - including various visits caused by brushes with the animal kingdom! I was bitten on the leg by a dog, came out the worse in a clash with a horse’s hoof at a holiday camp, and luckily escaped without significant damage when a baboon used the roof of my dad’s Renault as a trampoline during a safari park visit.
page 17
Faith
Heartfelt, Faith
Are You Content? Contributed by Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain
sweetness from every flower of providence. Contentment is full of consolation.
A remedy against all our troubles!
wine. Contentment is a flower which does not grow in every garden. You would think it were excellent, if I could prescribe a remedy or antidote against poverty. Behold, here is that which is more excellent: For a man to be poor, and yet have enough! Contentment teaches a man how to abound in the midst of poverty!
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content-whether wellfed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12
Have I but little? Yet it is more than I deserve. My cross is light in comparison with the weight of glory. Has God taken away my comforts from me? It is well, the Comforter still abides with me. Thus contentment, as a honeycomb, drops sweetness into every condition.
Contentment sweetens every condition. Christ turned the water into wine. Just so, contentment turns the bitter waters of Marah, into spiritual
Discontent is a leaven which sours every comfort. It puts vinegar into every mercy; it doubles every cross. But the contented spirit sucks
Growing in Faith Contributed by Scott Laney
My family has always believed in God after I was born and they all prayed for me. My mother was my main supporter though, because she always took me to church, taught me new prayers, and taught me right from wrong. My father was a believer as well, but he had a bad addiction that ruined his marriage.
something that scared me. I use to drink too much alcohol and get drunk all the time, but not anymore. I as well, use to steal things from the stores and get away with it.
When my family and I would go to church, I would always feel the Holy Spirit upon me. The pastors would speak great words from out of the bible as well as baptizing individuals who requested it.
I believe God’s plan to use me now is to witness unto others who may not know him and others who are falling off of his word and way. I love to share God’s word with people and pray for all people in need.
I did have a few bumps in my walk with Jesus though. Whenever I would lie, steal, and think awful things, I would be sinning. If I was walking in the dark and was scared or heard
Me and my mother, we have found out a whole lot of things that we’ve never knew before. Like what churches and pastors are not good to go to because the Bible tells us that
This devotional was written by Thomas Watson, “The Art of Divine Contentment”.
In the beginning when I was young, my family would always take me to church. When I went to school it was hard for me though, because many people didn’t believe in God. February 7th, 2014 I was ready for work, so I hopped in my car. While I was driving to the gas station I ran out of gas. I started to walk to the gas station that wasn’t too far away. A car came and I started to wave my arms, but I was hit at 60 MPH. I broke both legs, my left arm, and my skull and was rushed to the hospital. For 3 months I had to learn how to talk, walk, and eat again.
Contentment is . . . A remedy against all our troubles, An alleviation to all our burdens, The cure of to every worry. As medicine works disease out of the body, so contentment works trouble out of the heart. Holy contentment keeps the heart from fainting. Contentment is the golden shield, which beats back all discouragements. Wicked men are often disquieted in the enjoyment of all things. But the contented Christian is joyful in the lack of all things! He may have little in the world, yet be perfectly content. O the rare art or
The Bible says though to not steal, lie, and the Bible says to not fear, but only the Lord.
rather, miracle of contentment! A Christian finds contentment distilled out of the breasts of the promises. He is poor in purse, but rich in promise. There is one promise which brings much sweet contentment into the soul: “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:10) If the thing we desire is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good, then the not having is good for us. The resting satisfied with the promise, gives contentment. We all need to go to God and seek Him on this issue. Are we content in our lives? What is God trying to teach us in our current circumstances? Can we totally trust Him going forward? Questions only you and God can they are cults. The beginning until now it has been a rough transition for me, but I’m doing my best to obey God’s law. I never knew I was going to be hit by a car that day, but it has brought me a lot closer to God now. I am so happy I was born into a Christian family and that they could show me the way to the only God. My father is getting better now, but he and my mother are still not together now because my father has too many other girlfriends. Now days I just praise the Lord all day for guiding me and my family, showing us the right way to follow Him.
A Revelation
Land is chosen, then is tiered; Make certain that the title's cleared.
You whispered I love you one night when we kissed, It was in this moment I knew what I’d missed. I saw in your eyes what was needed so long, To nourish the hunger that was suddenly gone.
by Nan Potts
Trees are felled, used to construct; You'll build this thing, with any luck. You labor hard, with skill and craft. To build a cabin, you'll not graft Attention from most city folks; To them it's simply, just a hoax. To build a dream in yonder hills; They fathom not, it's not for thrills. To live in nature's wilderness; Gives such peace and happiness
Resounding saws' and hammers' fell; Raised from ground, a wooden shell Then occupied and lights were lit. Why ask me now, if I've a permit?
Broken TV Stare by Josh Fryfogle
We could start a revolution But the tv wouldn't care Just another revolution In the cycle of despair We could take up arms as armies If we all were made aware But the tv doesn't tell us So we think there's nothing there We could start a conversation But really who would dare And face the consternation Of the broken tv stare?
The warmth filled my being like nothing before, The blanket you gave me to the core. Hollow my heart had been, vacant of will, Now in your eyes I saw it had been filled. Embraced by your wrath that caught me by surprise, To change how I feel I can only surmise. That you captured my soul in this moment so rare, I felt in your words what I had not shared. Holding you now with your lips close to mine, Feeling your warmth as we are entwined. The chains that imprisoned me now had been broken, Your words held the key that your soft lips had spoken.
Things Lost (Yet Found) by Yvonne Moss
Impressionistic my watercolor paintings may be, They contain definite objects. One look and you see them, the next they’ve changed; Or disappear and return - Do they really go away? Is something truly lost just because it’s hiding? Does it reside in the subconscious mind?
Forever Shaken by Tia Talbot
I know where you are, That you’re all but grown. You’re probably thinking, “How time has flown”. You want your mommy, It happened too fast. Was convinced my time, Forever would last. But to our Savior, Swiftly were taken. My entire life, Forever shaken. Now I don’t have you, In my arms to hold. A spot in my heart, Will always be cold. In my heart I know, I’ll hold you again. Our life together, Can finally begin. “Mommy please don’t cry, Know that I love you. Won’t be much longer, Til I can show you.”
My mind, a combination of my being, is sometimes lost. Yet, is found with my next thought. Just like my paintings, the creation of movement and mood With darks and lights, moving senses forward and back And the hues of spring, summer, fall and winter; Loses oneself in the feelings of each season. Fooling the mind with impressionistic values; Does that count as lost?
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Which each of us, strives to achieve; Create and live a life, we weave.
by Donald J. Cutler
PAGE 19
To Build A Cabin
The Ring
MAY 2016
by Barbara Ellen Banks The ring was just a token of the love he thought was true But when the love was broken, he was broken too. He tries to understand it and maybe will in time Is love then just illusion created in your mind? And still the deep pain lingers and haunts his restless sleep He can’t just make the love stop it’s planted much too deep. And what of her you ask him, why did she leave him so? There are no easy answers maybe he’ll never know. So he endures with courage and hard fought bouts of pain And wonders if he ever will again.
page 20
Arts, Museums Celebrating Art and History with PMHA Contributed by the Palmer Museum of History and Art
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
The month of May brings exciting opportunities for the public to immerse themselves in art and history with the Palmer Museum. The museum is currently working on several projects to improve its visitor experience and connect on a deeper level with the community. Among these, are the introduction of an audio tour, new permanent collection and temporary exhibits, and more occasions to celebrate with one another. It also marks the beginning of the museum’s transition to summer operational hours: 9:00AM -6:00PM every day. To kick off this summer transition, the museum has some noteworthy updates to share and has planned a celebration weekend filled with art exhibits, live music and even some good old fashioned storytelling. A few months ago, the Palmer Museum was contacted by the Rasmuson Foundation in regards to their office art program. Initially, the inquiry was about a possible loan of two of the Palmer Museum’s Contemporary Art pieces.
MAY 2016
However, after a two month long review, the museum just received notification that the foundation would like to acquire not two but rather, four pieces from the collection for an 18 month loan in which the pieces would be on display at the foundation’s headquarters located in the Wells Fargo Building in Anchorage. The Palmer Museum is elated to have pieces from the collection to be recognized in such a manner and will be delivering them to the foundation on May 23rd. Those art works that will be on loan include: “Beets” by Diane Meekin
“Snow Geese and Mt. Palmer” by Greg Gusse “Cannibal Spirit” by Benjamin Schleifman “Palmer Farm” by Douglas Girard The loan will be the second time within the last year that pieces from the Palmer Museum’s contemporary art collection have been publicly recognized. The first, being Gail Niebrugge’s “Musk Ox” which is currently a part of the Anchorage Museum’s Living Alaska traveling exhibition. As a means of giving the art works a brief send-off and to provide an opportunity for our valley residents to get one final close up before they depart, the museum will have them on display alongside this year’s submissions being considered for the Palmer Museum’s 2016 Art Acquisition during its Annual Celebration and Palmer Midsummer Garden and Art Faire Preview Night on Saturday, May 21st from 7-9PM. Each year, the Palmer Museum hosts a spring celebration as a means of thanking its membership and increasing awareness about its programs and events. This year, the celebration will be even better because the museum will be hosting a special preview night for the 2016 Palmer Midsummer Garden and Art Faire! The evening’s festivities will include: A beer garden hosted by Arkose Brewery, food catered by Humdinger’s Gourmet Pizza, a silent auction and wine grab, games (with amazing prizes including scenic tours), and a special preview of this year’s PMGAF musical performers, the release of this year’s performance lineup and workshop schedule. Guests will also be the first ones to purchase their tickets to the museum’s new annual fundraiser, the Palmer Wine Walk, which will kick off this year’s Palmer Midsummer Garden and Art Faire on Friday, July 8th, the night before the big event!
This year’s annual celebration promises to deliver. The event is free to all museum members and $10 for nonmembers. Tickets will be available at the Palmer Museum beginning April 22nd and can be purchased on the day of the event. For those who prefer a more subdued environment, the Palmer Museum will be turning down the volume and looking to our local residents for inspiration on Sunday, May 22nd from 7-9PM, during its celebration weekend. Storytelling comes to the Mat-Su Valley in the tradition of Arctic Entries and The Moth. Untold Stories brings MatSu Valley residents to the stage to share their personal stories. At every episode, seven people each tell a seven-minute long true story about themselves relating to the show’s theme. Local musicians
will perform a few songs before, during and after the performances. Episodes of Untold Stories will occur periodically throughout the year. Each episode will feature a different theme. Beginning in May, the Palmer Museum of History and Art will be sponsoring its first episode around the theme, “May Days: Tales of Mothers, Memorials, and Milestones.” Currently, all Untold Stories’ regular season shows take place at Vagabond Blues. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at the Palmer Museum or B Bella’s in downtown Palmer and will be available at the door on the night of the event.
www.palmermuseum.org.
Meet the artist, Douglas Francois Girard, Saturday, June 11th, 1-4 at the Town Square Art Gallery located in the Carrs Wasilla Mall. The art show includes Douglas’s original illustrations of Alaska Birds, Bird Blocks, prints and a few surprises.
In the mountains of the Chugach and Talkeetna ranges, he found those cathedrals of stillness that he had dreamed about as a young child. His artwork is created from a great love of the many changing moods of nature and the sense of mystery and expectation that is created from ever varying colors and shapes. He is drawn to movement as the expression of the life force. The swirling of mist and cloud or a dancer flying through the air seem to be excellent expressions of this force. A magical moment for him is when clouds move over and envelope the mountains, dissolving rocky peaks and shimmering water into a mysterious apparition.
”My goal is to make each painting
Douglas is perhaps better known for his plein air paintings of the varied Alaska landscape as well as his paintings inspired by Italy and mythology. His landscape paintings have been exhibited in many solo and group shows and can be found in collections worldwide. On his many walks he has rejoiced in the decorative quality of nature. “For many years I have longed to devote more time to decorative work. I believed I could combine my close observations of the world with an imaginative spirit to create unique works of art. I struggled with the idea as it did not seem to fit with my landscape paintings. Finally I hit on a strategy: landscapes and mythology to be painted in oil paint and decorative work in acrylics. In this way I was able to partition my mind into two different ways of thinking. It may sound strange but it worked.” In this exhibition of work he explores that different side, a decorative more intimate side. He painted his first bird at a young age: ” I created my first ”Bird Block” when I was thirteen. I painted a bird-of- paradise with acrylic on paper, glued it to wood and then varnished it. Little did I know then I would be making many more ”Bird Blocks” decades later. I painted a few other birds when I was a teenager but I was mostly interested in other types of flight; the flying war machines of the world wars. It wasn’t until I was married that my wife, Robin, opened my eyes
to the hidden world around me. I was amazed I had lived for so many years without realizing the beauty of birds that flit in and out of our sight.” The excitement felt when a bird suddenly makes itself known is the same excitement Douglas feels as he watches the clouds rise and enshroud mountain peaks. He feels Birds are as fleeting and mysterious as mist and cloud that can quickly appear as a swirling dance of light and just as suddenly disappear. To him birds are symbols of the mysterious, eternal life force and a connection with the spiritual path. The act of creating the Celtic/Norse inspired knotwork that you see in some of his work is his way of connecting with this spiritual path. ”Now, thanks to my wife, I view birds as highly symbolic, life enriching and the experience of being in their presence as an almost religious event. I hope I can share some of this delight with others that may feel the same way.” Please join the staff at Town Square Art Gallery for a delightful afternoon of art, conversation and refreshments while discovering Douglas François Girard’s new collection and much more. Douglas’s art show continues for the entire month of June. Town Square Art Gallery 907-376-0123 townsquareartgallery.com
MAY 2016
After visiting Italy and France his creative horizons have expanded. Mysterious hidden gardens, ancient architecture, cypress groves and rising mountain cathedrals have all found their way into his work.
a poem of color, light and form that captures the essence of my inspiration.”
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
He grew up in Africa and finally moved to Alaska in 1993 after attending Art Center College of Design in California. It was here in Alaska that he found landscapes that truly inspired him.
PAGE 21
Arts
page 22 MAY 2016
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Arts Contributed by Krista Fee Sahara Storm Productions has begun to travel outside of Alaska to Washington, Las Vegas, and Texas to share the wonder of belly dance, fire performance and circus arts with others, but don’t worry Alaska is our first love and will remain our home over the long haul. Be assured you can catch us all over the Valley, Big Lake and Anchorage doing community projects, fundraisers, and private events. Come see us at Art on Fire, the Palmer Garden Faire, and Trapper Creek Bluegrass for fantabulous all ages family fun, and at Playhouse for our fantastic variety Burlesque shows. You can have any of our performers come to your event, and we do private shows and parties at our studio for all ages. The possibilities are truly endless! We have brought on an airbrush artist, face painters, and balloon twisting specialists that can entertain for family fun, or for the more bachelorette party themes. We also love to do baby belly painting for photo shoots. Our goal is to preserve the dying circus performance arts and to keep the light and creativity burning in our youth. In our technological society we must keep kids excited about moving their bodies, exploring movement and creatively applying various performance arts to the world as they see it. The benefits of performance in adults involved in the program include confidence development, improved fitness, and a sense of belonging that many don’t realize is missing in their lives. We are actors, and we are healers.
There is something very special about circus arts that have the power to unite people! We are the beautiful freaks, the misfits, and the explorers. There is no competition in our world, only acceptance, and creative unity. We work with all skill levels. Adults come to us and discover the family, children learn to be confident, to take calculated chances, and to trust their own creative minds, and the community comes together to achieve fantastic fundraising and community service projects that could never have happened without thinking and playing outside of the box. We work with most ages, and all skill levels. We have the best prices in town for all of our classes! No long-term commitments and we have been an active part of this community for over eight years. We are locally owned and operated, licensed, insured and professional. Photo Credits: Meredith Machioni, and Jennifer Seutter.
PAGE 23
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com MAY 2016