By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
In the upcoming Sitka Fall Art Walk you’ll have a chance to see:
– Lione Clare’s view of “wild places” on the Tongass National Forest, in photographs.
– Haley Angus’s pen and ink drawings from real life and her imagination.
– Mark Sixbey’s traditional Tsimshian formline design paintings.
– Many other artists in traditional and nontraditional exhibit spaces.
The Greater Sitka Arts Council’s Fall Art Walk is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, with Sitka businesses opening their doors after hours to host exhibits and receptions for local artists.
“Friday is tax-free shopping, and we like to encourage people to shop local and support the makers and artists,” said GSAC director Amelia Mosher, who is organizing the biannual event. “It’s a nice approach to the big shopping rush.”
The event includes exhibits at businesses, plus live music at some places. The New Archangel Dancers, a caroling group and performers from the upcoming production of “The Nutcracker” are also planning appearances on the street, weather permitting, Mosher said.
Amelia Mosher holds up one of the 6 ounce ceramic mugs that will be on offer at the Art Walk Friday. (Sentinel Photo)
Most of the sponsoring businesses are on Lincoln Street, and Visit Sitka and the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the arts council’s membership drive in the Visit Sitka office on Lake Street. GSAC is offering a six-ounce mug, donated by Northrim Bank, to everyone who joins the organization at the $5 per month level.
“We’re having a membership drive, in light of some of the economic challenges that have hit the arts this year,” Mosher said. “We’re asking for support in the community – if you like arts events we can use your help in keeping the arts going. With your support we will be able to continue our regular programming.”
The Wearable Arts Extravaganza, the Artisans Market and Art Walk are the flagship programs presented by the nonprofit organization. The council also functions as an umbrella organization for The Monthly Grind, Sitka Community Theater and Sitka Folk.
The membership drive will help the organization continue to operate for the year, as funding sources for the arts have gotten scarce, Mosher said.
“We’re having to get creative,” she said. “But getting creative is right up our alley.”
Aside from the opportunity to raise the visibility of arts council, the Fall Art Walk mainly is a chance to get out and enjoy an evening of art. Mosher also hopes to call attention to the economic benefit of art.
“The lights are on, people are out,” said Mosher. “There’s some magic about it. We know Sitka had a rough year; I’m excited to cultivate some holiday spirit and good cheer. It’s a good time to get out and see people.”
Clare, a Sitka photographer, will have her work up at the Sitka Conservation Society offices upstairs at 201 Lincoln Street. Most of her 8-by-12 inch photos with haikus overlain are from kayak trips to West Chichagof, but the theme is “wild places around Sitka.” Which means some places are closer to town, she said.
“We live in an amazing place that offers opportunities right out the back door,” she said.
Clare noted the inspiration she has received over the years from well-known writer Richard Nelson and artists Eric and Pam Bealer, who helped bring attention to landscapes and “smaller, beautiful things” in Southeast Alaska. Nelson died recently and the Bealers died about a year ago.
“(They) bring attention to how special these places are and use that as advocacy to protect them,” Clare said.
Sixbey’s work of formline acrylic paintings on the nontradtional medium of canvas will be at Artist Cove, 241 Lincoln St., where he already has jewelry and wood carvings for sale.
Originally from Metlakatla, Sixbey is a traditional Tsimshian wood carver and painter, who likes taking his work in new directions at shows like the Art Walk. He has created many designs for drums, and is currently teaching formline design to kids at Blatchley Middle School and Pacific High School.
“I get to try different things and go with whims,” he said, of the Art Walk. “I like composing in a circle; it’s a nice challenge. One of the fundamental things about this art style is it’s adaptable to all different shapes. The circle is a compelling, unusual kind of shape.”
Angus, a Sitka High graduate, will show her pen-and-ink drawings and beaded earrings at BEAK restaurant, at 2 Lincoln Street. Matt Goff will be exhibiting photographs at the same location.
Angus said she’s drawn since she could remember, including throughout the day when she was a student elsewhere and at Sitka High.
Her work is drawn from things she sees, and from her imagination, although she has done work on commission.
“A lot of it is just kind of images that come up in my head that I put on paper,” she said.
Mosher hopes the evening will not only be an enjoyable event, but also call attention to the economic benefits that the arts bring to a community.
“It’s not a luxury; it’s a critical part of our economy,” she said.
Participating businesses, and artists:
– BEAK, 2 Lincoln St., Haley Angus, pen and ink drawings, jewelry; Matt Goff, photos; John Ingham, bagpipes.
– 57 Peaks, 102 Lincoln St., Dixie Peterson, watercolors.
– Sitka Hotel, 118 Lincoln St., live music.
– Gallery By the Sea, 128 Lincoln St., jazz by Stephanie Patton, and art.
– Old Harbor Books, 201 Lincoln St., James Poulson, paintings.
– Sitka Conservation Society, 201 Lincoln Street (upstairs from Old Harbor Books), Lione Clare, photographs.
– Galanin+Klein, 203 Lincoln Street, Adam Fondell, knives; Jerrod Galanin, silver carving.
– Island Artists Gallery, 205 Lincoln St., various artists.
– Sitka Lutheran Church, 224 Lincoln St., Sandra Rudd, photos.
– Abby’s Reflection Apparel & Quiltworks, 231 Lincoln St., “A to Z Exhibit.”
– Alaska Pure Sea Salt, 239 Lincoln St., Sweet Sisters Caramels.
– Artist Cove Gallery, 241 Lincoln St., Mark Sixbey, formline on canvas.
– Cabin Fever Gallery and Gifts, 321 Lincoln Street, various artists.
– Sitka Rose Gallery, 419 Lincoln St., various artists.
– Visit Sitka, Chamber of Commerce, 104 Lake St., Greater Sitka Arts Council, membership, photo gallery.
