Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 – 6:00; Saturday, 11:00 – 5:00; Closed Sunday;
Additional Hours on First Fridays 5:00 – 7:00 pm
907-563-2787 • 3555 Arctic Boulevard • Anchorage 99503
Jerry Laktonen
Alutiiq Vision
Jerry Laktonen, Alutiiq, was born in 1951 on Kodiak Island. Best known for his masks and paddles, he is strongly influenced by the traditional carving of his ancestors. While he had no formal art training, his experience in repairing fishing boats gave him a foundation for developing his talents with wood. He adheres to the Alutiiq tradition of painting his pieces in vivid colors, in designs that are often rich with precision detail. Jerry insists on the cultural authenticity of his work, drawing on countless hours of study of museum pieces and photographs in books. Despite this quest for technical accuracy, Jerry is sure that a trancelike “knowing” of ancestral presence ultimately inspires his carving.
One of only a few Alutiiq carvers of his generation, Jerry is perhaps the best known. His work is featured in the traveling exhibit, “Looking Both Ways” about Alutiiq culture. He has received much recognition, including several awards from the prestigious annual Santa Fe Indian Market. His masks and paddles are featured in several different permanent museum collections, as well as numerous private collections throughout the United States. They include the National Museum of the American Indian, Alaska State Museum, Alutiiq Museum, Anchorage Museum, and Haffenreffer Museum, as well as the Chateau Musee in France.
From the Collection of
Patricia Partnow
A new and exciting event is happening for us! As you know for the past twelve years we have been accepting artwork from many collectors locally and from far away. Opening this Friday, October 4 from 5:00 – 7:00 we will showcase the private collection of a local collector, Patricia Partnow. She is an anthropologist who has contributed to cross-cultural dialogue in many parts of Alaska. She has worked in Alaska schools, museums and cross-cultural institutions.
Patricia arrived in Alaska in 1971 and over the years she has documented the very special pieces she has collected. We know that many were purchased from the artists she knew, from exhibits she attended or from local businesses she supported. There is a variety of Alaska Native Masks, Dolls, Baskets and Ivory along with two-dimensional work by artists highly respected such as Kes Woodward, Steve Gordon, Sonya Kelliher-Combs, William Kimura and Sandy Gillespie. Several pieces, such as, exquisite ivory etched seals by the late Floyd Kingeekuk, from Savoonga are rarely available. Also, carvings by Charles Kokuluk, Don Ungott, Aaron Oseuk, Teddy and Fred Mayac.
The collection is available to view at this link. We will be adding to this page over the next few weeks.
At Snow City Cafe
Linda Marsh-Ives
On the Water
Artist Statement
I am an artist and musician, as well as a frustrated biologist and dedicated kayaker. I have floated as many lakes around Anchorage as I can find. Therefore, my landscape paintings are often from the point of view of someone on the water. I see birds, wildlife, and lake edges. I love the challenge of painting water and shores. I also enjoy portraying animals such as cats, dogs, and birds of both sexes (even drab females!)
At Crush Bistro
Joshua Demain
Arctic Phoenix and the Art of the Sublime
Artist Statement
My passion is to witness, translate, and share the ephemeral grandeur of the sun’s interaction with the horizon through tangible objects that can be revered, celebrated, and admired.
I create paintings that range from magnificent sunset cityscapes to glorious natural landscapes, with occasional figurative elements, that reflect the inherent splendor of local Alaska scenery. To convey the message that beauty is everywhere, much of my work focuses on everyday encounters of the sublime that are frequently incongruent with our preconceived notions of picturesque beauty.
For me, it’s important to create precious objects that reflect an unmistakable human touch. Subsequently, while oil paint, copper, linen, and cherry wood are lovely materials to work with, they also enhance the preciousness of the final artifact and reference historical uses in painting and printmaking.
At South Restaurant
Tracy Anna Bader
First Snowfall
Artist Statement
Ever since I was a young girl growing up in Alaska, that first snowfall of the season has always been super magical for me. The bright, soft snowflakes—dancing, twirling, floating as they fall from the sky to rest upon autumn’s warm earth of dried grasses, flowers and leaves. Capturing any light there is with a joyful sparkle, the falling snowflakes make me so happy! I run outside to dance through them—my smile beaming upwards towards the sky, loving the feeling of cool air and chill softness of fresh snow crystals melting on my face.
As the first snow falls, I briefly think of the difficulties ahead that an Arctic winter brings—like dangerously icy slick roads and pathways, brutal cold and long darkness. Yet, I quickly turn towards thoughts of skiing, skating, winter walks, chickadee sounds and hot drinks with family and friends. I focus on the magical essence of fleeting snowflakes falling and their sparkle in the sky, if only for a brief moment, seemingly floating in time.
In this group of paintings, each is touched by this lightheartedness I feel of that special first snowfall of the season. As my paintbrush spiritedly graces the canvas, I want to capture that magical essence of snowflakes dancing in the air, landing on mountain peaks and flowers, softening the world with their fresh sparkle of joy.
Tracy Anna Bader was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska by adventurous parents who embraced nature and the outdoors! Since childhood, when she first learned to sew and made her own clothes, her dream was always to be an artist and fashion designer. She studied Fine Art at UAA and CU Boulder, Fashion Design in New York City at Parsons School of Design, received a BS in Design (Textiles and Costume) at UC Davis, and a 3-year residency studio MFA in Artisanry-Fibers with an emphasis in Fine Art Painting from UMass Dartmouth. She loves being outdoors in the sunshine, learning, and spending time with her three children and friends!
