Grace Schaible Collection

Grace Schaible grew up in Juneau, Alaska. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and became one of the university's most generous supporters. Her gifts include scholarships, endowments, and more than 2,000 works of art. 

After earning her law degree from Yale University, Grace returned to Alaska to practice. She was appointed attorney general in 1987 and also served as a University of Alaska regent. Grace loved polar bears. When she was younger, she used to travel every year to the Canadian Arctic or Svalbard to watch them. She amassed one of the largest collections of polar bear artwork in the world, collecting bronzes, stone sculptures, original oils, prints, and much more. And she donated most of it to the UA Museum of the North. 

Grace's collection was highlighted in the exhibition Polar Passion: A Celebration of the Grace Schaible Collection, which was on view from May 27, 2017 - January 20, 2018. Learn more about Grace's legacy.

View a selection of the artworks collected by Grace Schaible below, and see all artworks by searching the Fine Arts collection in Arctos.

Kenojuak Ashevak, Filegreed Raven, 1998, UA2015-007-004

Dale DeArmond, Sagittarius - Nov. 23-Dec. 22, 1989, UA2015-007-211

Claire Fejes, Women Cutting Belugas at Sesualik [Sheshalik], 1959, UA1981-029-001

Claire Fejes, Cutting Whale, date unknown, UA2015-007-221

Mialia Jaw, Stung, 2005, UA2015-007-012

Helen Kalvak and Harry Egutak, Intruder, 1978, UA2015-007-016

Ken Lisbourne, Untitled, date unknown, UA2018-001-055

Fred Machetanz, Sourdough Hotcakes, 1967, UA1995-059-001

Victoria Mamnguqsualuk and Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq, Kiviuq and the Bears, 1986, UA2015-007-005

David Mollett, Untitled, date unknown, UA2018-001-036

David Mollett, Untitled, 1993, UA2018-001-044

Agnes Nanogak Goose, Untitled, 1970, UA2015-007-040

Towkie Qarpik and Josea Maniapik, Surprised by a Polar Bear, 1998, UA2015-007-014

Todd Sherman, Polar Bear Portrait - favorite, 2011, UA2015-007-010

Kesler Woodward, Untitled, 2006, UA2018-001-054

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