Artisan Expo opens museum holiday season

Submitted by Kerynn Fisher
Phone: 907-474-6941
11/13/07

The University of Alaska Museum of the North’s holiday season begins this weekend with the museum’s first ever artisan invitational expo and sale. The expo features jewelry, ceramics, wearable art and other work for sale by Alaskan artists. The expo runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. Admission is free.

"Through our exhibits and programs, we showcase the diversity of art in Alaska and the role art plays in daily life," says museum exhibit design director Wanda Chin. "This artisan expo highlights the beautiful handcraft made today and gives museum visitors a chance to purchase work to display and use in their own homes."

Volunteers and artists Lucy McCarthy and Barry McWayne reviewed and proposed a list of artists to be invited for the inaugural event. McCarthy has participated in similar shows outside Fairbanks and, along with other local artisans, recognized the opportunity for such a show in Fairbanks.

Featured artists for the museum’s inaugural artisan expo include Clayton Flagg, Erica Flagg, Janlee Irving and KC Lowe with home accessories; Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Kimberly Rogers and Linda Smith with jewelry and beadwork; Fred DeCicco, Phil Marshall, Ben Mehaffey, Laura Mendola and Sara Tabbert with works made from glass, metal and/or wood; and Patricia Carlson, Heather Krawiec, Lucy McCarthy, Corlis Taylor, Terra Shideler and Lisa Behr with wearable art. Fairbanks authors John Luther Adams, James Barker, Karen Brewster and Frank Soos will be signing copies of their books.

For more information on the artisan expo, call the museum at 474-7505.

CONTACT: Kerynn Fisher, University of Alaska Museum of the North communications coordinator, at 907-474-6941 or 907-378-2559.

Note to editors: Images are available on request.