25th anniversary edition of AlaskaOne poster debuts

Submitted by Tammy Tragis
Phone: 907-474-1890
03/06/08

AlaskaOne, the public television network for KUAC Fairbanks, KYUK Bethel and KTOO Juneau, kicked off its annual spring television fundraiser this week. A poster is selected each year to benefit the mission of public broadcasting.

Fairbanks artist Cynthia West Hanson’s "Alaskan Wild Iris" was selected as AlaskaOne’s 2008 poster. This stunning 40 inch by 30 inch oil on canvas features a lone purple iris on an obsidian background and marks a milestone as AlaskaOne celebrates its 25th year of the poster series. Hanson will sign posters at a reception on Saturday, March 8 from noon. to 4 p.m. at New Horizons Gallery located at 519 First Avenue in Fairbanks.

Hanson is a fifth-generation Alaskan and a longtime resident of Fairbanks. The artist credits her creative spirit and appreciation for Alaska to time spent in the woods with her father and grandfather hunting, exploring, fishing and berry picking. She currently paints part time while working full time as operations manager of the Tanana Valley State Fair.

"Standing in front of one of these large wildflower paintings can make the observer feel small. It takes my entire body to create the fluid shapes on large canvases," says Hanson. "I’m able to connect emotionally to the images I create through the movement that passes from my chest, into my arm, and off the brush onto the canvas."

The poster serves as a thank-you gift to donors who make at least a $50 contribution to AlaskaOne during the spring TV fundraiser, Saturday, March 1 through Sunday, March 16. Pledges can be made by calling 907-474-7491 or online at www.alaskaone.org.