AlaskaOne announces ’My Funny Valentines’ as its 26th poster

Submitted by Tammy Tragis
Phone: 907-474-1890
03/10/09

AlaskaOne, the public television network for KUAC Fairbanks, KYUK Bethel and KTOO Juneau, begins its annual spring television fundraiser March 28. Each year, a poster is selected to kick off the fundraiser and benefit the mission of public broadcasting in Alaska.

A panel of artists and experts selected "My Funny Valentines" by North Pole artist Madara Hill as AlaskaOne’s 2009 poster. This oil and encaustic on canvas piece was chosen from more than 60 submissions from artists throughout the state. While the poster will be available during the fundraiser as a thank-you gift, the upcoming poster-signing event gives donors the opportunity to pledge for the poster early. Hill will sign posters at a reception on Saturday, March 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at New Horizons Gallery, located at 519 First Avenue in Fairbanks.

Hill realized as an adolescent that she had a talent and passion for painting; a passion she inherited from a long line of creative women. While still in high school, Hill’s mother arranged a brief apprenticeship with well-known Southern portrait artist, Deanna Griffin. It was during this time that Hill began painting in earnest and only put her paintbrushes down for a few years while earning a master’s degree in English. Hill also occasionally teaches world literature at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

"The inspiration for ’My Funny Valentines’ came from the posture these animals so often assume, huddled close to one another, familial and protective," says Hill. "What I remember most about this painting was the sheer joy that I felt while working on it. I have a tremendous amount of fun doing what I love most, and I think it shows."

The poster serves as a thank-you gift to donors who give at the $50 contribution level to AlaskaOne during the spring TV fundraiser, Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 12. Pledges can be made by calling 907-474-7491 or online at www.alaskaone.org.