Fairbanks has been home to Alaska's Native peoples for many generations. It is the place where Athabascans, Inupiat, Yup’ik, Aleuts, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshians have settled, leaving their homes in the villages for greater economic and educational opportunities for their families. The works included in this exhibition span several generations, and many have been produced by kin: grandmother and granddaughter, mother and daughter, father and son, sisters and sisters-in-law and by Elders – also known as everyone's grandparents.

The traditional method of teaching by demonstration or learning by observation is exemplified in the works of Hannah Solomon, the 94-year-old Gwich’in Athabascan from Fort Yukon who "taught" her granddaughter Michele Peter to be a beadworker in order to make things for her family and for sale.

Native arts objects from Made in Fairbanks.

The works of Alvin Amason, Kathleen Carlo, James Grant, and Rik Seeganna, although culturally diverse, all reflect a contemporary Native view of both man and animal. These artists have been schooled in art at the university level yet show reverence and respect for the Elders that have come before them. This exhibit speaks to the importance of honoring the Elders through recognition of their works within a familial and cultural context.

View a list of participants from Made in Fairbanks

Guest Curators - read their statements:
Steve Bouta, Developing Invention
James Brashear, Ceramics
Jean Carlo, Native Arts
Wanda Chin, Multimedia
Peggy Ferguson, Performing Arts
Jennifer Jolis, Food Products
Len Kamerling, Filmmaking
John Manthei, Wood
Barry McWayne, Commercial Photography
David Mollett, Visual Applied Arts
Connie Page, Wood
Todd Sherman, Visual Applied Arts
Glen Simpson, Metal
Frank Soos, Writing
Suzanne Summerville, Ph.D., Music
Penny Wakefield, Fiber Works

Return to the Made in Fairbanks introduction.

Exhibitions