The art of dramatic storytelling is a basic, world-wide human need and Fairbanks artists and audiences share a blossoming history in this creative field. Many of the dramatic pieces written by Fairbanksans and produced for Fairbanks audiences (as well as visitors) reflect voice and place rooted in the Great Interior.

In our recent past, in 1972, Hap Ryder wrote the script for the annual Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce's Golden Days celebratory melodrama Pipeline Fannie, which was produced by Fairbanks Drama Association and performed on the cargo deck of the Riverboat Nenana in July for six summers as a Golden Days event. This 'populist/historical' piece was the forerunner, surely, for such later plays as Letters to the Editor and Pipedreams. Fairly recently, in 1997, the Looking Glass Group Theatre was founded in Fairbanks with the specific mission to "develop, nurture and showcase the Alaskan playwright and to provide incubation for new dramatic literature."

The dramatic performing arts are the most collaborative of all art forms, involving many creative and interpretative artistic team members who labor together when a piece is in rehearsal for actual production. The text is the backbone for the entire collaboration!

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