Daily life during the Fairbanks gold mining era was fueled by wood – to build cabins and support mine construction. The seasonal round of sound and smell was the cutting and stacking cords of wood to fire home stoves and the boilers that ran the steamboats.

These wood forms have carried forth from 100 years ago. We are limited to exhibit wood examples that fit in this gallery, although Connie Page seriously contemplated removing a carved wooden door from the family business for three winter months. From cradle to casket, rocking chair or still comfort, tiny spinning top and spiritual mask—boat away from your troubles—experience the forms and shapes of our lives.

Wood sings!

Although today’s economists promote value-added products—focusing on the end results, woodworkers have always known creation starts with a respect for the material. Whether formally taught or shop apprenticed, they say the wood speaks to them. The form reveals itself. Look carefully—mastery of this form includes yielding to nature.

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