Weekend Focus
Looking for a weekend adventure? Maximize your Alaskan summer weekends with these 25 learning opportunities. This is the perfect time to investigate that subject you’ve been curious about. Whether it’s on a river, in a classroom, on a hillside or in the studio, you’ll find interesting short courses taught by outstanding instructors. What are you doing this weekend?
Emergency Trauma Training Refresher: Wilderness First Responder
May 10–12
This recertification provides a review of all topics presented in the initial Wilderness First Responder course including the patient assessment system, wound management, spine assessment, reduction for shoulder dislocations, and the administration of epinephrine. Current WFR certification and a pre-test are required before registering for this course. Contact instructor at debajango@att.net . Students must pass a final exam to receive certification. This course meets recertification/challenge requirements for all major WFR certifications. Profile: Deb Ajango has 2,000 days of experience leading trips throughout Alaska and around the world. She has been a lead instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates for more than ten years.
Gods and Goddesses
May 30–June 1
Spend a weekend with the major gods and goddesses of both Greek and Roman mythology. Discussion will center on how this mythology has figured into poetry, drama, architecture, sculpture, painting and music from ancient times through present day. Profile: Joseph Thompson is Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Humanities, with interests in myth, religion, and the arts.
Custom Portfolio Workshop
May 31–June 1
Ever wish you could create a beautiful case to hold a series of prints? Spend a weekend learning the techniques necessary to build two custom-fitted portfolio cases. This course will lay the foundation for you to make portfolios of any size, covered in decorative paper or cloth of your choice. All experience levels are welcome. Profile: Heather Kasvinsky is a studio artist who specializes in printmaking, book arts, letterpress and papermaking.
Image Credit: Heather Kavinsky
Canoeing
June 4, 7–8, 14
Join American Canoe Association certified instructor, Dana Thomas, in some weekend river travel. You will learn the skills necessary for safe and therefore relaxing travel on Class I rivers. Practice will start on a pond, move to a slow section of the Chena River, and then on to a faster section of the Chena. Canoes and safety equipment are provided. Profile: Dana Thomas, Assistant Provost for General Studies at UAF, has 30+ years of experience canoeing Alaska’s rivers.
Introduction to Alaska’s Flora
June 12–15
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to traipse through the interior environs with your focus on the realm of the plants. Carolyn Parker will introduce you to Alaska’s unique flora through lectures, labs, and field trips. You will become familiar with the use of technical keys, the origins of Alaska’s flora, basic plant morphology, and the language of botanists. Profile: Carolyn Parker is a long-time research professional at the Museum of the North’s Herbarium and has devoted much of her life to the study and appreciation of the northern flora.
Image Credit: Heather Kavinsky
Drawing Nature: A Way of Learning
June 13–15
Interested in the natural world? Want to deepen your connection while enhancing your observation skills? Come join Mark Ross in an extended weekend of observing and interpreting nature through sketching, drawing and journaling. This course will be an asset to educators and parents who are looking to gather more tools for their teaching/parenting toolbox. Profile: Mark Ross is a naturalist and education specialist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Creamer’s Field Wildlife Refuge and has been drawing nature since early childhood.
Image Credit: Mark Ross
Marine Vertebrates of Kachemak Bay
June 20–22
Spend a weekend at the NOAA-UAF Kasitsna Bay Research Lab observing and learning about the marine vertebrates of Kachemak Bay. You will come away with knowledge of the major identifying characteristics of six orders of marine vertebrates, an introduction to the concept of form and function in the anatomy and physiology of marine vertebrates, and an introduction to the feeding and reproductive strategies of several marine vertebrate species found in Kachemak Bay. Profile: Deborah Boege-Tobin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biology at UAA’s Kachemak Bay Campus and investigates the behavioral ecology and communication systems of river otters.
Fly-Fishing Weekend
June 20–22
Designed for the novice, this class provides a unique opportunity to try out the sport of fly-fishing under the tutelage of a passionate fisherman, Shann Jones. You will be introduced to the world of fly-fishing for arctic grayling and stocked salmon. The course will cover such topics as fly tackle selection, techniques, tactics of fly-fishing, and procedures to make sure you land the big one. Equipment is provided. Profile: Shann Jones can be found doing research for this class on various Fairbanks riverbanks.
Image Credit: Michael Maggs, Wikimedia
Beginning Web Design
June 20–22 and June 27–29
Want to be able to put up a web page without the investment of weeks of your time? This two weekend course in website design will give you the tools to make a multi-page website for your personal or business interest, educational pursuit, or for a non-profit organization. This course will focus on the incorporation of text and images with an emphasis on design using Adobe Dreamweaver website design software. Profile: Jenn Baker is a web developer with UAF University Marketing and Publications. Her expertise is in web design and information architecture for web applications.
Field Painting in Denali National Park
ART F 233 / ART F 333 / ART F 433 / ART F 633
June 26–29
All skill levels are welcome for this on-site landscape painting class in the Denali Park area. Investigate basic materials and techniques as well as concepts of space, light, color, and scale and how they relate. Explore elements specific to landscape painting such as water, reflection, and skies. Profile: David Mollett, Assistant Professor in the UAF Art Department, is a long-time landscape painter.
Why Does the Boreal Forest Matter?
June 27–29
Ever marvel at the beauty of the Interior’s woodlands and wonder about the role they play in the global ecosystem? Join David and John as they help to elucidate the importance of our forests both environmentally and economically. Topics to be discussed include timber resources, environmental and industrial pressures on boreal forests, and fires and the nutrient cycling that results. Profiles: David Valentine is an Associate Professor of Soil Science whose research focus has been on the role of soils in non-agricultural ecosystems in generating or consuming gases, especially methane, that control the earth’s climate. John Fox, an Associate Professor of Land Resources, specializes in the hydrological effects of land-use changes and the planning and decision making involved in forest management.
Image Credit: John Fox
Field Painting in the Fairbanks Area
ART F 233 / ART F 333 / ART F 433 / ART F 633
July 10–13
This field painting class, offered at all skill levels, will provide students with an opportunity to learn and practice artistic principles in a dramatic and inspiring setting without having to spend much time in transit. Students will work at their skill level and have the opportunity to work in their own interest areas. Profile: Jessie Hedden (MFA from University of Washington in Seattle and BA from Hampshire College) is an adjunct lecturer in the UAF art department. She has been living and painting in the Fairbanks area for 10 years. Her current work is abstract with a strong basis in direct observation.
Image Credit: Mareca Guthrie
Birch Bark Weaving
July 11–13
Love birch bark woven baskets and want to spend a weekend in July with a couple of fellows who have discovered their artistic bent? Join former Fairbanksan John Zasada and birch bark enthusiast Charlie Mayo for a three-day workshop in Scandinavian style birch-bark basket weaving. You will harvest the bark the first day, then spend the remaining time learning Scandinavian style birch-bark weaving. This creates “double woven” baskets from birch bark that is cut into strips and split into thin layers to create a weaving material that resembles leather. Profile: John Zasada, retired forester/silviculturist with the U.S. Forest Service, has long been a student of northern forest ecology, biology and management and finds this new aspect of the forests one he loves to share. Charlie Mayo, a retired physician, is an instructor at and founding member of the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN. He has worked with birch bark for 40 years and studied with Scandinavian masters of birch bark craft.
Image Credit: John Zasada
Treasures from the Forest
July 11–14
As you walk through the woods do you think of projects when you see unique tree parts? If so this may be the workshop for you. In this four-day course you will use a wide variety of techniques to create an object from your wildest imaginings. This course will include a full day in the woods foraging for materials, so you must be fit enough to crash through the brush with a load on your back. Woodworking tools will be provided but students are encouraged to bring their own tools if possible. Profile: John Manthei, cabinet/furniture maker, architectural woodworker and artist, has been working with wood since he was a youngster. Phil Marshall has studied traditional hand woodcarving in Austria and Norway, and under German and Italian masters here in the US. See Phil’s website at www.polhavnwoodfabrik.com/ for more information.
Specimen Book
July 12–13, and July 19–20
Looking for an artistic challenge and a unique way to present your treasures from a trip or adventure? The Specimen Book workshop may be the answer. The specimen book is a 3D structure that opens to reveal a miniature gallery of treasures such as shells, stone, leaves or dried flowers. This is an intermediate level workshop. Previous book arts experience or instructor permission is advised. Profile: Margo Klass has made and exhibited artist books for many years. She is especially interested in architectural structures that become sculptural forms when fully opened.
Image Credit: Margo Klass
Botanical Illustration
July 19–20
Do you find yourself intrigued by flowers and want to capture it on paper? Or are you a botanist who is interested in creating plant illustrations? No matter if you are a plant professional or an enthusiast, this workshop might be your avenue to increased enjoyment and understanding of plants in the wild or in your garden. Basic pencil drafting techniques, advanced pen-and-ink, and watercolor methods will be demonstrated. Profile: Linda Ann Vorobik, with more than 25 years experience in botanical illustration, received her Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. She is a research associate at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Washington, Seattle. For more information visit her website at www.vorobikbotanicalart.com/ .
Image Credit: Linda Ann Vorobik
The Essentials of Digital Portrait Photography
July 19–20
Want to create impressive portraits of your family and friends? This two-day workshop may be your ticket to success with portrait photography. Through lectures, demonstrations, projected images and original prints, Barry McWayne will explore with you the basics of digital cameras and computer imaging software, photo composition, studio lighting, on and off camera flash, and the use of natural and artificial light. Profile: Award winning professional photographer Barry McWayne has more time now to take photos with his recent retirement from his 30-year career as curator of the Museum of the North’s Fine Arts Collections.
Image Credit: Barry McWayne
Introduction to Field Entomology
July 25–27
Are you intrigued and fascinated by the most diverse group of all organisms—insects? Want to learn more about them and the professional procedures and techniques to collect and process (sort, mount, database and label) the non-marine arthropods? This weekend course will take you out in the field with an expert to explore and collect insects from different environs in the Fairbanks area. Profile: Derek Sikes, Curator of Insects at the UA Museum of the North and Assistant Professor of Entomology, is thrilled to have the opportunity to share his passion with others so inclined.
Image Credit: Derek Sikes
Landscape Painting in Valdez
ART F 233 / ART F 333 / ART F433
July 31–August 3
Here is an opportunity to spend an extended weekend in the Thompson Pass/Valdez area with a landscape artist at your side. This course offered at all skill levels is delivered via lecture and directed study in the field. Housing is available at Prince William Sound Community College. Profile: David Rosenthal, originally a physicist, is a self-taught landscape painter who specializes in arctic and Antarctic landscapes.
Glaciology
July 29 - August 5
You find yourself down in the mountains exploring and monitoring the changes in a glacier. Does this sound like a dream come true? It can be. Join Laura and Matt for an extended weekend on the Gulkana Glacier learning the field techniques for monitoring glacial change. The course will offer an overview of the global role of glaciers in climate and climate change monitoring. Profiles: Laura LeBlanc is studying ice quakes and their relation to glacial motion on the Bering Glacier in Alaska. Matt Druckenmiller is researching the annual evolution of coastal sea ice in Alaska’s Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.
Image Credit: Will Quintal
Introduction to Macro and Micro Mushroom Identification
First offering: August 8–10
Second offering: August 15–17
Take a walk in the woods with Gary Laursen and you will experience a unique view of the world through the lens of the fruiting body of a fungal mycelium, better known as a mushroom. An expert in mycology, Gary will show you how to collect, prepare, and or preserve wild mushrooms from Interior Alaska whether edible or not. Profile: Gary Laursen is a senior research professor with the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology who specializes in the collection and study of nonvascular plants and fungi.
Image Credit: Mary Calmes
The Artist’s Packet
August 9
This one-day workshop will offer great tips on how to prepare your own artist packet for gallery exhibit submissions, graduate school applications, or submissions for residencies. Come to the class prepared with images of your work, a draft resume and ready to take notes and dive in. Bring a laptop to the class if you can but it is not necessary. Profile: Heather Kasvinsky is a studio artist who specializes in printmaking, book arts, letterpress, and papermaking.
Basic Woodworking: Can You Cut It?
Essential Information for the Woodworker
August 15–17
Heads up woodworkers! No matter what your level of expertise this workshop offers a rare opportunity to glean some tricks of the trade from a professional woodworker with over 35 years of experience and a passion for wood and working with wood. The class will be primarily demonstrative and will cover everything from concept to completion of a project. The emphasis will be on getting the most out of your tools, time and materials through understanding sequence, process, theory, and technique. Students will have the opportunity to feel for themselves the ease of a properly tuned tool and see the excellent results obtained. Profile: John Manthei, cabinet/furniture maker, architectural woodworker and artist, has been working with wood since he was a youngster. After 36 years as a professional, he finds he enjoys the process of passing on the information and skills he has amassed.
Image Credit: John Manthei
Interior Alaskan Mosses
August 22–24
Have you always wondered how to identify the myriad species of mosses in the Alaskan Interior Boreal systems? Here is a weekend workshop for those interested in moss ecology and taxonomy. The course will bring together individuals interested in collecting, identifying, and preparing voucher specimens of Interior Alaskan bryophytes. Through lab and field activities the students in this class will expand their knowledge of the ecology and identification of mosses as well as the protocols involved in preparing specimens for permanent collections. Profiles: Rodney Seppelt is a senior research scientist for the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart, Tasmania. He is a specialist in high latitude bryophytes having spent 37 austral summer seasons in Antarctica and eight boreal summer seasons in Alaska working on respective moss and liverwort floras. Gary Laursen is a senior research professor with the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology and specializes in nonvascular plants and fungi.