Make A Scene Magazine July 2014

MAGAZINE

CARVED IN BONE.

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A few of the benefits of joining IDEA* Support for parents’ choice in curriculum* Computer, printer and free tech support by certified techs* Student allotments for school supplies and lessons* Local office with friendly staff, library, and resource room

Where will the adventure take you?

* IDEA is the largest statewide homeschool program with over 3,600 students enrolled.* IDEA is fully accredited and provides caring certified teachers to assist parents with student progress.* Because IDEA is a public school, IDEA is completely free! Enrollment for 2014/2015 is OPEN now!

Go to www.ideafamilies.org to learn more and enroll or call your

local IDEA Office at 357-4850

The ONLY

homeschool program

in the nation with its

own FFA chapter!

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Theatre

Joshua FryfogleOwner/Publisher

Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s PaperDirect: 907-373-2698

[email protected]

Bryce BurkhartGraphic Design

Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-315-6661 Office: 907-373-2698Fax: 888-383-9909

[email protected]

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Make-A-Scene publishes 10,000 copies monthly. We distribute to Wasilla, Palmer, Meadow Lakes, Big Lake,

Eagle River & Anchorage.

We’re always growing thanks to our contributors, our advertisers, and to you the reader!

Thanks for helping Make-A-Scene!

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MAKE A SCENE

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Submitting Articles & Calendar:To submit content for print, visit our website:

www.MakeASceneAk.com

Deadline is the 10th of each month. Submissions are not accepted via Facebook.

Submitted by Sandy Harper In fact, you can see great live theatre every night of the week this summer at Cyrano’s!

> July 18th thru August 24thThursdays thru Saturdays at 7:00p and Sundays at 3:00pDas Barbecu:A wild musical-comedy! Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” set in Texas, with five actors playing thirty characters at break-neck speed! Broadway to Texas swing...Jazz to twangy Country & Western music. Mismatched lovers meet on the day of their shotgun double-wedding, three generations of feuding families, a magic ring of power, a synchronized swimming revue, a song and dance tribute to the joys of guacamole! This amazing cast features some of the best musical talent in Anchorage and a live band! Directed by Regina MacDonald, who starred in Cyrano’s hit [title of show] last summer. Regina also directed the smash-hit versions of Rocky Horror Picture Show and Debbie Does Dallas recently in Anchorage.

> July 21st thru August 13thMondays thru Wednesdays at 7:00pLove, Loss, and What I Wore:A wonderful and witty play about matters of the heart and the closet. Like a big bowl of buttered popcorn and a half a gallon of your favorite ice cream! All the pleasure but none of the calories! This entertaining show played in New York for over two-and-a-half years to sell-out crowds! Our production stars five outstanding actresses, directed by Linda Benson.

Cyrano’s is regularly voted “Best Live Theatre in Anchorage”

Cyrano’s is located in the historic 1915 Building at the corner of 4th and D Streets--where the Iditarod begins in downtown Anchorage! There are many wonderful nearby restaurants, but Cyrano’s also has a cafe famous for its cheese and fruit plates! You may take your refreshments and beer and wine into the theatre to enjoy during the performance.

SUMMER SIZZLES IN ANCHORAGE WITH A DOUBLE FEATURE AT CYRANO’S THEATRE COMPANY!

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GE 6 Literature

#YoungVotersChooseHughes

Pro-Active Honest Innovative

WWW.ALASKANSFORHUGHES.COMPaid for by Alaskans for Hughes · PO Box 1496, Palmer AK 99645

Inspired/Collaborative Solutions for Age-Old ProblemsResponsible Resource Development w Good Stewardship

Rewarding Jobs Personal Privacy & FreedomsExcellent Post-Sec Education Opportunites w Open Internet

DISTRICT 11 GREATER PALMER

Marc Cameron

For me, writing is a solitary endeavor—just me and the computer and a quiet place. To paraphrase Dorothy Parker, the secret seems to be a lot of butt-in-chair time. Once in a while though, it’s good to drag myself away from the keyboard and rub shoulders with like-minded souls.

I'm not much of a joiner, but conferences have a way of re-filling the well, of making those with a passion for story and word feel that if they aren’t sane, they are, at least, in good company.

I attended my first conference in 2006 in Helena, Montana, armed with a manuscript and a healthy dose of self-doubt. The classes and author panels were informative, but I soon realized the real treasure came from networking during the breaks, lunches and banquets.

A good conference provides an opportunity to meet with agents and editors, either during manuscript critiques or pitch sessions. I was fortunate to pick up my literary agent from one of these sessions in Helena. During the breaks, I chatted with agents, editors and other writer—and generally weaseled my way into the crowd.

At the awards banquet, I sat at a table with seven strangers, two of whom turned out to be award-winning novelists who took me under their experienced wings and helped me polish the manuscript

that would eventually land that agent and a book deal. We still keep in touch. I’m having lunch with one of them this week after a book signing in Dallas.

Like I said, I’m not a joiner. But I have to admit, writers’ conferences have a real benefit. And, you don’t have to go far from home to attend a good one.

The Alaska Writers Guild 2014 Fall Conference, co-sponsored by The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) offers these same opportunities right here at home—great panels, bestselling authors (both local and invited guests), editors and agents from New York, manuscript critiques—and plenty of opportunities to network. Hope to see you there.

Marc Cameron is the USA Today bestselling author of the Jericho Quinn Thrillers, including TIME OF ATTACK (Feb 2014 from Kensington.) Marc’s work has appeared in BOYS’ LIFE Magazine and the Saturday Evening Post. He is a member of Alaska Writers Guild and lives in Eagle River with his lovely bride and BMW motorcycle.

This year's Alaska Writers Guild Conference will take place Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 at the Crowne Plaza in Anchorage.

> For more information and to register, visit AlaskaWritersGuild.com

ALASKA WRITERS GUILD FALL CONFERENCE 2014

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FEATURING 36 CRAZYFISTS AND MOREJoin us on Saturday, July 26, 2014 for Big Lake Open Air 2014 featuring 36 CRAZYISTS and special guests Delmag, Thera, Pikal, The Eternal Cowboys, Josh Boots & Soiled Seeds, DJ Cross, and Idefinate Etticate.

There will be a double wake big air competition and water cross along with great live music. This is an all ages show, plus full bar with valid ID. Doors open at 4 PM.

Tickets are $36 for general admission and $25 with valid military ID. Tickets are on sale now at the Pioneer Bar or online at www.flavorus.com/biglakeopenair2014

> 36 Crazyfists has finished their highly anticipated new album "Time and Trauma", now gearing up to tour the earth once again they have lined up some Alaskan gigs starting July 26th at the Big Lake Open Air!

Show opens at 4pm and goes to 11pm. All ages event with a full bar with proper ID... $36 dollars and $25 for all military.

They will also be hosting a listening party on July 24th at The Pioneer Bar from 9-11 pm.

BIG LAKE OPEN AIR 2014

INTERESTEDIN THEATRE?CALL VPA 373-0195

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GE 8 COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR >>

WHERE’S WALDO -- IN PALMER!July 1st-31st - All day!Fireside Books and Downtown Palmer720 S Alaska St, Palmer, AKFREE - 907-745-2665www.goodbooksbadcoffee.com

SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE!Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in TalkeetnaFriday & Saturday July 25th and 26th at 7:30pm, Sunday July 27th at 2pm$10 DAC members / $6 kids 15 and under / $13 General AdmissionDenali Arts Council, Denali Drama, Talkeetna Music Academy 907-733-7929 [email protected]

BON APPÉTIT! – DOUBLE ART OPENINGSheldon Community Arts HangarAnd Flying Squirrel Bakery Café in Talkeetna(2nd Saturday) August 9th from 3 to 7pmFREEDenali Arts Council and Flying Squirrel Bakery Cafe907-733-7929 [email protected]

EATING ALASKA – DOCUMENTARY FILMSheldon Community Arts HangarAugust 9th at 7:30pm$5 DAC members/ $7 general Denali Arts Council 907-733-7929 [email protected]

WASILLA PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETINGWasilla City Council Chambers – 290 E Herning Ave, Wasilla, AKWednesday, July 30 from 4:30pm-6:30pmFREE907-864-9170 KJ Martin-Albright

BLOODY MARY BREAKFASTSundays, 1-3 pmFour Corners Lounge8000 E Palmer Wasilla, AKcost of bloody Mary and or breakfast907-745-9922

SPEAKEASY ADULT PROMJuly 31st, 9 pmFairview InnBeautiful Downtown TalkeetnaGet a date, dress up, & it’s free!

MAT-SU ROTARACT FAMILY FUN DAYSat, August 16, 3-7Nunley Park201 E Herning Ave, Wasilla FREE

WASILLA FARMERS MARKETEvery Wednesday through September11-6, Wonderland Park500 W. Nelson AveFREE, Sue Bush907-357-1464

ALASKANS FOR PALMER HAY FLATS 2014 SUMMER FAMILY FESTIVALSaturday, July 19, 11am-5pmReflections Lake Mile 30.5 Glenn HWYFREE907-357-8711www.palmerhayflats.org

“LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE”Monday, July 21st - Wednesday, August 13thMondays thru Wednesdays at 7:00pCyrano’s Off Center Playhouse413 D Street Anchorage, AK 99501$23 (students, seniors, military) and $25 (general admission)CenterTix.net, 263-ARTS, at the PAC Box Office, and at the Cyrano’s Box Office (opens one hour prior to show)907-274-2599www.cyranos.org

DAS BARBECUThursday, July 17th - Sunday, August 24thPerformances Thursdays thru Saturdays at 7:00p and Sundays at 3:00pCyrano’s Theatre Company907-274-2599

ALASKA WILD TEAS, SPRING CREEK FARM PALMERSat Jul 26, 2014 - Sun Jul 27, 2014All Day, Spring Creek Farm$100.00Knowing Our Land907-775-2466knowingourland.net

PLANT IDENTIFICATION & AWARENESS WALK SPRING CREEK FARM, PALMER9.6.14, 6:30-8:30Spring Creek Farm$20.00Knowing Our Land907-775-2466knowingourland.net

IDENTIFICATION AND AWARENESS WALKSFriday June 276:30-8:30Gold Mint Trail head Hatcher PassHatcher Pass20.00Knowing Our Land907-775-2466knowingourland.net907-775-2466knowingourlandwithshelley@gmail.com

LADIES LEAGUEEvery Monday Through Golf Season6:15pm-9:pmSettlers Bay Golf Course7307 Frontier Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654$15.00 Green Fee $10.00 Power Cartplease call by 2:00 pm the day of.Settlers Bay Golf Course907-376-6807www.settlersbay.com

PLANT IDENTIFICATION & AWARENESS WALKFriday, July 18th6:30-8:30Goldmint Trail, Hatcher pass2$0.00

KNOWING OUR LAND907-775-2466knowingourland.net907-775-2466knowingourlandwithshelley@gmail.

comPlant Identification & Awareness WalkSaturday, Aug. 2nd1:30-3:30 pmGoldmint Trail Hatcher passHatcher pass20.00Knowing Our Land907-775-2466knowingourland.netknowingourlandwithshelley@gmail.com

HARVESTING & PRESERVING OF ALASKA’S PLANTSFriday July11th-Sunday July 13thAll DaySpring Creek FarmPalmer150.00Knowing Our Land907-775-2466knowingourland.netknowingourlandwithshelley@gmail.com

ALASKA WILD TEASSaturday July 26th- Sunday July 27thAll DaySpring Creek Farmpalmer100.00Knowing Our [email protected]

EASTON STAGGER PHILLIPS ALBUM RELEASE SHOW - “RESOLUTION ROAD”Fri, July 257 pmTaproot3300 Spenard Rd., AnchorageTickets $20 advance, $25 at the doorTickets available at www.eastonstaggerphillips.com

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - GOD ISN’T THROUGH WITH ME YETMon. July 21noon -1:30 pmEvangelo’s restaurant2530 E. Parks Hwy, Wasilla$16 includes lunch/free childcare with reservation

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Communityat the doorWomen’s Connection/Stonecroft Ministries907-892-8482

NINE AND DINEEvery Monday through golf season6:15pm-9:pmSettlers Bay Golf Course7307 Frontier Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654$29.99Please call before Sunday closing time to make reservations. Pro Shop 907-376-6807Settlers Bay Golf Course907-376-6807www.settlersbay.com

LOVE LOSS AND WHAT I WOREMon, July 21 - Wed, August 137pmCyranos Theatre413 D Street, Anchorage, AK18-20 www.cyranos.org

EARLY AUDITIONS - MACBETHSat, July 12, 1pmCyranos Theatre413 D Street, Anchorage, AKFreeCyrano’s Theatre907-274-2599www.cyranos.org

WEDNESDAY EVENING MIXED LEAGUEEvery Wednesday through golf season6:15pm-9:pmSettlers Bay Golf Course7307 Frontier Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654$15.00 Green Fee $10.00 Power Cartplease call by 2:00 pm the day of.Settlers Bay Golf Course907-376-6807www.settlersbay.com

FRIDAY NITE FUN LEAGUEEvery Friday through golf season6:15pm-9:pmSettlers Bay Golf Course7307 Frontier Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654$15.00 Green Fee $10.00 Power Cartplease call by 2:00 pm the day of.Settlers Bay Golf Course

907-376-6807www.settlersbay.com

MATSU BUSINESS ALLIANCE MONTHLY LUNCH FORUMFri, July 1812pm-1pmEvangelo’s Restaurant2530 East Parks Highway, Wasilla$25.00 for Lunch or $10.00 for meeting onlyhttp://www.matsubusinessalliance.com/mission-membership/coming-events/907-373-6622

10 LOW COST SOLUTIONS TO SMALL BUSINESS MARKETINGTues, July 8th10am -11:30amAnchorage Small Business Development Center430 W 7th Ave STE 110$20.00Alaska Small Business Development Center907-786-7276www.aksbdc.org

LEGAL ASPECTS: LLCSWednesday, July 91:30-3pm, $20.00Anchorage Small Business Development Center430 W 7th Ave STE 110Alaska Small Business Development Center907-786-7276www.aksbdc.org

KNIGHTS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENTJuly 19 20147:30 CHECK IN, 8:45 DEPART AND 9:00 SHOTGUN STARTGolfing: SPONSORED BY LITHIA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE OF WASILLASettlers Bay Golf Course150.00 per player or 500.00 per team of 4WWW.COLONYFOOTBALL.COMKnights Football Booster Club907-315-3646WWW.COLONYFOOTBALL.COM

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After months and months of planning and scheming, MOOSE the Movie is finally officially in full production. This spring and summer have been warm and lovely so far, with the exception of few days of rain. May 30th marked the first day of shooting, just in time for some of that rain. Of course, no little showers could dampen the spirits of this crew: bring on the rain, bring on the sun, bring on the making of MOOSE the Movie!

The fictional town of Gangrene Gulch is fast developing and has taken on a life of its own. Like any movie production, extras are a crucial part of MOOSE. Most films only have a handful of crucial characters but, as we all know, the star actors don’t live in a world by themselves. The MOOSE Team embraced extras from all walks of local Valley life and even some notable people from Outside.

Everyone at MOOSE had the absolute pleasure to meet and work with Tom Gammill, a long-time friend of Chad Carpenter’s. Tom’s debut appearance in MOOSE has been a much anticipated event.

The amazingly talented Gammill is as hilarious in person as he is on paper. He is famous for his work as a writer for numerous TV shows including episodes of The Simpsons, Late Night with David Letterman, Futurama, Saturday Night Live, Monk, and Seinfeld. Gammill is also a cartoonist.

OLD TOWN WASILLA: LOCALS GET THEIR WOODSMAN ON WHILE PLAYING EXTRAS FOR MOOSE.Photo by Boogie Willis

MOOSE THE MOVIE: CAMERAS ARE ROLLING

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

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LEADING LADY CHANTEL GROVER SPORTS HER “ALASKA SNEAKERS” IN A SCENE AT THE RANGER STATION Photo by Boogie Willis

OLD TOWN WASILLA: LOCALS GET THEIR WOODSMAN ON WHILE PLAYING EXTRAS FOR MOOSE.Photo by Boogie Willis

TOM GAMMILL SHOWS HIS GANGRENE GULCH SPIRITPhoto by Tammy Parker

Gammill and his writing partner Max Pross are an Emmy Award winning duo, and the MOOSE Team was thrilled to work with such talent!

The excitement of filming isn’t the only thing that has MOOSE fired up. The Team has also been wowed by the outpouring of support from the community.

As you may know by now, MOOSE is a movie made by a community. The community provides MOOSE not only with actors, locations, and support, but also with funds, through sponsorships and partnerships. The MOOSE Team is pleased and proud to announce their partnership with the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and the sponsorship of BP, who became the largest MOOSE sponsor to date this month.

MOOSE THE MOVIE CONTINUED

Community

By Linda Lockhart

If you ever visited our little store in the Eastlake Mall in Big Lake (The Lockhart & Erskine Holiday Garden), you would know that we were certainly crowded in the 500 square foot shop and overflowing to the hallways! We needed to do something and in late February we decided to expand. There were no opportunities to grow where we were at the time so we looked around and made an offer to lease the space Spenard Building Supply used to occupy at the Meadowood Mall in Houston. Since it had been empty for about 4 years the powers that be said, “yes,” and we have now expanded into the enormous 14,000 (!) square foot TOP DRAWER in an incredible location at the corner of the Parks Highway and Big Lake Road in the west end of the mall (which is located just west of Napa Auto Parts).

By creating a business model that supports community space with retail space, we hope to be able to make a little over 5,000 square feet of Top Drawer available as community space available at little or no charge to those who wish to use it. Presentations, art classes, performances, science events (how about a robot rumble?), swap parties, fashion shows, wearable art, open mic night, poetry slams, movies, dinner theater, gardening events . . . use your imagination! We want to make this space something that will be an asset to the community. Want to teach something? We’ll find you a class. Want to learn something? We’ll find you a teacher. Want to just come and work on a project? We have the space, tables, tools and more.

We are assembling a schedule of events and so far there are a few things penciled in (including a showing of The Last Mission-Honor Flight

movie July 26th at 7pm, a Plein-Aire Paint-a-Thon in October to benefit the Mid-Valley Senior Center and potentially the Mid-Lakes Fire Department Haunted House for Halloween), but we are hoping we can do several things each week.

Drop in and ask for a demonstration of our digital equipment which is ideal for any kind of presentation and will connect to most any computer. We also have a great microphone, a remote mic, an amplified podium and a blue ray player, as well as a heck of a sound system. So let’s do something loud! We can seat somewhere between 150 and 300 people (depending on the chairs) and have one of the largest paved parking lots in either Houston or Big Lake.

Retail hours for Top Drawer are Tuesday through Saturday, noon til 6:30pm, and though we are closed Sundays and Mondays, events may be held at other times. Please call 240-8116 for more information.

MEADOWOOD MALL FEATURESOTHER SUPER RETAILERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERSAfter 4 years with no anchor store at the Meadowood Mall, and a variety of tenants (or lack there of) once we made the commitment to the large space for our crazy mix of vintage, new and used personal and home furnishings, suddenly the mall is full! It is our hope the Meadowood Mall will be revitalized with all of the retail and personal services that are now offered. Of course you can shop for most anything with us at Top Drawer, but next door is the Lumberyard Deli serving amazing sandwiches, salads, soups, and the biggest, freshest brownies anywhere. Todd has expanded his hours to 5pm Monday through Saturday, so it’s not just a lunch place anymore–pre-order your dinner

favorites and he can have them ready for pick-up from 4:30 to 5 or talk to him about catering your next event. Perfect for your Top Drawer event location!

Around the corner is the Adult Day Care center. Drop in and check out the fun activities that Gerry and her crew cook up daily. Just a couple of days ago we were trying to fish a very aggressive fish from their huge aquarium (to the amusement of the clients there). We didn’t catch him and will have to do something quickly as many of the other fish in the tank will soon have babies and this guy just wants to eat them! Anyone out there with a tank they can put him in–or some other solution? It would be appreciated!

Just down the hall is Computer Help and ADK Plans. If you have tech questions, these guys can get you answers. If you need architectural plans they can do that, too. Open 10-6 Monday though Friday.

Right next door is Big Lake Family Salon (892-HAIR), where Lisa can give the guys a haircut or do a complete makeover for the ladies. Recently joined by Absolute Nails (892-TIPS) you can now get your manicure and pedicure needs taken care of as well. Call for an appointment today!

Church Alive is next door and meets on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at 11am. A wonderful group of folks concerned about youth in the area.

On the corner inside the building is the NEW Down to Earth Garden Supply where Nick offers all kinds of things to help your garden grow. From Pro-Mix to lighting systems, your plants will get off to a good start with the goodies he has. Open M-F 11am til 6pm, Saturday & Sunday noon til 4pm.

THE NEW TOP DRAWER IN HOUSTON OFFERS EVENT AND PERFORMANCE SPACE TO ART AND SCIENCE COMMUNITIES

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PersonalTraining

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And last, but certainly not least, around the corner is Chandra, a gal with a mission and the energy to teach dance to anyone who wants to learn at the NEW All About Dance. She offers classes for a variety of ages, boys and girls alike. Jazz, clogging, ballet, hip-hop, she does it all. Call 715-9174 for information about classes and a schedule of appearances by her students.

Of course, the Napa Store is just across the parking lot with what

seems an unending supply of whatever car, boat, RV, general parts, or accessories you might need.

So there are lots of options when you come to the Meadowood Mall.

PIRATES of Dollar Lake (a footnote)We held a meeting back in February and at that time hoped we would be able to do Pirates of Dollar Lake this year. As it turned out, we made a commitment to move the store just a few weeks after that and we decided that adding Pirates to the menu this summer would be a level of stress my medical condition may not appreciate. So we hope by next year in May we will have the new store location completely settled in and be able to focus on getting Pirates up and running for at least a week in late July at the Lions Recreation and Community Center in Big Lake. By the way, please plan on attending the Grand Opening of Phase II for the Big Lake Lions Recreation and Community Center, August 9 from 6:30 to 9pm this year. Phase II is amazing and a tremendous addition to the Big Lake community.

THANK YOU!Again, I would like to thank everyone in the Mat-Su and beyond for their good wishes, prayers and help through the last several years as we have faced diagnosis, treatment and hopefully continued remission of Multiple Myeloma. The goal now is to remain as nearly normal as possible and live each day to the fullest for as long as possible. We couldn’t have done it without you. Bless each and every one of you.

THE NEW TOP DRAWER IN HOUSTON OFFERS EVENT AND PERFORMANCE SPACE TO ART AND SCIENCE COMMUNITIES

TOP DRAWER IN HOUSTON CONT.

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GE 14 CHECK OUT OUR POPULAR BLENDS!

OUTHOUSE BLEND FOG RISER TUNDRA MUD ARCTIC WOLF

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Music

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALASKA STATE FAIR

> Florida-Born Rapper, Global Superstar to Perform August 31 > Tickets on Sale July 11 at Noon

Palmer, Alaska – Florida-born rapper and global superstar Flo Rida is the final entertainer to join the 2014 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair. He will perform Sunday, August 31 at 6 p.m. at the Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre.

Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, July 11 at noon. Fair members can reserve tickets early. Lawn area tickets are $40 and the reserved area is $75. Fair admission is additional, and convenience fees apply.

Since his debut in 2008, Flo Rida has united millions of pop, hip-hop and club music fans worldwide with hits like “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” “I Cry” and the #1 “Whistle.”

During his career, Flo Rida has become a chart fixture thanks to blockbuster singles like “Low (feat. T-Pain),” “Right Round” and “Club Can’t Handle Me.” Wild Ones is the artist’s fourth and most recent release.

FLO RIDA ROUNDS OUT FAIR’S 2014 AT&T CONCERT SERIES

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In-depth entertainer information, including ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples, is available on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org.

The Kendall Toyota Borealis Box Office during the Fair. (No convenience fees at the box office. Fair admission additional.)

Concertgoers can be sure to get the best seats before they sell out by becoming a Fair member. Fair members can reserve tickets early, before they go on sale to the general public. Plus, members receive an invitation – including Fair admission for two and a parking permit – to attend the Director’s Reception on Thursday, August 21. An annual membership is $25, and the membership form is available online at alaskastatefair.org.

> For more information, please contact Dean Phipps, Fair marketing director, at 907.746.7153 or [email protected]. > Or visit alaskastatefair.org, alaskastatefair.org/blog or facebook.com/alaskastatefair.

STATE FAIR MUSIC LINE-UP CONTINUED

> Tesla, August 26

> Three Days Grace, August 29

GREAT ART INDOWNTOWN PALMER AT MADD MATTERS

ARTWORK BY CARL ABKEN

“There’s a little jewel in downtown Palmer and it’s called Madd Matters! Known as the go-to place for hands-on matting, framing and if one is in need of art supplies,

Madd Matters is also a rather fine art gallery with many exhibitions throughout the year.”

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Art

by Felicia Desimini

This month the gallery is showcasing the exquisite work of Carl Abken. Ever since I’ve moved here from New Hampshire (going on two years, now) I have heard about this particular artist. Everyone said, “You’ve got to see his work!”

They were right! Mr. Abken features the breathtaking beauty of the Alaskan landscape, and infuses his work with passion, wit, and a sophisticated technique. Like the great Alaskan artist Sydney Laurence, Carl Abken was born in Brooklyn, New York, (almost 100 years later) and studied at the Art Students League in New York.

Similar to Laurence’s oeuvre Abken’s paintings feature luminous applications of lush colors and exquisite depth, and, at times, a witty idea is incorporated within the painting. A case in point is the painting entitled, “Better than Laurence, We Have a Dog.” This painting is a celebration of Laurence and his work, and it is also a celebration of life within the frame.

It is difficult to choose a favorite painting in this wonderful show. I can experience the churning and rocking of the sea and ship and conjure up thoughts of Winslow Homer in Gloucester, Massachusetts within Abken’s small yet powerful painting “After Laurence:

Old Juneau Courthouse.” “Polar Bear in the Sunset” is a brilliant textural study reminiscent of Whistler’s theory of the “color of white” and would make a great illustration for a color theory course!

Throughout Abken’s work, we feel the clouds dissect the mountains and pierce the sky, or feel the possibility of a cormorant existing near Pioneer Peak! His backgrounds and foregrounds are always amazing, and ask us to continuously ask ourselves if what we are seeing and experiencing could be possible.

One painting seems to be a departure, but its inclusion in the show makes the show. The painting “Raven Over Denali” is a contemporary take on Baroque art in general, and our fabulous Alaskan creation stories. It is a masterpiece.

Do yourself a favor and come see these paintings! They are quite remarkable.Madd Matters, 1088 S.Colony Way Palmer, Alaska 99645 - (907) 745-6045. Hours: Open 10 am – 3 pm Monday – Saturday. Closed Sunday.

> Felicia Desimini is an artist, art writer, and art historian. She teaches studio art and art history, and is the coordinator of the Art Department at Mat-Su College, 8295 E. College Road, Palmer, AK 99645 – 907-745-9755.

ART AT MADD MATTERS CONTINUED

ARTWORK BY CARL ABKEN

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Anchorage, AK – Teeka Ballas, the publisher and co-founder of F Magazine, a statewide arts and culture magazine, has just been appointed marketing associate at Alaska Junior Theater. A freelance voice-overist and writer for publications all over the country, and formerly the operations director of Out North Contemporary Art House, Ballas, brings with her a strong history of theatre, music, writing and marketing experience and will be a great fit in AJT’s creative and busy workplace. Her position as marketing associate at AJT will include public and media relations; performance logistics, writing and design of print, radio, video and Web marketing; and ad sales.

“I’ve just finished directing a teen musical for the Alaska Theatre of Youth’s summer camp, and working with Alaska Junior Theater seemed the obvious next step for me. You could say I’ve caught the youth arts bug. It’s just as exciting to give kids the chance to make art as it is to present quality, professional art to them,” says Ballas, who also runs ASYAWC, a statewide youth art and writing competition.

> Alaska Junior TheaterAlaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been bringing the best in professional theater from around the world to Alaska’s young audiences for 33 years. Each year, more than 45,000 students attend a variety of live performances, which share the common

educational goal of “bringing learning to life.” For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to the performing arts.

“I am so excited to have Teeka join the small AJT team. I believe her talent, professionalism and her heart will help AJT grow into the future,” Lainie Dreas, Executive Director.

> F MagazineF Magazine is a volunteer-run, quarterly, multi-award-winning, independently owned, arts, music and culture (digital and print) publication. F’s mission is to bridge the gap between artists and the general public by providing in-depth personality profiles, feature stories and critical analysis, and hosting a number of public events.

F MAGAZINE PUBLISHER

JOINS ALASKA JUNIOR

THEATER TEAM

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Contributed by Laura Derungs

As one community member put it, “Of course we’re having a Fireweed Festival,” as if it just wouldn’t be right, not to. So, to keep things right, a group of twenty plus volunteers have rallied together again to create a day of live music, food & family focused fun in the local park. This free grassroots gathering has a focus on creativity & knowledge exchange. There will be artists, crafters, farmers & others sharing about hand made jewelry, quilts, wild herbs & wilderness skills, like friction fire making! True to the Trapper Creek Fireweed Arts Council’s mission of promoting music & arts in our community, young folks are encouraged to take the stage, as well as, the many accomplished musicians from our area.

9TH ANNUAL TRAPPER CREEK FIREWEED FESTIVAL

> Performance schedule: 11:00 Grover Neely 11:45 Kayla & Kelsie Snider 12:00 Kayti & the Alter Boys: with John Durr, Ben & Kayti Heller Kevin Jones & Tyler Shear 1:00 Larry Zarella 2:00 Gaia Tribal Belly Dancers 2:30 Shawn Stankowitz & ‘Hooty’ Katherine Watson 3:00 Cabin Creek: with Gregor Rakoski & Denis Ransy, 4:00 Steve Durr, 5:00 Simple Tones: with Kim Hutchings, Murry Nash & Jim Stefanowski, 6:00Glenn Mellott

> Come join us… This promises to be a relaxed community gathering where you can cook a sausage on a stick over the fire or create some art while enjoying music & community. > Gathering: Sat, July 19th, 11am–7pm at Trapper Creek Community Park, Mile 115.2 Parks Hwy.

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I haven’t always been a carver. It is funny how things seem to find us just when we need them to. It was some twenty odd years ago that I found myself in a bad way and I couldn’t get up. You see I thought that I could stay at the party forever and I found out that it is not like that. So with the friction from my head against the curb I sought help. It was to come in the form of a local long-term treatment center.

It was there that I met an Alaskan native man. He had come there seeking the same relief as I. He told me in one of our many talks that he never thought about using drugs and alcohol when he carving back home in the village. He said the there was a certain kind of peace that happen to him when he would carve.

This was something I knew very little about at that point in my life.

I asked my new friend if he would teach me what he knew about his trade and he agreed. Once he started to teach me it was all I could think about. I stopped watching TV. I stopped reading anything that was not required reading. Some even said that I was isolating far too much. After many months of guidance, self acceptance, and help from a power greater than myself I was able to complete my time there.

Since that time I have continued to carve on just about anything that will hold still: wood, stone, antler, whale bone, mastodon, fossil ivory, skulls, etc. Nearly all of these pieces have been given to family and friends.

So, after many years of practicing this art, and after much encouragement, I have decided to offer you all a chance to purchase these one of a kind original pieces. It is my desire to offer my art to you at prices that are fair and reasonable. “Fine art is not just for the wealthy. It is for us all”.

> So, my friends, please feel free to peruse the den as you like. > I do take orders and I will do commission pieces.

CARVED IN BONE.

By Peter Vars

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FARMERS MARKETS

EAGLE RIVER FARMERS MARKET July – SeptemberTuesdays 3pm - 7pmEagle River: VFW Post Parking Lot Contact: Lynn [email protected]

MAT-SU FARMERS MARKET Mondays 11am – 7pmPalmer: The Palmer Depot (610 S Valley Way) Contact: Carl Brooke907-414-0154 www.matsufm.com

PALMER FRIDAY FLINGS May 23 - August 29 Fridays 10am - 5pmPalmer: Across from Visitor's Center 907-355-9415 www.palmerchamber.org

WILLOW FARMERS MARKET July 4 - September 19Fridays 2pm - 7pmWillow: Mile 69 Parks Highway (Across from Newman’s Tesoro) Contact: Dean [email protected]

WASILLA MARKETPLACE May 17 – September 13 - Weekdays 10am – 5pm Saturdays 10am – 6pm

ANCHORAGE FARMERS MARKETMay 3 - October 11Saturdays 9am - 2pm15th Ave and Cordova St River Bean907-746-1087 www.anchoragefarmersmarket.org [email protected] WASILLA FARMERS MARKETJuly 4 - September 10 Time: Wednesdays 11am - 6pmWasilla: West end of Iditapark (Next to Weber St)Contact: Lynn Follett907-232-6310

ALASKA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY FARMERS MARKET Beginning May 23, 2014 Wednesdays 1:30pm – 6:30pmAlaska Pacific University: 4101 University Drive Contact: Chris [email protected]

PETERS CREEK FARMERS MARKET & CRAFTSStarts in JulyThursdays 3pm – 8pmChugiak: American Legion Post 33 (21643 Old Glenn Hwy)Contact: Susan Boarland & American Legion Post 33907-688-4396

DOWNTOWN MARKET & FESTIVALMay 10 - September 7Sat. & Sun. 10am - 6pmAnchorage: 3rd AvenueBetween C & E StreetsDana Reese907-272-5634 www.anchoragemarkets.com [email protected]

SPENARD FARMERS MARKETMay 17 – September 27Saturdays 9am - 2pmAnchorage: 2555 Spenard Rd907-563-6273 www.spenardfarmersmarket.org [email protected] SOUTH ANCHORAGE WEDNESDAY MARKET May 14 – October 8 Wednesdays 10am - 4pm600 E Dimond Blvd907-354-5833safm.org [email protected]

Community

CARVED IN BONE.

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By Carmen Summerfield

A weather vane, sometimes called a wind vane, is a primitive instrument for showing the direction of the wind. The word ‘vane’ comes from the Old English word FANA meaning ‘flag’, and they are typically used as an architectural or decorative ornament on the highest point of a building.

Weather vanes often feature the traditional rooster design with letters indicating the four points of the compass. Other common motifs include arrows, horses, and ships.

I’ve always been confused looking at weather vanes featuring ships, because the weather vane ship always points into the wind. In real life, a sailing ship sails with the wind, not into the wind. I guess that’s a clever use of artistic license, because it just wouldn’t look right any other way.

One of the largest weather vanes is located in Whitehorse, Yukon. This weather vane is a retired Douglas DC-3, CF-CPY, mounted atop a swiveling support, located at the Yukon Transportation Museum beside Whitehorse International Airport.

Similar to the Wind-T or Tetrahedron at your local airport, this huge DC-3 weather vane is actually used by local pilots to determine wind direction, and surprisingly only requires 5 knots of wind to rotate. It’s also a unique landmark, and I remember seeing it when we passed through Whitehorse on our way to Alaska.

I grew up in a house with a weather vane. My Dad made a weather vane featuring a cut out of a Dutch man-of-war ship, the infamous “Batavia”, and mounted it on the roof of our house in the Netherlands.

The Batavia was a ship of the Dutch East India Company, built in Amsterdam in 1628. It became infamous when, on her maiden voyage, the crew mutinied and the Batavia shipwrecked off the coast of Australia. There is a modern replica of the Batavia in Lelystad, the Netherlands, and when I was a child my Dad and I visited this replica so he could sketch the pattern for our weather vane.

I’ll always remember looking at the Batavia weather vane on our chimney for the direction of the wind before I went out sailing as a kid.

THE ART OF THE WEATHER VANE

The Batavia was a ship of the Dutch East India Company, built in Amsterdam in 1628. It became infamous when, on her maiden voyage, the crew

mutinied and the Batavia shipwrecked off the coast of Australia.

There is a modern replica of the Batavia in Lelystad, the Netherlands, and when I was a child my Dad and I visited this replica so he could sketch

the pattern for our weather vane.

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Community

FISH ON!

By Hillary Saffran

I finally get it. The excitement. The comraderie. The addiction. Fishing!

The day finally arrived. I was ready for the drive to the Deshka River with friends Nan and her husband Cam to meet Ben and Amber Allen at 5:00am. Ben and Amber are the proud owners of Millers Riverboat Service. We had been planning this excursion for quite some time. Eagerly anticipating a wonderful day in the sun, I reviewed my preparations. Fishing license in pocket. Check. Mosquito repellent. Check. Water bottle, rain gear and other just-in-case necessities. Check.

Before I could say, “fish on!” we were off, the motor on the boat purring; Nan, Cam and I chatting away with Ben and Amber as we meandered down the Deshka River to try our luck

in the fishing holes that Ben knows so well.

Before long Cam got a big tug on his line…yes! A nice sized King was caught. “Ha! This is a sign of things to come for Nan and I! We’ll all get trophy sized Kings, I’m sure of it, and quickly, too!” I thought to myself after Cam’s fish was safely in the boat. Nan and I held our poles enthusiastically and waited. Before long I got a tug on my line, and Nan’s line followed suit. My line tugged again and…a fish! Oh – “it’s a Jack,” Ben told me. A small Salmon. A Jack Salmon is a young Chinook (King) Salmon. Normally, Chinook return to fresh water to spawn when they are 3 – 4 years old. A Jack refers to a Chinook that returns to fresh water 1 – 2 years earlier than normal, when it is still juvenile. It is a “little” King, much like a Jack is smaller than a King in a deck of playing cards.

That’s okay – I kept it and still rejoiced. After all, a fish is a fish! I’m not proud! As the morning wore on I also got a small Rainbow Trout. Can’t we fish for twelve more hours? This is fun!After some more tugs on Nan’s line and mine, the day’s fishing concluded with Ben filleting our fish for us. It was a wonderful time - what started out as rain developed into a warm sunny Alaska summer day. I wanted more! Now I understand why folks buy fishing boats or borrow them or bribe their friends who have boats or airplanes. I feel like a gambler in Vegas who has to try one more round at the blackjack table, one more quarter in the slot machine. Maybe the next cast will hear me shout, “Fish on!”

Hillary Saffran is the author of “Laughing in the Rain – Self Care for the Storms of Life.”

She also loves eating fish.

I finally get it. The excitement. The comraderie. The addiction. Fishing!

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FEEDBACK, please...What do you enjoy reading about in MAS?

What would you like to see more of in MAS?Send us your thoughts

[email protected]

Poetry & Prose

By Kathi Remsen

The feel of pen on paper, brush on canvas. Texture, sliding, curving. Movement. Dance within all. Flowing, momentary, fleeting feeling of the movement of the body through space. Finding the hidden rhythm - the beat - to move you forward.

The best pens do not impede your rhythm but move forward freely with you. They slide gracefully, easily across the paper leaving a trail of ink in their wake. A poor pen hampers the flow of thought to paper. It starts and stutters like a star-struck fan at the sight of their hero. Shaking the pen seldom helps. Although it may get a few more words out, the pen inevitably scratches to a halt.

Circling, twirling. Flowing forward, rushing slowly forward. Don’t stop. Let the ink flow. Don’t keep it in. Don’t stop the dance. When the ink is flowing the blood jumps for joy. The mind can’t believe what the pen is saying. What? No, that can’t be! Where did that come from? This movement, this dance, this private conversation between pen and paper. I feel like an eavesdropper at times. I can almost hear the music in the background. It feels like a tango now. Sometimes there is no name for the dance. Just movement. Just the flow of the body through the air, the pen on paper. The air slipping like silk over skin. Does the paper feel the touch of the pen? Is it ticklish? Or is it like a lover’s touch? Does paper long for the touch of the pen?

My hand sometimes itches from holding the pen. It’s such an intimate embrace between the hand and the pen. The movement of the hand and pen is much like an Argentine tango. Sharp staccato movements flaring with turbulent emotions but all contained within the dance. Passion contained and, thus, free in the expression. Hair flying, feet tangling, bodies pressed together in battle - chaos and harmony at once.

WRITING.By Kathi Remsen

What pushes at me? No, not pushes. I don’t respond well to push. What draws me? Beckons?

Sunrise over Matanuska. That one moment. Then the next. The change that occurs. The clouds moving through the sky. The difference in the blue of the sky and the blue of the sky reflected in water.

Words. Words that can even begin to show that blue and cause another’s breath to catch as mine does at the sight.

The still moment at the cusp of movement before intent spills over. The awareness that the scent of ground coffee awakens within of other places and memories.

The infinite in the fullness of a moment. The things that cause your breath to slow and your eyes to half close as you savor them and joy dawns within. I would share that radiance.The moment that sadness wells up from within the depths and surges into tears. The moments that feed my soul and expand it. The moments my soul reaches out to find the rest of the universe. The times when my soul knows it is part of something larger and infinitely stronger than me.

The times when the Great Spirit calls me to listen and to see.Color pulls at my eyes. Shape captures my attention. Texture makes my fingers twitch. Scent wakes me in the middle of the night. Taste transfixes me. Laughter captures me. The senses draw me like the sirens drew Odysseus.

How do you translate them? With pen? With paint? Why translate?

WHAT BECKONS ME?

poetry poetryYOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW A POET? www.makeasceneak.com

7FEEDBACK, please...What do you enjoy reading about in MAS?

What would you like to see more of in MAS?Send us your thoughts

[email protected]

MAGAZINE

poetry

How to be featured...

Try, try again!We want to provide the community with as much information as possible, but sometimes we get overwhelmed with info. So, if you don’t get a response, please keep trying.

Bio/Press Release Write a bio about you, your event, band, etc or a simple press release (Roughly 200-500 words)

Pictures Pictures are really important! Take good ones!

Email Email word document or plain text to: [email protected]

ADD US to your

mailing list!

[email protected] can stay

up-to-date with you!

Give us a call 373-2698

SENIORSPalmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.The primary mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible. Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities.745-5454, [email protected]

Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of AlaskaAs Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually.

As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley Charities, Inc; Turn-A-Leaf Thrift StoreProvides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.John Rozzi , 376-5740

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.Housing:Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living ServicesTransportation:Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointmentOther Activities:Cards, Wii, and Painting at the CenterBlood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outingsValley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 formore information.Dennie Jaques , 376-3104 Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP) An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla.www.mapartnership.org/matsu/

Mid-Valley Seniors Inc Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc.Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal Mon-

Fri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pmCome up to the Center for activities or lunch.Lisa Byrd, [email protected]

FAMILIES & CHILDRENMarch of Dimes Alaska ChapterThe March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in August. For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email [email protected].

Alaska Family ServicesAlaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D.746-4080 - akafs.org LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center. We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials. These services are provided through one-on-one assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families. Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative [email protected] - 907-373-3632

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching. Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.

Family Promise Mat-SuProvides a shelter for families without housing. We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays.

Applications are available on our website.357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org

The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process. Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services.The Children’s Place, 357-5157 www.alaskachildrensplace.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.

Alaska Center for Resource Families Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678 - [email protected]

Pillows for Kids Foundation We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and Aprtial arts.. Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song (copyrighted) soon. Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships - Valerie [email protected]

The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level. Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.Michelle Heun - 355-7099

Set Free AlaskaBrief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery. Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open Mon-Fri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center. Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/

Big Lake Community Clothing ClosetDonated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.

Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is

available. Also, assorted household items as they are available. This unique program helps people locally. Donations are accepted, to further the program. Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.

Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.

Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pmAll donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.Check us out on Facebook

The ARTs

Alaska Celtic Pipes & DrumsThose interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (907) 688-4196. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”

Radio Free PalmerRadio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org. On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement. Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.

745-8951, [email protected] and on Facebook and Twitter

Valley Fine Arts Association VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community.We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on two-dimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally. Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 4 - 8 p.m.; Room 212 at Mat-Su College. Aprch 7 @ 6:00 p.m., Charles Gause will be the guest speaker.Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www.valleyfineartsassociation.comfor upcoming events.

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The Mat-Su Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year.We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support from individuals, businesses and other civic organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community together through music

and to continue our standard of excellence. We meet Octember through Nov. on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School. Nan Potts [email protected]

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle RiverAlaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band. We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River.

Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music.Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. [email protected]

The Whirling Rainbow FoundationGrandmother Drum International Peace ProjectThe Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer.

The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts.

White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Directorwww.whirlingrainbow.com

Valley Performing ArtsWe’re celebrating over 36 years of Quality Live Theatre! VPA performs seven plays a year from Octember through Nov.. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, the Valley’s oldest live theatre. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Programs take place Nov. through Nov. and are for youth 6-11 and 12-17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each Nov. and Annual Fundraiser in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office. Check out audition dates and show times on our website.

373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community

resource list, please email your info to:[email protected]

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Valley Arts AllianceThe Valley Arts Alliance is a group of like-minded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression.

We are a place for both new and established artists of all types—painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. www.valleyartsalliance.com

ANIMALS

AK Cat Kitty Rescue is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed. ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences. AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR) Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause. 745-7030 [email protected]

Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAd)AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin. Carole J. Shay, [email protected]

Meadow Gates Farm SanctuaryMeadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary. Responsible adult volunteers are always needed. 907-357-6437, [email protected]

VARIETY United Way of Mat-Su United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more. We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We

provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning. United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www.unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645. The Valley Quilters Guild was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m. Mat Su Sertoma ClubThe Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans!

The Mat Su Sertoma Club is the host to the Annual Mat Su Polar Plunge, the original valley dip each February. They have been responsible for providing funding to non profits in the Mat Su Borough for more than 5 years, along with scholarship funding for two students who are pursuing an education in the hearing health field.

The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.

The Last Frontier Honor FlightOur mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS.

All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org. If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.

The Sertoma Club - WasillaWe host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge.com.

We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds. You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!

TOPSTake off Pounds SensiblyNon-Profit Weight Loss Support GroupThree (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to [email protected]

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all. Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska. We are open for residential recycling Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. [email protected] valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544

Valley Residential Services (VRS) VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA) Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/referral information, self-advocacy, AABA web-site www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information:Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

The Homeless Actors of Mat-SuHAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley. With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley. Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; [email protected]

Mat-Su Food BankMatsuOur mission at the Matsu Food Bank is to provide emergency supplemental food to residents of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Matsu Food Bank

distributes food in a way that provides dignity to all of our clients.

All distributions provided by the Matsu Food Bank dba Food Pantry of Wasilla, will be given without regard to race, color, sex, age, physical or mental limitations, religious affiliation, or national origin.

The pantry hours of distribution are Monday through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. We are located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla. Our contact number is 907-357-3769.We have three programs of operation under the Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts cash, & food donations from individuals and groups that are distributed to clients on a monthly basis. We also are a distribution location for TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program provided by the USDA. Our third program is Food 4 Kids. This program prepares and delivers nutritious meals and snacks to hungry kids in a safe community environment. We provide meals during the school year and also have a summer program at various locations to provide nutritious lunches for all kids in the valley 18 years or younger.

We have a website www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.

OUTDOORSNorth America Outdoor InstituteThe North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths. Debra McGhan, [email protected] 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org

Alaskans For Palmer Hay FlatsDedicated to conserving the natural and culturalresources of Palmer Hay Flats State GameRefuge through public awareness, year-roundrecreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoorrecreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users.

357-8711, [email protected] Alaska Frontier Trappers AssociationThe Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers. We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool.

Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com

CONSERVATION

The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) AWBRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers wild bird rescue and rehabilitation services for the growing Mat-Su Valley community. Our mission is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of returning them to the wild, and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats. The Center is operated by dedicated volunteers helping to feed the birds, administer medical treatment, clean cages, and do whatever it takes to help these wild birds survive and gain strength for their eventual release or participation in our education program. Volunteers also plan and conduct fundraising events to keep the birds fed and warm. It’s all “for the birds”…!to help these

wild birds survive and gain strength for their eventual release or participation in our education program. Volunteers also plan and conduct fundraising events to keep the birds fed and warm. It’s all “for the birds.”

AWBRC has recently signed a long-term lease for 25 acres in the City of Houston, and is looking forward to the beginning phases of a permanent facility there. To volunteer, donate or for further information, contact AWBRC at 907.892.1670, 907.230.7049, or visit www.akwildbirdrehab.orgAWBRC has recently signed a long-term lease for 25 acres in the City of Houston, and is looking forward to the beginning phases of a permanent facility there. To volunteer, donate or for further information, contact AWBRC at 907-892-2927, or visit www.akwildbirdrehab.org.

Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD)The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. WSWCD is an active, year-round community-based organization; a non-regulatory agency; a strong partner with various government & non-profit agencies/groups; a credible, knowledgeable advocate for conserving soil & water resources supported by the time & energy of neighbors & volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. Our priorities are: Salmon enhancement & restoration; Soil, forage crops & manure testing; Stream & lake bank stabilization; Water quality & instream flows; Arbor Day activities & tree planting; Invasive weed assessments – land & water; Trail use & salmon stream crossings; Cooperator & community conservation needs; Public information, involvement & [email protected]

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Poetry & Prose From Darkeness to LightI followed him through darkness, a few short steps behindI took the path he led me down, but the choice was clearly mine.

It didn’t seem to matter, how lost our lives becameI followed him right down to hell, because I took his name.

Then suddenly I saw a light very dim and small I changed my course and followed it, not heeding him at allThat light kept shining brighter, it helped me find my wayThat light still shining brighter, kept growing day by daytill finally all that brightness, chased all the dark away.

- BE Banks

“April Showers to Bring May Flowers” Ann Lyons Long light days-winters dark is goneSeems the cold lasted way too long No more snow upon the groundLost objects can now be found No more heavy coats or CarharttsFashion now shorts and flip-flops Summer has arrived, here at lastAh, aroma of cut green grass Walking in new grown cloverSearching for the luck of four

Time to get rid of winter’s dustThere is much to do till I rest Things to do before one can snoreSummer’s dust, I must sweep the floor Now’s the time for Bar-B-Q on the grillLittle league and the home run thrill Bike rides and hikes in State ParksClimbers trying their skills on rocks Busses and RV’ers visitingTourist, cameras riveting Humming birds and bees bussingRavens and squirrels are fussing Fresh earth, ready for plantingDaisies, marigolds, outstanding Fresh mixed salads a delightVegetables, a bountiful sight Makes one want some fresh tomatosSummer storms bring the bright rainbows

Formed by much needed rain showers Soon will be gone the wild flowers

Enjoy now, so short a seasonBefore long, returns the freezinpoetry YOU OR SOMEONE YOU

KNOW A POET? www.makeasceneak.com

Packed in tobacco leaf leavings into a tightly pressed paperwe repose, posed, poised, in our masks, porcelain, polyester and papier mache, skin still in sight

What makes this rightso many people lay here and lieto both themselves and the rest of usAm I exempt from partaking?my pen snaking its way across page to present a poet in cargo shorts and a university synth blend teei know not this

- Ian Hendren

when he looks in the mirror,he fears what he sees.the shell of a man,a social disease.

with his life lived in vainhe’s become a no-one.a letter in his fistin the other, a gun.

though the time has come!he’s a coward...they knew it.the end is near,those brains....he blew it.

- Anonymous

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Contact Us

“April Showers to Bring May Flowers” Ann Lyons Long light days-winters dark is goneSeems the cold lasted way too long No more snow upon the groundLost objects can now be found No more heavy coats or CarharttsFashion now shorts and flip-flops Summer has arrived, here at lastAh, aroma of cut green grass Walking in new grown cloverSearching for the luck of four

Time to get rid of winter’s dustThere is much to do till I rest Things to do before one can snoreSummer’s dust, I must sweep the floor Now’s the time for Bar-B-Q on the grillLittle league and the home run thrill Bike rides and hikes in State ParksClimbers trying their skills on rocks Busses and RV’ers visitingTourist, cameras riveting Humming birds and bees bussingRavens and squirrels are fussing Fresh earth, ready for plantingDaisies, marigolds, outstanding Fresh mixed salads a delightVegetables, a bountiful sight Makes one want some fresh tomatosSummer storms bring the bright rainbows

Formed by much needed rain showers Soon will be gone the wild flowers

Enjoy now, so short a seasonBefore long, returns the freezin

Josh FryfogleOwner, Publisher

Bryce BurkhartLead Graphic Designer,

Sales Associate

907-373-2698 (office)888-383-9909 (fax)

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It was the second semester of my third year at Brigham Young University and I was sitting in chemistry class studying pre-med. Chemistry, physics and Math, I was struggling to make sense of it all. Not only quadratic equations but the direction of my career and life. I hated math! What was I doing here? This was the semester that I needed to declare my major and stick with it. I came to the conclusion that I was truly unhappy and needed some answers. After some serious soul searching (and spiritual enlightenment) I decided I would never be happy going the direction I was headed.

By chance, I had taken my high school art portfolio with me to college. After all, I had drawn and painted since I was 12 years old. I decided to contact the dean of admissions for the department of design and see if he would let me into their Illustration program to study art.

It was the second semester of their program and all of the art students had taken an entire semester of foundation art classes ahead of me. I told him my sad story and he studied my portfolio intensely. He must have felt sorry for me or liked what he saw because with the stroke of his pen he changed my career and life from that point on. Not only did he waive an entire semester of foundation classes, he slide me into the program a semester and 3 weeks late. I immediately dropped all of my pre-med classes and declared myself an art major!

After graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree I moved back to my childhood home of Alaska to chase my dream of becoming a “Fine

SHANE LAMB25 YEARS OF CHASING THE DREAM.

SHANE LAMB WITH "POWER AND PROMISE" IN PROGRESS

Artist”. I had a wife, one child and no paintings to sell. Were was I going to start? What was I going to paint and how was I going to sell my work? I had always felt that Alaska was one of the most beautiful places on earth and the one thing I knew, was that I wanted to paint Alaska.

I consulted an old artist friend, Judy Rideout. We had both started selling artwork out of galleries at the same time years earlier when I was in high

school and she was a school bus driver. While I was spending 5 years getting my degree, she had been rising up the national circuit as a wildlife artist and had become quite successful.

I approached her with an idea to paint the old colony barns with beautiful mountain backdropsthat were such a part of the Matanuska Valley’s heritage. She thought it was a great idea and said no one was doing it.


By Shane Lamb

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SHANE LAMB25 YEARS OF CHASING THE DREAM.

“COUNTRY ROADS”, PAINTING BY SHANE LAMB “MATANUSKA GLACIER”, PHOTO BY SHANE LAMB

I painted a 4 seasons series each showcasing a different colony barn and view of pioneer peak in the background. I contacted the local galleries and they were gracious enough to carry my work and host shows for me selling the prints from these paintings. The pictures were a success and I was on my way.

As time went by I began to show my work more around the state, Soon It became evident that to find a broader market I needed to paint more than just colony barns. With Alaska as my theme, in time my work began to include wildlife, alaska trains, landscapes and photography.

Yes, photography. Because of the tight, realistic nature of my painting style, I have always taken photos to get the reference material needed to paint with such realism and detail. As the years have gone by I have realized that all of the same things that make a good painting, ie, light, subject, composition, also make a good photograph. I understood the backbone for my paintings are the good reference photos I take out in the field.

After painting for over 22 years, I decided to take a break and focus on how to really use my camera and take good pictures in order to capture the best material. I began to invest in good equipment and truly study photography. During this process I brought out a photography line, and to my surprise this work appealed to a whole new audience that I had not reached before with my art. I was

killing two birds with one stone, getting the great reference material I needed to do my paintings, and reaching a new audience with beautiful photographs.

For the past 3 years I have focused on this line with unexpected and surprising success, and I must say I have enjoyed every step of the way, learning the intricacies of photography. Nothing beats the experience of being out in nature within 100 feet of the largest bull moose you’ve ever seen, or seeing a father loon feed day-old babies while they ride on the back of their mother, or watching two bald eagles build a nest and raise their young over the summer.

My work has become about capturing the beautiful things of Alaska and sharing it with others. Whether the experience becomes a beautiful painting or remains an amazing photograph is not important. Every artist struggles with the challenges of finding buyers for their work and getting galleries to support them. It is always difficult to get the exposure necessary to make a living. (They don’t call em starving artists for nothing)

For years I had been going into Denali National Park to photograph the animals. Each year I noticed how much the tourist facilities near the entrance of the park were growing and kept thinking what a great place this would be to have

my own art gallery! I realized for me this would be impossible with, (now 4 children) and the logistics of a remote location. One day I mentioned this to my father and he gave it some thought. The next day he proposed becoming partners and opening an art gallery in Denali Park. Neither of us had any money so we mortgaged our homes to build the gallery. It was a big gamble at the time. We called it Three Bears Gallery. Mom and Dad ran the store in the summers, I supplied it with artwork, and my wife Erin did all of the bookkeeping. 15 year later we now have two art galleries that feature my work and the works of many other prominent Alaskan artists.

It has now been 25 years of working to make my living as a full-time artist. I am going full circle and returning to painting again. It is a rare combination of elements that works towards an artists success or failure and after all that we can do, fate often decides. What will the next 25 years hold? No one knows, but I realize how fortunate I have been to have realized the dream thus far in the journey.

> Shane Lamb’s lives in his hometown of Palmer, Alaska. His original paintings and prints of art and photography, can be found in galleries and private collections throughout Alaska and the United States. For a complete selection visit Shane Lamb Gallery in Palmer, Three Bears Gallery of Denali Park or shanelamb.com

CHASING THE DREAM CONTINUED


Make A Scene Magazine July 2014

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Transcript of Make A Scene Magazine July 2014