Traditional Art

Drew Michael, a Yup'ik and Inupiaq artist, works on a mask carving at his East Anchorage home studio.

Alaska Native carver hopes new Anchorage residency program can let artists 'focus on creating'

Through a new Anchorage Museum fellowship, Drew Michael aims to give other artists an opportunity to focus on their craft without worrying about day to day logistics.

Riley Lekanoff (left) of Unalaska and Wassilie Meyers (right) of Pilot Stations get an airraq lesson from longtime string storyteller Matthew Nicolai.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

Yup’ik storyteller spins a good yarn with aiiraq

Emily Schwing

Matthew Nicolai uses a simple loop of string to create connections and tell traditional stories.

Monica Shah and Golga Oscar examine a squirrel skin hood. With help from an Access to Alaska Natives Collection grant from the non-profit Museums Alaska, Oscar made a special trip in 2023 to explore designs and regalia housed in the Anchorage Museum’s collection.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

Yup’ik designer reaches back through history to carry forward stories and traditions

Emily Schwing

A modern fashion designer and skin sewer, Golga Oscar draws inspiration from stories passed down to him from generations of Elders and ancestors.

Creating traditional squirrel skin parkas connects Merna Wharton to her Yup’ik roots. “It feels like it's part of my identity. As a Yup’ik woman, you have to keep your family warm,” she said.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

Making a squirrel skin parka is a labor of love. One Akiachak artist revels in the process.

Emily Schwing

Merna Lomack Wharton takes a conservative approach with her signature touches as she pieces together regalia based on her great-grandmother’s design.

In 2022, the remnants of Typhoon Merbok laid waste to most of Chevak’s fishing fleet and destroyed the contents of Bukowksi’s three chest freezers. He says that food security is at the heart of much of the work he creates.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

‘Behind every catch you have a storyline': Food security is front and center in Cup’ik artist’s work

Emily Schwing

Ryan Bukowski’s uniquely carved and scrimshawed walrus tusks highlight his values, which center on hunting, fishing, and traditional ways.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

Hooper Bay Artist Honored in Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Awards

The Rasmuson Foundation honored Hooper Bay artist Steven Stone Sr. with an Individual Artist Award. Stone was one of 35 artists selected out of a record…