Juneau – A new exhibition, Protection: Adaptation and Resistance, opens May 3 at the Alaska State Museum. Protection presents the work of more than 45 Alaska Native artists who explore the climate crisis, social justice, strengthening communities through ancestral knowledge, and imagining a thriving future.
Working within intergenerational learning groups and collaborating in vibrant community networks, Alaska’s Indigenous artists invigorate traditional stories in customary arts and propose resilient futures through design, tattoo, regalia, and graphic arts. Artist projects elevate collaboration, allyship, and community as tools of resistance, adaptation, and cultural affirmation. Protection explores three themes: Land and Culture Protectors, Activists for Justice and Sovereignty, and Resilient Futures.
“Our lifeways, material culture, and protocols serve as armor to resist efforts to exterminate us. They are rooted in the power to unite and create space for all people. When we break down the efforts of those who work to silo, segregate, and discriminate, there is space for all people and all living things.”
– Joel Isaak (Dena’ina, Kenai)
Thursday, April 25 at 4:30 pm (18 and under)
Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 pm (all ages)
Workshop with Chickaloonies creators Casey Silver & Demi Macheras of 80% Studios, in collaboration with Alaska Robotics Mini-Con. Workshops will be held in the classroom at the Alaska State Museum. Limited space available in the Thursday workshop - please sign up at alaska.gov/youthart.
These workshops are sponsored by the Friends of the Alaska State Library, Archives, and Museum and Alaska Robotics and are partially funded by the citizens of the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenues.
First Friday Opening 4:30–7:00 pm
Lecture 7:00 pm
Exhibit curator Asia Freeman will lead a discussion with artists Amber Webb, K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady, Lily Wooshkindein Da.áat Hope, and Rico Lanaat’ Worl.
11:00 am
with Amber Webb and K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady.
1:30 pm
On this National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, activist and artist Amber Webb will lead a workshop for the community affected by this crisis. Please call (907) 465-8187 to sign up.
Yup’ik artist Amber Webb’s Memorial Qaspeq, on exhibit in Protection, measures 12 feet tall and features the drawn portraits of more than 200 Indigenous women missing or murdered in Alaska since 1950.
Kaxhatjaa X’óow / Herring Protectors robes: K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady, Káakaxaawulga Jennifer Younger with Carol Hughey and many volunteers. Lingit hats: Ku agoo Linda Starbard, Tanux Gordon James Junior, Rachel Langford Guultlagaay Donna Rae James, Gúut dláayas Devin Hannon. Chilkat Protector Masks: Lily Wooshkindein Da.áat Hope, Sydney Akagi, Davina Drones, Michelle Demmert, Mary Kate Dennis, Shgendootan George, Gabriella George, Shaadootlaa Iyall Hanlon, Ursula Hudson, Donedin Jackson, Melina Meyer, Rae Ann Mills, Debra O’Gara, Laine Rinehart, Jodi Watts. Ghelch’ehi, Dena’ina birchbark baskets: Joel Isaak and Helen McLean. Chickaloonies graphic novel: Dimi Macheras with Casey Silver. Healing Stitches Atikluk installation: Bobby Qalutaksraq Brower, Melissa Ahnoorik Ingersoll, Cassandra Tikasuk Johnson, Qataliña Jackie Schaeffer, Beverly Tuck. Traditional Tattoo Photographs: Sarah Ayaqi Whalen-Lunn, Alice Qannik Glenn, Aviññaq/Danyal Harvey, Bailey Shaeffer, Cynthia Ivan, Kimberlyn Erin Smith, Kunayaq Qaumaluq Hank, Princes Daazharaii Johnson, Talivaaq Qinugana/Jerilynn Wellert. Qulliq seal oil lamps: Kunaq Marjorie Tahbone, Agasuuq Hanna Sholl, Aqugaq Elli Tansy, Britt’Nee Kivliqtaruq Brower, Jackie Qatalina Schaeffer. Tupik Mi, Digital video: Holly Mititquq Nordlum with Michael Conti. How to be a Good Guest: Melissa Shaginoff. Memorial Qaspeq: Amber Webb. We’re Still Here: Naal xak’w/Tommy Joseph. Digital Illustrations: Sarah Ayaqi Whalen-Lunn, Crystal Rose Demientieff Worl, Rico Lanaat’ Worl.
Protection: Adaptation and Resistance is a project of the Bunnell Street Arts Center and made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, CIRI Foundation, Alaska Community Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, Alaska Humanities Forum, and the Atwood Foundation.
The Alaska State Museum hosts a spectacular permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions. For museum hours, rates, and more information, visit museums.alaska.gov. Contact the museum at (907) 465-2901.
A person experiencing a disability who needs accommodation for events hosted by the Alaska State Library, Archives, and Museum can contact the division’s ADA coordinator at (907) 465-2912. Please contact us a week in advance so we can make any necessary arrangements.
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