SITKA – The Sheldon Jackson Museum and Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum are pleased to welcome artist-in-residence Danielle Larsen. Larsen is a Koyukon Athabascan, Unangax̂, Inupiaq artist esteemed for striking large-scale paintings imbued with her Alaskan life. She will be at the museum September 2-19. Her work is heavily influenced by her Alaska Native roots and the natural environment. Her oil paintings often center around still life compositions and the beauty found in ordinary objects. Through her vibrant use of color and thoughtful brushstrokes, Larsen seeks to capture not only the aesthetic value of these objects, but also the rich history and cultural significance they hold. She is best known for her interpretations of jarred smoked salmon, a homage to her father's fishing legacy and her heritage.
Larsen was raised in Anchorage and spent formative summers on the scenic Kenai Peninsula. She is a proud alumna of the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2015.
While in residence, Larsen will teach an acrylic still life painting class on Thursday, September 11, 2:30-3:30 pm. The following week, she will give two talks at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which will also be streamed on Zoom. Her talk on Thursday, September 18 at 3 pm, entitled “Finding Beauty in Small Things” will be about what and why Larsen paints. She likes the beauty in everyday things that bring memories of making canned salmon or fry bread with your aunties. She documents things that are important to her and part of her cultural heritage. Through painting, Larsen says, “I feel like I'm keeping a visual history of who we are for our descendants. I hope I can bring back a time or place that was happy and meaningful to others.” Danielle’s talk on Friday, September 19 at 2 pm will focus on a selection of artifacts and cultural belongings at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
There are still a few spots open in Danielle’s still life painting class. Call 907-747-8981 to sign up and get the materials list. The class is free of charge and open to ages 10+. There will be an option to attend on Zoom.
Summer hours are Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm, except holidays. Admission is $9, $8 for seniors, and free for ages 18 and under and active military and their families. Assistance is available for visitors with special needs. For more information on operations or events, contact the museum at (907) 747-8981.
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