Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 – 6:00; Saturday, 11:00 – 5:00; Closed Sunday;
Additional Hours on First Fridays 5:00 – 7:00 pm
907-563-2787 • 3555 Arctic Boulevard • Anchorage
Grace Choi
Artist’s Statement
For the longest time in my past, I’ve been immersed in abstract art, dwelling into the nuances of paint, materials, and the evolving essence of painting itself. My artistic journey has always been inspired by the exploration of time and space. I’ve recently found myself drawn by the world of traditional brushstroke painting.
After pop art, art seems to have spread to a more popular sense. However, there’s also a growing sense of fatigue among the public when it comes to deciphering art. It sometimes feels as though art has become a barrier, pushing people away instead of drawing them in. I wanted to strip things back to the basics. I’ve come to see life as a temporary experience, much like the essence of painting itself. Using the simplest of materials and
embracing the act of brushstrokes as a reflection of life’s journey, my goal is to create art that speaks to the heart rather than the intellect, starting with the question of “What is painting?” I’ve realized a sense of freedom and empathy with this approach, devoid of any hint of arrogance. It acts as a reminder of the emotional depth that only humans can truly portray, even in an era where artificial intelligence is sweeping the realm of painting.
Ultimately, my art has become more of a personal journey for myself, emulating the cycling nature of existence. These reflections naturally seep into the landscapes and people around me, becoming the subjects of my canvases. My creative process sits in the lines of realism, capturing the tangible elements of canvas and materials, as well as the intangible concepts of time and space.
In my current exhibition, I’ve chosen to focus on the landscapes, people, and everyday moments of Alaska, a place that holds deep significance for me, serving as a backdrop for my contemplations on life’s journey and the passage of time. Through my paintings, I hope to capture the essence of these fleeting moments, ensuring their stories endure long after they’ve
passed. It’s an exploration of my inner self, while also acknowledging the power of time in guiding our finite lives towards infinity.
In a world filled with constant movement and noise, I strive to show the intimacy between humanity and nature that often goes unnoticed in our lives, finding comfort and peace in the timeless magic of existence.
Karen Olanna
Block Prints
At Snow City Cafe
Artist Statement
For me, Art Pieces are three-part ventures. There is nothing like the “rush” of moving on a creative impulse. Then comes the satisfaction and frustration of honing and applying skills in specific media to bring that first impulse into a form for presentation.
“Successful” pieces will be able to catch the eye, of at least some viewers, who can then immerse their own inner world into the maker’s vision.
Block printing is a very old and international art form. “Artist pulled prints” allow for creative choices to be made throughout the entire process. I still carve wood blocks to hand press on, as well as four newer synthetic block types. I also watercolor prints after printing to enhance color and make each print unique while still in a limited numbered edition. Included in this show are several montages made from block prints mounted on shaped wood panels.
Block printing continues to expand as a modern media both in technique and creative potential but maintains a unique ability to express thru the human hand.
Kim Marcucci
South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
Regardless of the subject matter, my work is characterized by large, bold brushwork and vibrant, rich color. My interest as an abstract colorist is in the painting process, and the challenge of expressing emotion through the language of color, texture, movement, and line. My work is about the paint; the color; the interactions; and the energy. Having lived in Alaska most of my life, I am inspired by the beauty and power of the natural environment and I am also influenced by a growing knowledge of my Chickasaw indigenous heritage, which has led me to incorporate cultural markings and patterns into my work. Paintings begin with energetic mark-making, working quickly and intuitively with charcoal, acrylics, chalk, and oil pastels. By continually adding layers of paint and markings, a rich surface develops. In my daily studio practice, painting, is my way to release energy and process the movement of life.
“Changing Seasons” is an exhibit inspired by the beauty and power of seasonal movements occurring in nature. I am interested in expressing the energy, angst, grit, and beauty of a moment, like when the ice melts, or when leaves emerge or fall away. My work is influenced by nature, adventure, travel, culture, climate change, and recently by decluttering 25 years of one home’s “stuff.”
Jon Van Zyle
at Crush Bistro
New Work
Art is Jon’s life and Alaska, all Alaska, has been his inspiration. Jon Van Zyle has seen more of Alaska in a much more unique way than most can ever hope to experience. From these adventures he has created original paintings and the yearly Iditarod poster series commemorating the race and his involvement. He has twice completed the 1049 miles of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome and he has been the Official Artist of the Iditarod for more than 30 years. Jon’s work is known internationally and his work is represented in many galleries in the United States and Europe. He has also illustrated more than 40 children’s books. Jon received the Alaska Governor’s Award for the Arts, Individual Artist Award, in 2019.
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