Events
Mantras for Holiday Bliss
+ Community Potluck
Nov. 18th @ 5:30P-7:30P
Free Admission (Bring a Dish to Share)
Yoga Om Alaska, Wasilla Facebook - Yoga Om Alaska
Square Dance Lessons
Nov. 18th & 25th @ 7P-9P
$5 Admission a Night
Sophia’s Café, Palmer Facebook - Paws & Taws Square Dance
Alaska Vintage Holiday Market & Food Truck Fest
Nov. 18th 12P-7P/ Nov. 19th 10A-6P Nov. 20th 10A-4P
State Fair Grounds, Palmer Facebook - Alaska Vintage Market
Juneau vs. Palmer Moose Hockey
Nov. 18th @ 7P
1317 S Kerry Weiland CT, Palmer
Admission @ The Door Facebook - Palmer Moose Hockey
Paper League Night
Nov. 18th @ 6:30P-8P
$20 Admission (Includes Shooting)
Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska, Wasilla Facebook - Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska
Stackin’ Pumpkins Paint Night
Nov. 18th @ 7P-9P
$47 Per Person (All Supplies Included)
Paint Nights with Sara, Wasilla Facebook - Paint Nights with Sara
Supernova LIVE
Nov. 18th @ 8P
Admission @ The Door
Floaters Pub, Big Lake Facebook - Supernova Alaska
Steel Challenge
Nov. 19th @ 8:30A- 5P
Admission @ The Door
Birchwood Recreation & Shooting Park
Facebook - Birchwood Recreation & Shooting Park
Birchtree Holiday Market
Nov. 19th @ 10A
Admission @ The Door
Birchtree Charter School, Palmer-Wasilla HWY Facebook - Birchtree Parents Guild
General Membership Meeting
Mat-Su Veterans Foundation
Nov. 19th @ 10A-11A
Free Admission
6701 E Green Glen Dr, Wasilla
Facebook - Mat-Su Veterans Foundation
Karaoke
Nov. 19th @ 7P-11P
Admission @ The Door
20808 Bill Stephens Dr, Chugiak
Facebook - FOE Aerie 4174 Peters Creek
Family Silent Disco Night
Nov. 19th @ 3P-8P
$10 Per Person
Palmer Train Depot Facebook - Joshua Davis
North Bowl Mixed Scotch Doubles Nov. 20th @ 10A
$100 Per Team Entry North Bowl, Wasilla Facebook - Oscar Shaw IV
Mat-Su Messiah Choir Rehearsals Nov. 20th & 27th @ 5:30P-7P
Free Admission
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Wasilla Facebook - Mat-Su Messiah
Holiday Pie Auction Nov. 22nd @ 6P-9P
Sign up on Facebook
Faith Bible Fellowship, Big Lake Facebook - CEF Anchorage Mat-Su
3D Shoot Night Nov. 24th @ 6:30P-8P
$20 Admission (Includes Shooting)
Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska, Wasilla Facebook - Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska
Christmas Bazar Nov. 26th @ 11A
Big Lake Lions Recreation Center
Admission @ The Door Facebook - Big Lake Lions Recreation Center
Water Marbling Silk Scarves Workshop Nov. 26th @ 5-9PM
The Art Café, Palmer
Class & Materials = $45 Facebook - The Art Café AK
Small Business Saturday Nov. 26th @ 10A-6P
Poppy Lane Mercantile LLC, Palmer Free Admission Facebook - Poppy Lane Mercantile LLC
Past Our Prime Live Music Nov. 26th @ 4P-7P
Admission @ The Door Hatcher Pass Lodge, Hatchers Pass Facebook - Past Our Prime
Trivia Night with Long Nights Moon Nov. 26th @ 7P
Admission @ The Door Schwabenhof, Wasilla Facebook - Schwabenhof
Guns N’ Hoses Hockey Game Nov. 26th @ 7P-10P
$7 Admission @ The Door
Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center, Wasilla Facebook - Curtis D Menard Sports Center
Christmas Crafts (PreK through 8th Graders) Nov. 28th @ 10P-5P (Time Dependent on Grade)
$30 Per Student
Mat-Su Learn and Inspire, Wasilla Facebook - Mat-Su Learn and Inspire, LLC
Wasilla vs. Palmer Moose Hockey Nov. 29th @ 7P
1317 S Kerry Weiland CT, Palmer
Admission @ The Door Facebook - Palmer Moose Hockey
November Family Game Night
Nov. 30th @ 5P
Admission @ The Door Facebook - Omnivore Alaska
Adult, Child & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Dec. 1st @ 9:30A-4P $75 Per Person Admission 907-352-1200 to Register Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Wasilla Facebook - Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults
Comedy with the Sklar Brothers Dec. 1st @ 7P & 9:30P Admission @ The Door Everett’s Restaurant, Wasilla Facebook - Erikson Events
Girdwood Brewery Dec. 1st @ 12P Admission @ The Door Girdwood Brewing Company Facebook - The Hungry Deckhand
Raise Gala- Reach 907 Dec. 2nd @ 6P
General Admission- $55 Wasilla Bible Church, Wasilla Facebook - Newcity Entertainment Group LLC
2nd Annual Used Toy Exchange Thing Dec. 3rd @ 2P-4P
Free Admission Mat-Su Health Foundation Facebook - That Thing Goin On
Trinity’s Annual Christmas Bazaar Dec. 3rd @ 9A-1P Admission @ The Door Trinity Lutheran Church Alaska, Palmer-Wasilla Facebook - Trinity Lutheran Church Alaska
8th Annual Santa Event Dec. 3rd @ 12P-4P/ Dec. 4th @ 1P-4P Get tickets online 6900 S Hanger Cir, Wasilla Facebook - Dominique Park
Mat-Su Messiah Performances Dec. 4th @ 2P-4P
Admission @ The Door The Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer Facebook - Mat-Su Messiah
Presentation: Raising Resilience Dec. 7th @ 10A-11A
Admission @ The Door Mat-Su Health Foundation, Wasilla Facebook - ROCK Mat-Su
Open House at The Farm Dec. 9th @ 4P-6P
Free Admission 1509 S Georgeson Dr, Palmer Facebook - Matanuska Experiment Farm & Extension Center
My Booth for Bad Girls Dec. 10th @ 9A-4P
Admission @ The Door 375 S Inner Springer Loop, Palmer Facebook - Jamie Janko Art
Bad Girls of the North at Colony Christmas Dec. 10th @ 10A
Admission @ The Door Hamilton Farms, Palmer Facebook - Bad Girls of the North
Christmas Extravaganza & “Sticks That Go Bang” Show Dec. 10th @ 10A & Dec. 11th @5P
Admission @ The Door State Fair Grounds- Palmer Facebook - Annual Christmas Extravaganza and Show for Alaska
Wild Starr at the Colony Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair Dec. 10th @ 10A
Admission @ The Door Palmer Senior Center, Palmer Facebook - Wild Starr Creations
Movie Night: It’s a Wonderful Life Dec. 10th @ 7:30P
Free Admission Omnivore Alaska, Palmer Facebook - Omnivore Alaska
Tribal Membership Christmas Potluck Dinner Dec. 10th @ 12P
Bring a Dish to Share Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Chugiak Alaska Facebook - Native Village of Eklutna
Girdwood Holiday Bazaar Dec. 10th @ 12P-4P
Admission @ The Door Girdwood School Facebook - Girdwood School PTA
Photos with Santa Dec. 17th @ 12P-4P
$15 Per Family/Group
Black Birch Books, Wasilla Facebook - Black Birch Books
Winter Recital Dec. 21st @ 6P-8P
Admission @ The Door
Evangelo’s Restaurant, Wasilla Facebook - All About Dance, Alaska
Holiday Tree Tour Dec. 23rd @ 4P-7P
Admission @ The Doors Government Peak, Hatchers Pass Facebook - Mat-Su Ski Club
December Family Game Night Dec. 28th @ 5P
Admission @ The Door
Omnivore Alaska, Palmer Facebook - Omnivore Alaska
PAGE 3 MID-NOV 2022
Coloring Page PAGE 4 MID-NOV 2022
Dr. Josh at Bee Well Chiropractic is hosting an event for parents who are interested in learning more about ways to regulate the emotions and behaviors of their children.
During The Perfect Storm, Dr. Josh will dive deep into the science and neurol-
ogy behind your child’s struggles, from emotional regulation and behavioral challenges, to focus and concentration issues, and more.
This event is important because it touches on the impact of stress and isolation in the lives of the children in our community, both of which have run rampant over the past year or so.
Dr. Josh is making a BIG impact on the wellbeing of families in our community and giving them tangible HOPE, ANSWERS, and ACTION STEPS.
“Parents, maybe you’re worried about how a label (anxiety, sensory, ADHD, or even autism) will impact your child’s life? But what if they didn’t have to be confined by a label? What if what you
really need is to help them sleep through the night, have less meltdowns each day, handle transitions easier, regulate their emotions a bit easier, and get sick less often?
If this sounds like you, then the Perfect Storm Workshop is perfect for you! Get your HOPE back, your questions ANSWERED, and ACTION STEPS that are easy and effective!”
The workshop is Thursday, November 29th at the Palmer Alehouse. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Must Register by Thursday, November 24th! Please share this information with our community!
REGISTER AT: go.beewellak.com/ workshop-registration-beewellak
Phone: (907) 745-2430 Email: info@beewellak.com
PAGE 5 MID-NOV 2022 Events
Contributed by Dr. Josh Christensen
Contributed by Charice Chambers
Local artist Cindy Pendleton has quite a following, especially at Christmas time when she unveils her latest Alaskan holiday greeting card. Often featuring her favorite subjects: Alaska’s children, these cards are a much-awaited part of the Christmas season. Like much in her life, there’s a story behind their inception.
Pendleton’s family has a long history of diabetes. In the late 90’s Pendleton discovered that the American Diabetes Association had an annual holiday card design competition for artists who were either diabetic themselves, or from diabetic families. The winning cards were to be produced and sold in the ADA holiday catalogue to raise funds for research. Pendleton’s mother had delt with type two diabetes for several years making the artist a candidate for the competition. Watercolor has always been Pendleton’s favorite medium. She is entranced by “the freshness and immediacy of transparent watercolor”, so she rendered a signature Pendleton Alaskan design in watercolor. It depicted kids decorating the antlers of a very patient caribou. Though Pendleton has captured a variety of images on canvas, she is best loved for her favorite subject: Alaska’s
children which she always presents in a light hearted and loving manner. This design was no exception, and soon “Oh Christmas Tree” graced the pages of the national ADA Christmas catalogue. Raising over $25,000.00 in funds for research, it was a resounding success!
Following her success, Pendleton submitted another design the following year. Unfortunately, the second design did not meet with success. Though disappointed, Pendleton realized that she might produce a card locally, and raise funds for a favorite charity donating the profits to them. So began her annual Christmas card project. It’s been nearly 20 years, and she is still at it! According to Pendleton her project allows a charity to get a nice donation without having to do the hard work of fundraising and people can purchase a quality card knowing that the money they have spent will go to a good cause. She experiences great satisfaction that her artwork generates good for her community. “It’s a win, win, win.”
Pendleton’s 2022 design, “A Northern Noel,” features a snowy Alaskan landscape with Madonna and child, wrapped in a fur trimmed robe attended by woodland creatures. As always, Pendleton has donated profits to a charity close to her heart: The Salvation
Army’s McKinnell House. The shelter provides a safe haven for single parents who have no other means to care for their children. It is the only program of its type in Anchorage that provides such shelter to single fathers and their children as well as single mothers and their offspring. This is a very special donation for Pendleton. In her early thirties, Pendleton found herself single with two young children to support. She was saved by her education; her family was left intact. Looking back on that time, she realized that she was “a whisper away from being homeless.” She is incredibly appreciative of programs such as McKinnell House, and the Salvation Army “Earth Angels” whom she admires and thanks for their help and dedication to the needy and homeless in our community,
All of Pendleton’s Christmas cards share one unique feature. They are all blank inside. For those who prefer a preprepared greeting, she has provided a copyable insert. This may provide a bit of an art project for the whole family or a way to give each card the sender’s unique stamp! In addition, each card includes unique information about the card’s subject, the charitable organization receiving funds from the sale of the card and why it was chosen, and a bit about the artist as well.
A wide variety of both Pendleton’s Christmas card collections and other prints, stickers, and cards may be found at Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop,
1132 S Chugach Street (across from and adjacent to Palmer Junior Middle School). Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm, the shop may be contacted at 907 745-5454 for questions and special holiday hours.
PAGE 6 MID-NOV 2022 Arts
Contributed by Drewcilla Holifield
Holiday favorites, sophisticated symphonic sounds, and a crowdpleasing sing-along – Mat-Su Concert Band celebrates this distinctly Alaskan winter season with a vibrant program performed at two concerts.
The “Winter Spectacular” concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. Children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www. matsuconcertband.org.
The band, made up of about 70 musicians under the baton of director Gleo Huyck, is composed of community members from all walks of life, from teachers to accountants and
librarians.
Concert goers will recognize familiar holiday tunes sprinkled through “A Fireside Christmas” including “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” as well as “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.”
More in homage to season’s introspective side, “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Gustav Holst and arranged by Julie Giroux is based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti describing the birth of the Christ child on a “bleak midwinter” day and those who come to worship. Giroux’s notes ask musicians to play the piece “like you still believe in the magic of Santa Claus.”
“O Magnum Mysterium”, described as Morten Lauridsen’s reverent masterwork, was arranged for band from the choral rendition into a serene and expressive composition. The original text depicts “the birth of the new-born King amongst the lowly animals and shepherds,” the composer’s program note says. “This affirmation of God’s grace to the meek and the adoration of the Blessed Virgin are celebrated in my setting through a quiet song of profound inner joy.”
Alfred Reed’s “A Christmas Intrada” represents an attempt to portray —in musical terms alone — five contrasting moods associated with the festivities of the Christmas season,
according to program notes by the Illinois State University Symphonic Band: Fanfare: Christus Natus Est; Lullaby for the Christ Child; Processional of the Kings and Shepherds; Carol for the Holy Night; and Wassail and Alleluia, a joyous and triumphant conclusion.
Two pieces highlight the band’s trumpet and oboe sections: “Bugler’s Holiday” by Leroy Anderson; and “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Marricone, featuring oboist Trent Parke.
Girolamo Frescobaldi’s “Toccata”, with its opening grave section followed by a bright, fugal allegro, is a masterful piece reminiscent of a work written for orchestra for good reason: before being transcribed for orchestra, and then band, it appeared in a collection of six pieces for cello and piano by Gaspar Cassadó, according to a program note by Nikk Pilato as published by the Wind Repertory Project.
Mat-Su Concert Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.
Current director Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under his baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The band rehearses every Monday night at Teeland Middle School.
PAGE 7 MID-NOV 2022 Theater
Contributed by Lainie Dreas
Parents, students, teachers... This year let’s do it live!
For the first time since 2020, school buses lined G St in Downtown Anchorage as masses of Alaska students headed to Alaska Center for the Performing Arts to kick off the ‘Let’s Do It Live’ 2022/2023 Season of Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) this month.
AJT is a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing the best in professional theater from around the world to young Alaskan audiences. Prior to the pandemic, more than 35,000 students attended live performances annually. For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to the performing arts. Leading the ‘Let’s Do It Live’ Season was “Have you Filled a Bucket Today: The Musical!”
This brand new, fun-filled musical from Virginia Repertory Theatre is based on the concepts in Carol McCloud’s award-winning children’s books, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead’s book,
The Bucket Filling Fairy.
The books and play use the concept of a “bucket” to show students how to express kindness, appreciation and love to be “bucket-fillers.” The play focuses on the benefits of positive, thoughtful behavior. ‘Have you Filled a Bucket Today: The Musical!’ relays the joys of friendship and compassion for both the receiver and the giver.
The aim of the play is to help teach students to be bucket-fillers rather than bucket-dippers with this musical performance designed to promote healthy relationships, self-esteem and bring character education front and centerstage at schools.
Next in the lineup, AJT celebrates Latinx culture through the storytelling of David Gonzalez.
In “Cuentos: Tales from the Latinx World” (Grades K-6), Master Storyteller David Gonzalez paints a vivid picture of the people and rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with colorful tales from the Caribbean, South America and the Bronx!
From the silly antics of the Puerto Rican anti-hero ‘Juan Bobo’ to the mysterious dealings and powers of the Orishas in a
suite of Afro-Cuban stories, these tales are filled with memorable characters, fantastic plots and positive messages for children.
“With speech, sound, mime, dance and above all, inspired imagination, Mr. Gonzalez has the gift of creating magical worlds and drawing his audience into them. A palpable delight,” The New York Times said of Gonzalez.
Along with Latin music played by pianist Daniel Kelly, Spanish language words are sprinkled throughout the stories and songs in such a way that young audiences can repeat and retain their sound and meaning. A great introduction to the marvelous world of Latino literature and culture.
School show performances of ‘”Cuentos: Tales from the Latinx World” will be held December 1-2 in the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. No public performances will be held for this event.
Programming continues in 2023 with “The Velveteen Rabbit”, Collision of Rhythm and “The Ugly Duckling.” Public performances will be available for “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Ugly Duckling.” Teachers and educa-
tors can reach out to AJT to arrange for their class to attend all of our remaining school performances.
For event information or questions, please contact AJT by visiting www. akjt.org or calling (907) 272-7546.
Would you like to hear stories about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska?
Coming to you Sunday, November 27, at 2pm, from the Willow Community Center at Mile 69 on the Parks, the 2022 Willow Episode of The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show!
The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! is the Valley Arts Alliance rendition of a live radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, with skits, and music, similar to the popular Prairie
Home Companion radio show on NPR.
For those of you who haven’t seen or heard one of our episodes, The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! features interesting stories by Alaskans about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska. In previous episodes, we heard from The Roving Reporter, Lucy and Desi in the Butte, and Guy d’North, as well as news from Lake Willowa, and Mukluk Radio.
The 2022 season is our ninth year producing The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! and we
will continue with new music and skits, occasional impersonations of local celebrities, and will be occasionally broadcast live by Radio Free Palmer on 89.5 FM.
So mark your calendar! The Willow episode of the Valley Arts Alliance Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! will be broadcast live at 2pm Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the Willow Community Center at Mile 69 on the Parks.
Thanks to the sponsorship of the Willow Library, this performance is FREE.
Buses wait outside Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Anchorage as students enjoy a November 4 performance of “Have You Filled a Bucket Today: The Musical!”. Photo courtesy of Jason Herr.
This season will be AJT’s official return to live performances after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since March 2020, it has been a long struggle to keep AJT afloat until we could return to live theater,” said Executive Director Lainie Dreas. “I am so grateful to our board, volunteers and many generous donors who believed we could have this wonderful day full of children in our theater again. Such magic was created today!”
To see exciting scenes of these episodes, visit our Archive Pages at www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com.
PAGE 8 MID-NOV 2022 Theater
Contributed by Carmen Summerfield
PAGE 9 MID-NOV 2022
ETERNAL LIFE
By Taylor
1st
John 3:14-18
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murder: and ye know that no muderer hath Eteranal Life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him. 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
If thee who votes for a spokesperson whom promotes pro choice and the act of abortion, are thee any better than the one preaching, promoting and preforming these acts.
Are they looked at differently on judgment day… Are they no different from the ones performing and promoting…
Words are powerful, but can be misleading.
Watch your thoughts; They become words; Watch your words; They become actions; Watch your actions; They become habits; Watch your habits; They become character; Watch your character; It becomes your destiny
This is no matter to be taken lightly, our world is in a battle between good and evil… For which side will thee take… for where will you rest your soul.
TENDING
YOUR GARDEN
By Tricia Leigh
Waste not your sad tears Shower your garden within Let them fall for good.
Laugh deep from inside. It shines light upon your soul. Laugh with those you love.
With tears and laughter, Now and after, pull out weeds Let your garden bloom.
PASSING BY
By Nan Potts
As we arrive meek, unblemished, Another may depart — In passing by
As youth’s flesh is young and viral, We wax while others wane — In passing by.
As adulthood then approaches, We, fonts of life, bring forth — In passing by.
As our mortal Fall encroaches, Worn memories creep forth — In passing by.
As our Autumn turns to Winter, A new beginning sensed — In passing, Bye
IN MEMORIAM
By Sharon Ann Jaeger
Even though we cannot touch I feel your being in mine A resonance of one pure note That possesses me body and soul As a tuning fork must respond To its fated frequency:
Yours I say, I am All yours Always yours
As the light rays sieved Through the trembling birches Bear witness to the sun that is always Ever there saying To the world O yes
CARIBBEAN SHORES
By Yvonne Moss
Native boys in colorful shirts and pants
Reflect the colors of the sea.
The girls following, in their skirts and dresses To make up the entire tableau. What a scene they present for all to see, Featuring all the hues Making up the shoreline.
At sunset, the tropical sky puts on a show of its own, Starting with purples and blues, adding gold, oranges and reds Only the Caribbean displays.
By Maxine Franklin
The world is held together with spider silk; We’ve got to love the little guys. You know those stringy clouds that race up high Before the rain? They’re nothing but water, But they bind your heart to mine. Let’s not forget the sudden ravens, laughing As they play footsie with agile sticks. Then done They drop them in the lake.
ONE OPEN WINDOW, ONE OPEN OPPORTUNITY
Contributed by Natasha Tolbert
One open window is all I need To succeed in life To go to college For the hope of seeing my brother again To see the day of my first anniversary with Jared
One opportunity To travel the world To visit Ireland To go wherever my heart desires For the hope of being with the one I love And make new memories
One open window, One opportunity, That’s all I need to reveal, How adventurous my heart really is To show how confident I’ve become To be more social And to keep those I love close
One window, One opportunity, That’s all I want.
Poetry & Prose
By Randi Perlman, 11/8/2022
Mollie’s in my heart today
Where she remains in a palpable way
As life proceeds along its route I often reflect on what she was about Her thorough grasp of the recycling world And how it’s played out as history’s unfurled Still keeps me in awe of her knowledge & passion Uniting a community, turning trash into fashion
She left us too soon, with more to get done Her battle continues, war still to be won A calendar date two years ago now Still leaves me with questions and wondering how An indomitable spirit so committed and driven Could be taken away despite all she had given But we don’t have those answers, all that we know Is we’re blessed to have known her, and bask in her glow We honor her memory and all her good deeds And at peace up above us, we hope she is pleased…
Poetry & Prose PAGE 11 MID-NOV 2022
Contributed by Michelle Cornelius
I’m a valley artist that has been painting and showing in venues from Willow to Anchorage. Just now entering my latest venue at Houston Lodge. Houston Lodge is up and going again. Best burgers in the valley! I’m showing there at this time. Really glad this restaurant is up and running.
It’s my pleasure to have my art hung in this historic venue!
I paint in oils, but have won awards for and taught workshops in charcoal, graphite, watercolor, colored pencil, soft pastel and acrylics. I enjoyed teaching an oil workshop in September for Valley Fine Arts Association at their annual fall retreat in big lake this year. Also, I am the
venue coordinator for the Valley Arts Alliance for mostly Palmer venues.
On Facebook I manage the Alaska FB Plein Air Group. This group meets and paints in Mat-Su Valley. We try to meet at least a few times in spring, summer and fall, weather permitting.
Entering my sixth year as Alaska state fair superintendent for art. This position is extremely rewarding labor. Enjoy helping entrants put out their best work,
professionally prepared and ready to hang art.
The subjects of my art are generally animals and often Alaskan animals. I also like to paint nocturnes (nighttime paintings) with neon signage and our fabulous state in Pleine Aire (outside).
At present, I’m looking forward to a long, dark winter. It’s always bright in my studio and much painting is forecast this winter!
Contributed by Richard Christiansen
