National Volunteer Month — International Gallery of Contemporary Art

The IGCA is a non-profit and primarily volunteer-run organization. We have a volunteer board of directors and volunteers keep the gallery open (during non-pandemic times of course) by gallery sitting throughout each month. The IGCA could not exist without our generous, dedicated, kind and talented volunteers.

April is National Volunteer Month and, in celebration, we have prepared a series of profiles featuring many of our regular volunteers so that you can learn more about these fabulous people in our community! We hope you enjoy reading these Q&A profiles and, when we re-open to the public, you can visit the gallery to meet our wonderful volunteers in person. We are truly lucky that they are part of the IGCA.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for your time and involvement with the gallery, and a special thank you to those that took the time to share your stories and insights with us all through the Q&A! ❤️

Kelly Brabec

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up in the Midwest among farms and fertile soils. After college, and without hesitation, I moved to Nome, Alaska for work, wisdom, and wonder. More than 20 years have passed and I am still in awe of the Last Frontier's magnetic pull in my life and in my heart. Currently, my spouse and I are exploring Anchorage as our new home after taking a couple of years off to travel, reconnect, and cultivate the lives we've been given.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

I've been volunteering at IGCA for six months and deeply enjoy my time at the gallery surrounded by beautiful art created by beautiful people. I believe art is everywhere and for everybody. IGCA is a space where connection happens and sharing occurs, revealing and reinforcing creative communities and authentic collaborations. I'm into this kind of thing so, naturally, I wanted to be a part of it.

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

I also volunteer with the Anchorage Concert Association and am a member of KNBA's Community Advisory Board. On Monday nights I'm behind the mic at KONR-LP / 106.1 FM / Out North Radio hosting my show, Whisper & Roar, playing a little bit of this and a little bit of that for a little bit of everyone.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

I'm not a professionally educated or trained artist but I've always been attracted to vivid creativity, incorporating it into my life in a variety of ways. As a kid, I taught myself to draw cartoons and make storyboards. As a teen, my artistic expression was steered in the direction of thrifting and vintage clothing. During these years I found a silver-blue, 1950's American Tourister Cosmetic Case and have been storing my art supplies in it ever since. In college, I would purposely spend some weekends in my room painting, listening to Ani DiFranco, and drinking wine. I was working toward a Communications major, so creativity came in the forms of video, audio, and film projects as well. As of now, I still drink wine but my art has been on a smaller scale. A sketchbook and blank notecards, some ink pens, and my iPhone camera.

I appreciate the reach art has. I grew up in a big family; resourcefulness, creativity, and self-expression were valued and encouraged. Essential.

I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Natalie Chomyk-Daniels

Can you tell us a little about your background?

Natalie grew up in Ohio and lived there until the age of about 26. In school she majored in art and minored in art education and went on to teach high school art in Ohio. She then moved to Alaska, drawn by the outdoors, and ended up staying. Natalie has since lived in Anchorage with a brief time outside for about 5 years when she taught papermaking at the Southern Oregon University in Ashland. She returned to Alaska in 2017.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

Natalie has been a volunteer with the gallery since it moved to its current location on D Street. She was involved with the renovation of the current space and says that it was really exciting to be part of the gallery’s physical transformation. She says there were a number of artists involved in renovating the gallery, which used to be a flower shop and then a restaurant, and it was inspiring to watch these artists harness their skills to transform the space into a gallery.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

Natalie says that she values the dedicated time to be present in the gallery where she can really focus on the artwork on display. She remarks that being able to just immediately shift her thinking to art when she enters the gallery is what she loves about gallery sitting. Interacting with the people that come to visit is also a real joy for her.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

She has enjoyed all of the recent shows, but was really taken with the June 2019 exhibition Birds on the Edge: Dynamic Boundaries. Natalie’s love of birds as well as the thought-provoking artworks exploring the birds of Alaska made this show memorable for her.

What do you love about Anchorage?

Natalie says she appreciates the diversity of Anchorage and loves being surrounded by the mountains.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

Papermaking is Natalie's focus right now. She is fascinated by plants that are indigenous to an area. Papermaking allows her to combine her love of hiking, running and observing nature with art through the physical harvesting of plants while outdoors and incorporating them into whatever is conceptually involved in her life at that time. While she finds all plants enjoyable to work with in all stages of their life cycles, when asked if she has a favorite local plant to work with, she says rhubarb! The fibers are very strong and it is a fun plant to experiment with.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

Natalie has been busy harvesting plants for future papermaking projects as an excuse to get out into the outdoors in the local areas.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the IGCA community?

Natalie was instrumental in helping found dog parks in Anchorage! She and 5 other women that used to walk their dogs in the APU area got together and decided that they should have a place for dogs to gather like people had in other states. The first one they founded was the University Lake Dog Park at APU and the second was the Connors Bog Dog Park. She has even made paper with dog fur and has done workshops with dog park goers to learn to make paper with their dogs’ fur :)

Ann Gray

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was born in India but by the age of three I moved to England with my mother. A year later my father joined us and we started a new life in London. My childhood in London was very “normal”. I went through the milestones of Primary School, Grammar School, Sunday school, piano lessons, a new brother! I always loved Art and would get the bus into London mainly to visit the Tate Gallery. Then came college in Brighton, Sussex. I studied Art and education with the thought of becoming a teacher.

While a student I met my late husband Ken Gray who was studying civil engineering. Then he too became drawn to art and left his civil engineering job for Art School. We came to Anchorage in 1981 with our family because of an opening for Ken at UAA. It is amazing how one thing leads to another.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA?

I have been volunteering at IGCA for many years, but most regularly since I retired from teaching, ten years ago. The Gallery has been part of my life since Dave Felker started it back in the 80s. The location has moved around town, but it remains very important in providing a non-commercial space for artists’ shows, workshops and the Arts community in general.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

Yes, gallery sitting can be a very solitary time. I usually take a backpack loaded with a variety of potential activities: a camera, a sketchpad, a book to read, a sandwich etc. just in case! The first thing I do is to enjoy the opportunity to look at the art without distraction. I also enjoy the sun as it often plays through the windows, reflections and the changing street activity (sometimes taking photos).

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

A show that stood out to me was David Pettibone’s exhibit of his large paintings of subsistence whale hunting. I was fascinated by the details and skill that he put into his paintings. I really enjoy all the shows, but I also particularly enjoy printmaking shows.

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share that involves the gallery (gallery sitting or otherwise)?

A funny story? I don’t have any one funny story, but I do enjoy talking to the people that come into the Gallery, especially if they are the exhibiting artists.

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

Other Arts organizations that I am involved with, apart from gallery sitting, include volunteering with Anchorage Story Works. This a nonprofit organization that supports educators and high school students who are interested in developing story telling skills.

What do you love about Anchorage?

It took a while for Anchorage to grow on me. After many years I have changed and Anchorage has blossomed. I now enjoy its large town feel, which has the intimacy of a small town. It has a vibrant arts community with galleries and theatres both big and small, and live music. There is so much talent right here! Anchorage also has easy access to trails and the beautiful outdoors and wilderness. People here seem to appreciate both and I’m happy to live here.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

Am I an artist? The term artist has always been a broad term in my mind. I feel like one sometimes since I do make images, photos, and prints. I have always enjoyed printmaking and have exhibited in IGCA group shows.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

My behavior has been scattered, but I have been organizing some family photos, taking photos to make funny books for my granddaughter and I have also enjoyed making bread too.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the IGCA community?

I appreciate having the opportunity to gallery sit and have a close and quiet view of the art. Of course it is great when we have visitors coming in and I hope that the word gets out to draw in more members of the public to the Gallery.

Dianne Gillis-Robinson

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was raised in an Air Force family. I had lived in seven US States and Japan by the time I graduated from high school, in a little farming town of Limestone, Maine. Of my sixty three fellow graduating seniors, I also participated in the potato harvest and worked on a combine harvester separating rocks from potatoes. Graduating from such a small community school, I did not have the opportunity to develop an art portfolio, but I did illustrate some of the yearbook. My greatest desire was to attend art school after graduation, but due to a generous offer from my parents to attend university and study anything BUT art, I obtained a B.S. in Marketing.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

I have been volunteering for about a year, after returning to Alaska for the third time. This is my first volunteer opportunity relating to art, having volunteered in a variety of organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters to starting a non-profit organization some fifteen years ago. Art and supporting the arts are my focus now, so volunteering at IGCA was a natural fit.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

I actually enjoy the four hours that I have to enjoy the exhibitions, explore what I think the artist is conveying and to meet fellow supporters of the arts when they visit. On days when we don’t have many visitors, the quiet of the gallery allows me to read a book, sketch or just daydream.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

I enjoyed volunteering during the Stephen Gray exhibit. Seeing the varied reactions and impressions from visitors and watching how they engaged with his art was exciting to see. I feel that each exhibit gifts a little insight into the artist and art itself so it is difficult to choose my favorite!

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share that involves the gallery (gallery sitting or otherwise)?

This winter had a few cold snaps so wearing my mittens and heavy boots while volunteering was a uniquely Anchorage experience. By the next time I volunteered, Joe had done a fine job of repairing the heating, but I was dressed for the North Slope so I was feeling a little “tropical” that day!

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

Because I divide my time between Anchorage and our farm in Blacksburg, Virginia, I belong to a regional arts organization there. I also am a member of the Alaska Artist Guild.

What do you love about Anchorage?

So, because I have moved around so often (seventeen times so far) and never lived anywhere longer than seven years, I consider Anchorage my home. My son was born here and my daughter began kindergarten an Northern Lights ABC back when it was in Spenard. I love how Anchorage embraces the darkness of our winter months with lights and festivals. And I love how Anchorage attracts people from around the world and how their stories and backgrounds have made this city a little quirky but wildly interesting.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

Yes, (big happy sigh), I am an artist. Finally. After years of fitting the odd sketch or painting into a busy life, I am now able to devote myself full time to my practice of oil painting. I am still developing a consistent style and have a lot of artistic exploration in my future!

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

I’ve been nursing my first sourdough starter along and it is named “Vincent van Dough”. I have not been able to paint recently but have been establishing some veggies using the Kratky Method of Passive Hydroponics. I think I’ll be able to pick up my brushes again when my baby lettuces are about two inches high. 

Deborah Hansen

Can you tell us a little about your background?

While Anchorage has been home since 1982, I’ve also lived in California, Texas, Massachusetts, and Paris. My BA is from Wellesely College and MBA from Stanford University. I’m planning to apply to the BFA program at UAA this coming fall.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

The IGCA is an important part of our arts community and I felt that it was important to contribute by volunteering. I’ve been volunteering for a year since I retired.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

When it’s quiet, gallery sitting is a great time to actually look at the art show and think. I also like reading. When it’s busy, I like talking to the tourists about their trips.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

I loved the experimental drawing show that Graham Dane curated and really enjoyed Don Mohr’s piece on doing a drawing. He asked questions that I often ask myself.

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share that involves the gallery (gallery sitting or otherwise)?

The funniest thing are the questions that the tourists ask; one is considered an expert by virtue of sitting behind a desk. I was once asked how to draw better.

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

I do volunteer for another non profit and support my husband’s extensive volunteer activities.

What do you love about Anchorage?

The best part about Anchorage is the community and sense of neighborhood. I also love the light and the landscape.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

I am a sculptor; my work is fairly representational in wood, ceramic and mixed media - found material, metal and fabric. I’ve been very interested in gold leaf lately.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

Hunkering down has been good for housecleaning and getting art done. I’ve enjoyed the quiet time; I’ve been thinking about how I spend my time.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the IGCA community?

Anchorage has a vibrant arts community and we shouldn’t take all the parts for granted from UAA, APU, the high schools, grade schools and the galleries and artists. I appreciate all the support that I’ve received from artists here, everything from advice to equipment loans.

Mary Kancewick

Mary has been a member of, and a volunteer for, IGCA, for going on a decade now. A poet, she tapped artists she met through IGCA for cover art and for art to separate the sections of her recently published poetry collection Be-hooved (University of Alaska Press, 2019). She held her well-attended book release at the gallery, noting that many poems had been written at the volunteer desk. Mary writes as “Mar Ka,” and former Alaska Poet Laureate Tom Sexton has said of her work: “Mar Ka’s poems throw light even when the subject is dark.”

Of her own work Mary says:

“The art of poetry, like other arts, including the visual arts, is an exploration of individual experience towards approaching something universal. I think of the recent collection, Be-hooved, as a layered spiritual memoir, a testament to hope before change, persistence before confusion, and empathy before difference.“

Six years ago, in honor of her daughter’s sixteenth birthday, Mary and her daughter, sharing their interests in poetry and photography, put together a poetry-and-photography show in what was then the IGCA guest gallery. Mary hopes that someday she and her now adult daughter will repeat that memorable experience.

In these meantimes, she writes and skis.

Discover more about Mary and her work at www.markapoet.com.

Linda Lucky

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I’m a former New Yorker. I taught Art for 30 years in the public school system on Long Island (one year upstate NY). I retired in 1998. Spent four years traveling a lot. Then came the provocative email from my daughter in January 2002. Would I come to AK for just one year? I said I’ll get back to you. In 3 ½ minutes I emailed back Yes! I can do this. I had traveled up here 8 times visiting, so I knew what I was getting into. As soon as I landed, I hooked up with the artists’ community. This is where I knew my soul would be happiest.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

I’ve been interested in the IGCA since when I first visited my daughter in Anchorage in the late 90’s. The name alone intrigued me. INTERNATIONAL GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART. I checked the Yellow Pages and found it on Arctic Blvd. I don’t remember what was on the walls but it definitely gave off a heavy gallery vibe. It was for me! I joined a month after I moved here, so I could be in their upcoming member show right away! This would be my gallery.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

The best thing about sitting is seeing/meeting people who love and support art! And to see the new show quietly without a crowd. What really makes sitting special is when the artist shows up who made the show! You get a special private tour then!

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

There have been so many great shows along the way. These stand out in my memory: Esther Hong’s color portrait drawings back in Dec 2007, Stephen Gray’s “Guilty Pleasures” from 2019 and a group show: “Mother”, curated by Esther Hong, 2015. I am honored to have had a piece in the Mother show. And of course I think my dog show in the Guest Room in 2007 was exceptional. :)

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share that involves the gallery (gallery sitting or otherwise)?

My favorite memory is sitting the gallery on Saturday the 7th of April, 2012, the day Anchorage broke the snowfall record in the city!! We just needed one more inch to break the record. I was rooting for it!! It snowed like crazy from early in the morning and never stopped, to my delight!! By 4pm, I knew it had fallen the needed inch! In my fantasy, the snow and I were in it together to break that record! lol

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

I’ve been a volunteer docent at the Anchorage Museum since January 2003. My favorite tours to lead are Art and the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center. Also I am the President of the 35+ Singles Dance Club, a small non-profit in Anchorage for many years. It’s a charming social club that features live music for the singles crowd with some open dances for married couples.

What do you love about Anchorage?

I love that Anchorage is so easy to navigate. It’s a manageable city. Things are close together. I love its neighborhoods of hipness, diversity, and it’s outdoor fun. And most of all I love its full and talented, ever growing arts community!

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

Yes, I am an artist. I draw, I paint, I take pictures, I build papier mache dogs, I write and perform monologues. I would say my art is upbeat. My monologues are funny.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

I am enjoying hunkering down, love not having anywhere I have to be, but it’s so surreal! The only way I know what day it is, is by garbage pick up and the TV schedule! :) I’ve been lax with structure. Sometimes stay in pajamas all day!

My hunker down project has been to photograph my neighbor’s snow sculpture called Bunnyhenge in her front yard, in all the stages of melt. I post my fav pics on Instagram.

As for indoor activities, it’s about cleaning and digging through finding stuff and making art of course.

Nathan Perry

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am originally from Great Falls, Montana. A third generation Montanan, one of three boys. My parents grew up in very small, rural communities in the state and I was always exposed to nature and the outdoors. My Father traveled and did hearing testing in rural communities around Montana for the young and Seniors and would take us on his travels at times. We got to hang out on Hutterite Colonies, Montana Native Tribal Agencies, Military Bases and all sorts of communities that I found fascinating. I think that experience really brought forth a desire to travel and explore. Both of my parents were very artistic. My father was a photographer, glass blower, wood carver and a band drummer (he passed away twelve years ago) and my mother is an interior decorator, painter and pastel artist who has been showing regularly in art galleries around Montana. They were very encouraging for me to pursue art and music so I was always drawing and playing make shift drums on pots and pans growing up.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

I have been volunteering for about three years. I have always felt a desire to volunteer. I volunteered at a Women's Shelter, an AIDS Hospice and Soup Kitchen before coming to IGCA. I felt compelled to help out in a community setting that brought Art to the forefront. I am also very inspired with the Artwork and Artists Statements that the Gallery has on display and find it a wonderful space for ideas and provoking thought.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

I often bring a Sketchbook or Drawing to work on while I am at the Gallery. I also watch YouTube videos of Art Tutorials or Art History Series. I also enjoy sauntering around and looking at all of the artwork that the gallery has on display. The thing I like most about gallery sitting is getting to talk with visitors (particularly visitors who are on vacation in Alaska) and hear what their views are about Alaskan Art.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

I often find the Photography Exhibits to be my favorite though they are ALL GOOD! I think photography represents and really encapsulates the actual subject matter in ways that most people can understand and presents it in new and interesting ways that really enhances how we view the world around us.

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

AIGA for Graphic Designers and I help out sometimes with Sevigny Gallery and Dos Manos Gallery.

What do you love about Anchorage?

The population size of the City, the fact that it has constant activities going on during all seasons of the Year, the People, the character and uniqueness of the People and the CIty, the proximity to the Forest, Sea and Mountains, the trails, the wild life, the Art Scene, the Music Scene, the pubs, the restaurants. LOVE IT!!!

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

Yes I am an Artist who works primarily with Scratchboard, Graphite and Acrylics. My Artwork ranges from Realistic Figurative Representation to Non Objective Abstraction and everything in between. I am inspired by the Outdoors, Portraiture, Spiritual Themes and Abstract Expressionism.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

I have been working from home as a Graphic Designer for The Alaska Club and taking on hobbies I have always wanted to do. I am learning Ukulele and Harmonica and trying to learn how to Juggle and shuffle cards. Also been watching a lot of AMAZING YouTube videos from AMAZING ARTISTS and MUSICIANS along with listening to plenty of Podcasts. I also love Classic Movies and have been watching quite a few of them. Also listening to Audiobooks, currently on Pride and Prejudice and A Course in Miracles. Been also doing a lot of Hiking and Winter Biking and learning how to to make Tortilla Shells from scratch (not as easy as it looks).

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the IGCA community?

My motto is learn from the Masters and focus on your purpose for Creating.

Mikhail Siskoff

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up in Chugiak Alaska near Peter's Creek and I moved to downtown Anchorage at 21 when I got my first professional job.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA?

3 years, I think?

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

When I'm gallery sitting, I like to bring along a small box of magazines, my cutting mat, and my x-acto knife. Working in the gallery space, surrounded by all the great work by my fellow members is inspiring but also I like the change of scenery from working at home. It can be very quiet at times but a welcome distraction when visitors come and I can answer questions about the exhibit or about what the heck I'm doing with these old magazines.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

The members exhibition is always the one I look forward to the most because I get to see a little bit of what everyone has been working on. I think the most memorable for me so far was Stephen Gray's exhibition the World's Forgotten Boy.

What do you love about Anchorage?

There are a lot of things to love about Anchorage (I write about them in my blog) but particularly, I admire our big city ambition. I think IGCA plays an important role in fulfilling that ambition.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

I'm a visual artist, currently, I'm focused on collage. My work varies from surreal to dada but is consistently vintage with materials primarily from the '60s and '70s.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

I just finished a commission for a charity album for Independent Music News, they're raising money to buy meals for employees of the National Health Service in the UK.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the IGCA community?

I just want to thank the staff and volunteers for hard work and innovation to exhibit the member's show during this crisis. You've all gone above and beyond and the results are truly impressive. I think I speak for the entire membership when I say, thank you.

Sharon Trager

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up in Detroit, Michigan. My love of art started in High School and gave me my first sense of direction and purpose. I attended Sienna Heights College and Eastern Michigan University earning a BFA with a major in Drawing.

After graduating and a bit of a disillusionment with the employment possibilities I went back to school earning teaching degree in Art Education. I started teaching in Michigan as my wandering spirit drew me westward. I taught in Iowa, Nebraska, and eventually Idaho where I met my husband who began a conversation involving moving to Alaska to teach in the “bush”. Shortly after we flew to Fairbanks to attend a teaching job fair and landed a “couple” teaching positions in the Village of Goodnew Bay, part of the Lower Kuskoskwim School District. The experience of living and working in Goodnews to this day is one of my most treasured experiences.

I began teaching Elementary Art for the Anchorage School District in the mid 90’s and at the same time working and exhibiting my own work. When I retired from teaching, the Gallery had been on my radar as someplace I wanted to contribute. I had always appreciated those who volunteered when I was working.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

Volunteering is usually a quiet time. I bring things to read, paperwork I need to do, sketch book and a snack. I usually take the opportunity to really spend time with the work on exhibit.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

I think one of my favorite exhibitions in the last year was Don Decker’s drawings. There is something about having the whole gallery filled with one person’s work that appeals to me. I get a real sense of the process, journey and feel I really get to experience the work in a satisfying way. The other exhibit that stands out is Joe Carr’s automated wall-drawing robot. It just made me smile.

What do you love about Anchorage?

I really appreciate the community in Anchorage, the artistic community especially. Being part of the gallery helps me connect with so many other artists in town that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

In my own work I have worked in collage, painting, a wee bit of printmaking. The last several years I have made a push into more figurative work and painting. Before the quarantine I was participating in a weekly portrait painting group and the Life Drawing Sessions held at IGCA. This quarantine time is challenging but I do have a studio in my home so I am fortunate and I also have been participating is some zoom model time through an Austin, Texas studio which has been nice.

I’m looking forward to being able to connect with people again, whenever that may be.

Jen Wang

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was born in China but spent most of my life in Southeast Michigan. When I was three, my dad brought my mom and I to Detroit with nothing but an education and scholarship, and we lived in a basement studio by the college. My parents have come a long way to finding peace and stability. It took me a long time to appreciate that, because I was a crazy kid. I moved around a lot and ended up here in Anchorage.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

When gallery sitting I usually end up looking at the pieces, over and over. In a lot of work you'll find great details and meanings you've missed the first time, after you step away and come back with a different mind. It's very meditative to have so much time in a gallery and not feel a compulsion to stay busy, and just be there. Lots of window watching too. I love the visitors who come in and express what the work means to them, show me their own work, or straight up share their life story. It's not easy to walk into a public space and open up to a stranger like that, and is something I admire. The artwork on the walls really facilitate that too.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

The group shows are always a really fun showcase of the different artists around town. One exhibition I enjoyed very much was Stephen Gray's "The World's Forgotten Boy" earlier this year. It was the kind of show that hits you the way a very upbeat but sad song hits and makes you feel nostalgic. I also enjoyed Lloyd Crow's unique frames and the huge scale of his work. There are a lot of powerful messages, talent, and hard work on display each month.

What do you love about Anchorage?

I love that the city is not flashy, it's somewhat busy, but not so much so that it feels your voice is swallowed up.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

Yes. I work in oil paint and stuffed animal collages. My favorite themes are nature, and folklore and mythology. There's a lot of wisdom in both that I try to gather up and recycle.

Heidi Weiland

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up in Valdez, Alaska, and promptly moved away upon graduating high school. Having never experienced the cultural joys of urban life before, I fell in love with big cities and made it my mission to live in as many as possible, including London, Montreal, Buenos Aires & São Paulo.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

One of the first things I did when I moved to back to Alaska 8 years was to become a volunteer at IGCA. I wanted to support the contemporary culture scene and spend more time around inspiring art.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

I work online so the gallery is a great place to get work done. It's my favorite office, by far :)

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

I love the variety of work that comes through, as well as seeing how local artists interperet their experience of Alaska through their unique lens' of contemporary art.

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share that involves the gallery (gallery sitting or otherwise)?

A visitor once told me (in a thick German accent) that the IGCA is the only gallery in town where you can show a naked woman. Now, when people ask me what the IGCA is, that's what I tell them!

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere?

I work with the board of the Momentum Dance Collective and dj for ecstatic dances.

What do you love about Anchorage?

I love the combination of nature and urban life that Anchorage affords. There's so much to do and always new people to meet.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

I love all kinds of 2D mediums. If there are colors involved, then I've played with it. I'm obsessed with making portraits, which can either look hyperreal or like colorful abstracts. I'm also a DJ and love rich soundscapes.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

Serving my life coaching clients and the Anchorage community through my work. I hosted a 2 day online AK Holistic Wellness Gathering recently, which was my main COVID project. I've since taken some time off to clean the house and get outside!

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the IGCA community?

The IGCA is an amazing venue and incredibly resilient. I love the work you do.

Sarah Woolley

Can you tell us a little about your background?

Grew up in Louisiana. Came to AK in ‘81.

How long have you been volunteering for the IGCA? Why did you choose to become an IGCA volunteer?

I started in 2009 when Julie was still with IGCA. I love the gallery & what it offers to Alaska.

Gallery sitting can often be very quiet and solitary. What do you like about gallery sitting?

I love being in a space so energized with artists.

Do you have a favorite IGCA exhibition?

I loved Fran Reed’s retrospective and the members shows.

Do you have a funny or interesting story to share that involves the gallery (gallery sitting or otherwise)?

Was asked if could emergency gallery sit on a day I was watching a 4 year old girl. I brought her in & since it was nap time, she curled up on that glass desk top with no pillow, blanket or teddy bear & slept like a baby. It was amazing.

Are you involved in any other arts organizations or non-profits in Anchorage or elsewhere? What do you love about Anchorage?

I volunteer for Alaska State Parks, Alaska Fish & Game, Alaska National Parks, museum, & lots of other orginizations here & there. I love the beauty & wild areas.

Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work in and what is your artwork like?

I have a pottery studio, so I work in clay. My work is random, but love making creatures.

What have you been doing hunkering-down at home?

Ski, bike, hike, studio, cook (love gourmet food!) & kittens & cocktails. Plus I’m working overtime with State of AK - essential.