Published on October 22nd, 2009

Senungetuk among featured artists

By ALASKA NEWSPAPERS STAFF

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A new special exhibit featuring the work of Denali's Artists-in-Residence program is on display at the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks.

"Ascension: Exploring the Art of Denali" features the works of 20 artists including thos of Native sculptor Ron Senungetuk, fiber/quilt artist Ree Nancarrow, and painter Kesler Woodward. Paintings, historical photos and cultural objects from the museum's collections complete the exhibit.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 30, and the museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Each year the national park selects three or four artists for a 10-day residency. The artists use the historic East Fork patrol cabin, located 43 miles into the park, as their base. In return, each artist donates a piece of artwork inspired by their time in the park to Denali's art collection and offer a public presentation for visitors at the end of their residency.

Born in Wales, on the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, Senungetuk grew up with traditional Inupiaq values. His creative talents and intellect were recognized at an early age and he was sent to study at the Bureau of Indian Affairs high school in Sitka, Alaska. Senungetuk then went on to received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School for American Craftsman at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a degree from Statens Handverks og Kunstindustri Skole, Oslo, Norway, where he studied sculpture and metalsmithing.

Dedicated to the creative spirit and an objective to provide educational opportunities for young Native artists, Senungetuk founded and directed the University of Alaska Fairbanks Native Arts Center (1965-1986) and was head of the UAF Art Department from 1977 until his retirement in 1986. He has been a teacher, mentor, and supporter of talented Alaska Native students who might not have otherwise had the aspiration or opportunity to attend college. During his UAF tenure, he advocated to keep the center active for both established and emerging Native artists who did not necessarily meet the typical university enrollment requirements.

Senungetuk continues to produce art while living in Homer with his wife Turid. He regularly serves on public art committees and national and local art and craft advisory boards. He is a frequent speaker, presenter, and panelist addressing subjects including cultural identity, contemporary Native art, and traditional Alaska Native art.

Alaska Newspapers Staff can be reached at editor@alaskanewspapers.com, or by phone at

 

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