Alaska Watercolor Society 45th Annual Juried Exhibition: August First Friday

Please join us this First Friday, August 2 from 5-7 for the opening of the Alaska Watercolor Society 45th Annual Juried Exhibition.

The Alaska Watercolor Society was formed in 1974 as a not-for-profit organization to help promote the knowledge and understanding of professional watercolor painting in Alaska. The Society sponsors an annual juried water media exhibition that is open to all artists, 18 years or older, living in the United States.

There are 25 gorgeous watercolors for you to peruse - artists are from Alaska to Georgia! Don't miss these lovely pieces! These talented individuals have been selected by Juror Frank Eber. Frank was raised in Europe and mentored by Italian master painter Renato Casao. In the 80's and 90's he worked as a professional illustrator and portrait artist by commission. He travels and paints throughout the world.

ARTIST CREDITS:
Above: Seiners #2 (detail) by Mark McDermott & Succulent Shadows, Plants with Interesting Cast (detail) by Renate Martin
Below: Potato Bottom Camp – White Rim Trail (detail) by Nancy Brady & Alaska: Day Cruise, Sighting Sea Lions (detail) by Sandy Winfree

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February First Friday

Come enjoy chocolate, sparkling cider and friends this First Friday, February 1, from 5-7 pm. We will be featuring artists Polly Lewis, Deborah Deal and Kate Goodell.

Fiber artist Polly Lewis develops her designs from antique kimono fabric, creating elegant and unique handbags, pins, cuffs, cellphone holders and drawstring bags - perfect for small knitting projects!

Debora Deal is know for her extraordinary glass work. Whether a glass slipper or a bouquet of wildflowers, her work will be perfect in a window, tabletop or custom niche! Each piece is a one-of-a-kind delight.

Jewelry designer Kate Goodell’s Viking heritage led her to an enchantment with ancient Norse wire-weaving techniques. Using sterling silver and gold filled or gold vermeil, she incorporates hand selected precious and semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals from around the world to create stunning jewelry.

For our non-profit in February we will have a donation jar to assist the Food Bank of Alaska. We will also take non-perishable food donations. With the recent government shut-down, we are reminded that people may be needing a little extra to get through the winter months. Join us in doing what we can for our community.

We also want to assure our customers that while 2 Friends Gallery is for sale, we will continue to remain open and will have new items coming in as usual. If you are interested in buying our beautiful gallery, please contact Sam Steele at Jack White Realty: (90) 240-9489.

November First Friday: Kicking off the Holiday Season!

Please join us this First Friday, November 2, from 5-7 as we celebrate friends, art, and the festive season to come. The gallery is all decked out for Christmas and Hanukkah with a fresh selection of ornaments, mittens, holiday cards, and other cozy winter-inspired delights.

Our November non-profit is AWAIC, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis.

In the fall of 1976, a volunteer group of determined Anchorage women decided to address their concerns about domestic violence in the community. Hard work and persistence resulted in the creation of a safe home for battered women and their children. Initially, the shelter provided only temporary, emergency refuge where victims could escape abuse and have time to consider their options for the future. As staff collected more information on domestic violence, programs expanded to include the dynamics of battering, addictive behavior patterns, traditional male/female roles and how violence is perpetrated in society. In January of 1983, AWAIC opened the doors of the present facility. The 52-bed shelter allows women and children a stay of up to one month with extensions on approval.

Last year, AWAIC provided more than 20,000 shelter nights to 436 women and 245 children, reaching or exceeding capacity 55 percent of the time.

Holiday volunteer opportunities at AWAIC include gathering donations of winter gear for women and children, along with nightgowns, children's PJ's, and underwear. You can also adopt a family, wrap gifts, provide a food basket for non-residential clients, or come in and cook Christmas dinner!

To learn more, call 279-9581 or visit www.awaic.org.

May First Friday

We're pleased to feature two wonderful artists, Vonnie Gaither and Kate Goodell for the month of May! Please join us this First Friday, May 4 from 5-7 pm to take in their beautiful work and enjoy live music by musician Kenny Blackwell.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, painter Vonnie Gaither moved to Anchorage in 1970. Her vibrant art has been exhibited statewide in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Girdwood. She says her dream came true when her paintings traveled beyond the borders of Alaska. She participated in a First Friday Exhibit at October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has exhibited at Ninth Life Gallery in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She also won an award in the SOHO international Art Competition in New York! Her work currently is exhibited in several local office buildings, hospitals, and galleries.

A retired CPA, Kate Goodell now explores her creative side by designing jewelry. Born and raised in Alaska, she brings a broad range of life experiences, from exploring remote locations in the Alaska wilderness to traversing Europe, Central and South America in pursuit of a greater understanding of history and culture. From early childhood she has collected rocks, shells and beach glass, developing a love for geology. Her Viking heritage led her to an enchantment with ancient wire-weaving techniques. Kate's modern designs use only the finest materials available, such as sterling silver and gold filled or gold vermeil, and incorporate hand selected precious and semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals from around the world.

Our May non-profit is Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska. Their missions is to support Alaskans affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and to ensure quality of life until a cure is found. They are committed to providing information, education support and services to frail elders, individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska have served Alaskans since 1984 and works in over 200 communities statewide.

Be sure to check out their upcoming event, Amblin' for Alzheimer's, and to give generously to this important organization.