School Is Different This Year

Last year, the exterior of Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat Elementary did not reflect the curiosity and intelligence of the charismatic young students who attend this K-2 school in Bethel.      

This August, when students return to school, they will learn in a place where they actively transformed their environment based on their experiences with the guidance of a visiting artist.  

As part of her public art and teaching residency project, artist Justine Pechuzal taught drawing lessons at ME School. Early exposure to art, travel and a love of story inspired her to pursue a career in art with an emphasis in environmental and community art. Justine moved to Seward in 2005 after working for a summer as a sea kayak guide, and now calls the town of 3,500 home year round.

In this new place of education and exploration, the message for students is, "The sky is the limit!"

Justine also created a permanent public artwork for ASCA's Percent for Art Program. A digital image of her original painting was printed on an acrylic light box and mounted near the main entrance. At night it illuminates the walkway. The tire swing's diagonal movement suggests the joyful energy of the children. The placement of figures above town represents an exciting new growth stage of life, 'taking off' from home life and entering the wider world through school and learning.

Photos by Mik Jedlika and Josh Thomas.

• Artist: Pat Belec, ballroom dancer, singer, and arts educator.
• Arts in Education: Heather Ridgway, artist and Juneau School District arts teacher.
• Arts Organization: The Juneau Lyric Opera celebrates its 40th anniversary of bringing quality operas, musicals, and vocal performances to Juneau and surrounding communities. 
•  Business Leadership for the Arts: Annie Kaill's celebrates 40 years of being a favorite shop for Juneau locals and visitors alike with their wide selection of Alaskan artwork.
• Innovative Application of the Arts: Ron Gile is the founder, creative inspiration and driving force behind the Juneau Photo Group (a free facebook group).
• Patron of the Arts: ConocoPhillips Alaska steadfastly supports many of the arts groups in Juneau, providing important operating income to allow the programming each offers to continue.
• Lifetime Achievement in the Arts: Linda Rosenthal has had, and continues to have, a strong-and welcome-impact on Juneau.

Fairbanks Arts Association | Teaching Artist Academy

August 22-23 

The Fairbanks Arts Association is offering a teaching artist professional development opportunity for artists interested in becoming involved with the Fairbanks Artists in Schools program. Sessions will be held at the Fairbanks Arts Association, and complete information and registration is available at http://fairbanksarts.org/how-to-become-an-ais-artist/.  Or contact education@fairbanksarts.org, or (907) 456-6485 x222. 

What is the Teaching Artists Training Academy?

* Professional development for area artists to qualify for Alaska State Teaching Artist status. This will be a lively and informative series of hands-on presentations by expert teachers and administrators who will share knowledge, skills and techniques. A certificate will be awarded on completion of the course to equip you to work effectively in Fairbanks classrooms and beyond. *Advice on how to negotiate contracts, market yourself as a teaching artist and how to join the Alaska State Teaching Artist Roster (AK STAR) of the Alaska State Council on the Arts. *Dialogue and community building among local artists and educators about teaching in and through the arts. Topics to be discussed will include: Application process, importance of residencies, Alaska State standards, FNSBSD Arts, developmental levels, differentiated learning, classroom management strategies, collaboration for successful residencies, and the business of being a teaching artist.

Out of a Jam WordPress Workshop 

September 18-19, 2015 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

642 South Alaska Street, Suite 200, Palmer AK

You can build and maintain a website yourself, using the most powerful tools available today. Powerful and user friendly, you will learn to master all the basics; no experience with Wordpress required.  From installing WordPress to customizing it with themes and plugins, we will give you the tools and experience you need to take control of your online identity.

The cost of the workshop is $499. This two day, 14 hour course includes breakfast and lunch both days, materials, and an hour of one-on-one support after the course. Register for one day for $299. Non-profit organizations receive a 10% discount. 

Register Here 

Rasmuson Foundation 2015 Sabbatical

Deadline: October 1

Alaska-based nonprofit and tribal executives interested in Rasmuson Foundation's Sabbatical Program have until October 1 to apply. Now entering its 12th year, the program offers awards up to $40,000 to cover salary and expenses incurred during a two- to six-month sabbatical.

Nonprofit organizations benefit when their leaders engage in well-planned sabbaticals. An extended leave allows the leader, the board and staff to develop new perspectives, and often energizes organizational innovation

Executives from tribes and all nonprofit sectors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be an Alaska resident with at least five years in the nonprofit sector and at least three years in the position of CEO, president, executive director, or tribal administrator. The program is designed to provide time away from the office for rest and personal renewal.

The application requires a written plan for how the organization will be managed in the leader's absence and a letter from the organization's board endorsing its executive's decision to apply for the sabbatical.

The primary criteria for selection are 1) the benefit of the sabbatical to the individual and the organization; 2) demonstrated ability of the organization to sustain itself in the executive's absence; and 3) the executive's demonstrated level of performance and leadership within the organization. Personal interviews with finalists play a major role in the decision process. The process is competitive.

Guidelines and application materials are available at the Foundation's website or by calling (907) 297-2700 or toll free (within Alaska) at 1-877-366-2700. Leaders can also be nominated (by anyone) online. Individuals nominated must also complete and submit an application.  

Registration for the National Arts Marketing Project Conference Open

Americans for the Arts | Salt Lake City November 6-9

This year's NAMP Conference provides the practical tools and strategies to turn ideas into action. Build your digital marketing arsenal, learn the technology trends to engage your patrons, and hear the latest creative revenue streams from experts in the field. Once your organization has the right tools to Lift Off, your organization's future will be brighter and undeniably sustainable. 

Visit http://www.artsmarketing.org/conference for complete information and registration. Including information about scholarships for members of AFTA to attend. These scholarships provide arts marketers, audience engagement professionals and development staff with financial assistance to attend the conference. Once on-site attendees gain access to innovative marketing research and audience engagement strategies through a series of dynamic session trainings, panel discussions and workshops. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from experts from the field and network with arts marketers from across the country.

Rasmuson Artist Residency Program

Deadline: August 15, 2015

Rasmuson Foundation launched the Artist Residency Program in 2013. The program supports eight-week residencies for Alaska artists at Lower 48 organizations, and welcomes accomplished artists from Outside to Alaska organizations. The goals of the Artist Residency Program are to support the creative growth of Alaska's artists and arts organizations, expose Alaskans to new work and creative processes of Lower 48 artists, and introduce Lower 48 communities to unique Alaska perspectives through extended engagements with artists.

360 Xochi Quetzal: Free Winter Artist Residency in Central Mexico

December 16, 2015 - January 14, 2016

Application Deadline: September 27, 2015

360 Xochi Quetzal is a FREE artist residency located on Lake Chapala, Mexico. International writers, playwrights, visual artists, fiber artists, filmmakers, photographers, new media artists, dancers and musicians are all welcome to apply for a 1-month residency. We also have a personal residency program for artists who need longer periods of creative time (1 - 6 months). Write 360xochiquetzal@gmail.com for details. Apply through CAF�  www.callforentry.org 

Early Bird Discount: Use Coupon Code XQEARLY by 9/1/15 for 20% application discount

The Anchorage Concert Association, Alaska's largest arts presenting organizations, has an opening for a creative, enthusiastic, and collaborative individual for the position of Communications Specialist. We are seeking someone with a passion for music, media, and marketing and with a desire to be part of an arts organization (nonprofit) that seeks to entertain and inspire Alaskans through the performing arts.

The Communications Specialist is a part of the Marketing team and is responsible for content creation, social media management, e-mail marketing, media relations, and other duties to help sell tickets to ACA's annual season of concerts and events. Strong applicants will be able to demonstrate creative problem solving, strong copy-writing skills, and the ability to work independently and within a team. Benefits include full health benefits, retirement program, tickets to ACA presentations and special events throughout the year, summer hours, and training. 

To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and copy for use in a Facebook post. The cover letter should describe why you would be a strong candidate and how your skills and experience will benefit ACA. Your Facebook post should be about one of ACA's artists and invite the public to take interest in the group. For more information and to see a full job description, visit our webpage at http://www.anchorageconcerts.org/about/jobs.  E-mail all information to  jobs@anchorageconcerts.org