Alaska is a land of extremes. Its state capital has no road access and can only be reached by air or sea. The city of Barrow has the longest days, with nearly three months of continual sunshine, and the longest nights, with darkness that lasts for two months. Temperatures can range from 100 degrees to -80 below, and Alaska is actually closer to Russia than it is to the rest of the United States.
These things make Alaska one of the most intriguing places on earth. They have also inspired a range of cultural activities and artistic pursuits in the state. The varied world of Alaskan art includes everything from public art programs, to specialized film festivals, to theatrical and musical performances.
For those that enjoy all types of art, there are several places to visit and get a taste of the cultural happenings in the state. The best spots to check out are the Native cultural centers scattered around Alaskan towns. These offer a glimpse into local dance, music, visual arts, crafts, storytelling, and even film festivals.
Creative Arts
Because of the large population of Native Alaskans and the significant role they play in Alaskan history, much attention is given to this cultural group in local events and museums. Many useful native crafts have evolved into artistic masterpieces, and they are now displayed in museums across the state. Drawings, paintings, carvings, sculpture, and basketry are just a few of the items to be found at such exhibitions.
There are several unique museums of note in Alaska. Many of them display arts and crafts by local artists and Native Alaskan groups, including Eskimo, Aleut, and the Athabascan people. The Alaska State Museum, which oversees the Alaska State Museum in Juneau and the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka, counts between them thousands of arts and crafts objects. These are largely items from Native Alaskans and have historical significance to the culture and heritage of local people.
The Anchorage Museum is the largest museum in the state. This museum houses many collections and exhibits that display Alaska's history, artwork, and crafts. Fine arts and crafts such as basketry, carving, masks, and more are on display here. A collection of outdoor artwork, Museums without Walls, is also on display in the area, as a result of the Percent for Art program.
In addition to museums, there are a number of festivals and heritage centers that celebrate the craftsmanship of local artists. A large craft event that takes place every other year is the Earth, Fire, and Fibre: the Biennial Alaska Juried Craft Exhibition at the Anchorage Museum. This event alternates each year with the All Alaska Juried Statewide Art Exhibition.
Performing Arts
Alaskan music and dance run the gamut from classical styles, to folk, to Native. For classical music, visitors can attend concerts and performances by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra; the Anchorage Youth Symphony; the Juneau Symphony Orchestra; either of the two orchestras under the Fairbanks Symphony Association umbrella; attend the Sitka Summer Music Festival; or the hear the Anchorage Opera.
Classical dance lovers can enjoy productions by the Alaska Dance Theatre in Anchorage; the Ketchikan Ballet Theatre; or the University of Alaska's Department of Theatre and Dance.
For lovers of folk music, a variety of festivals and events take place, including the Annual Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau, the Fairbanks Folk Fest, and the Anchorage Folk Festival. Those who enjoy folk dancing can join any of the many folk dance associations in nearly every town in Alaska, ranging from cloggers, to Israeli dance, to contra and country dance.
Visitors who are interested in Native Alaskan and Native American music and dance can find a variety of performances throughout the year. Many of these feature local musicians and dancers who perform traditional pieces and offer workshops, classes, and celebrations.
Theater lovers who come to Alaska will not be disappointed. From the flagship professional Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, to the Lyric Opera in Juneau, to the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre, a variety of theater styles exist. Anchorage itself is home to half a dozen theater groups, and there are many more around the state, including community and university groups.
Film and Literature
Alaska has been the subject of many films and books over the years. The rugged history, wild landscapes, dangerous seas, and diverse cultures lend themselves to intriguing and exciting tales and documentaries. Writers such as Jack London have brought the wilderness of the Yukon and northern Alaska to readers young and old. Oral history, storytelling, and festivals continue the literary traditions of Alaska, recounting its history and people in ways that often differ from those of the rest of the country.
Filmmakers utilize Alaska for scenery and conditions that cannot be duplicated on a Hollywood film set. Alaska also hosts several film festivals throughout the year. The Anchorage International Film Festival is held here, as well as several specialty festivals such as the Alaska Oceans Film Festival, the Native Film Festival, and the Far North Conservation Film Festival.
Alaska is a unique place. Geographically removed from the continental United States, this state is a specialized mixture of people, history, and landscape found nowhere else. These factors come together to create an interesting and eclectic mix of artistic and cultural activities that visitors to Alaska are sure to appreciate!
