October at the Bear Gallery
By Zeke Shomler
This month, the 37th annual 64th Parallel Juried Exhibition featuring local Fairbanks artists is on display at the Bear Art Gallery in Pioneer Park. The diverse range of artistic subjects, mediums, and styles creates an exciting and engaging showcase of art from the Interior.
The exhibition was judged by Los Angeles fine art sculptor Roberto Benevidez. He selected the sixty-four pieces for display out of over 200 submissions, in addition to selecting the awardees.
When they invited Benevidez to be a juror, the Fairbanks Arts Association (FAA) staff members made sure to think about maintaining a diversity of artistic influences. As described by Blaine Lunsford, Communications Coordinator for FAA: “One of the things we like to do is make sure that we are hosting guest artists who work in a different medium each year, or maybe come from a different part of the country, or have a different approach to artwork or set of experience behind them. That way, we are ending up with a diversity of artistic experience and knowledge from our jurors as well, which, as a result, ends up in very different types of shows that they jury each year, which is exciting.”
This month, attendees of the exhibition were excited about its diversity. “It’s different, and fresh, and really cool, and you don’t necessarily walk in and see ‘Alaska’ when you walk in,” said Lunsford.
One attendee, Ellen, had a similar remark: “This is one of my favorite art exhibits of the year because it’s all these local artists that I am amazed at what they produce–there’s knitted things, there’s gorgeous things, there’s interesting things. There’s something around every corner to look at!”
The first-place “Juror’s Choice” prize went to Paul Stark for his oil painting Topors End. All four of Stark’s submissions were selected for display, each featuring Alaskan imagery in a playful and dynamic style.
Arctic Pass by Paul Stark
A wooden sculpture by Christopher M. Ehlers, entitled Harvest God, received the second-place prize. The wood piece seems to look straight at you, invoking awe and discomfort at the same time.
Harvest God by Christopher M. Ehlers
One exciting aspect of this exhibition is the way it includes wearable textile works. As Blaine Lunsford said, “The wearable art is a super neat addition that we have in the gallery–you don’t always have life-sized wearable art!” In the words of another attendee, “The clothing is spectacular! Sarah Dexter is very inspirational with her clothing work.”
Sarah Dexter’s wearable piece Aurora Belle Sleeve Dress received the third-place prize in addition to the Jared Baker Gutsy Art Award.
Aurora Belle Sleeve Dress by Sarah Dexter
Aurora Belle Sleeve Dress, detail
Shame and Acceptance by Sarah Dexter
Paintings ranged from personal scenes to nature to abstract work, all curated by Benavidez to create an engaging display that showcases the diversity of Fairbanks talent.
Still / Still Pulled / Still Retching by Daniell Stromanthe
Rainbow Mountain - On the Way to Fairbanks by Jeanne Cannon
And textiles weren’t just limited to wearables—the exhibition includes a number of tapestries, too! My personal favorite, Tanana Braids by Gail Davidson, received an Honorable Mention.
Tanana Braids by Gail Davidson
Rift by Bonni Brooks, another Honorable Mention recipient
Make sure you visit the exhibition before the end of the month to experience the exciting array of art that Fairbanks has to offer. I, for one, will be making at least one more trip to the gallery before the 27th for another taste of this enchanting exhibition.
The Bear Gallery is located on the 3rd floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts in Pioneer Park. This exhibition will be on display until October 27th, and is open Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm. Admission is free!