Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch, but I think the human impulse toward art-making and the varied beauty of animal creations have their roots in the same soil.
Salt-lick sculpture and hornets’ nests: Windsor animal artists at work
First Kurdish sculpture symposium commences in Mahabad
This pioneering event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Kurdish community, with four Kurdish sculptors among the participants tasked with immortalizing six prominent figures from Mahabad.
Opus 40 Sculpture Park to receive $350,000 grant from NYS Council on the Arts
SAUGERTIES- Erika Mallin, executive director of the New York State Council on the Arts, announced that NYSCA will be allocating $32 million in capital project funding for organizations. One of those capital projects funding is $350,000 to Opus 40. “The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the […]
Pro landscape photographer John Miskelly on why he likes playing the long game
“While I’m very fortunate to work as a professional landscape photographer, it’s also really important to challenge yourself and find those personal projects that get your creative juices flowing. Being able to combine my photography with my love of being in wild and remote places, whether that be on a beach or in the mountains, is my perfect combination. With that in mind, I’ve been working on a series of images over the past couple of years that represent these wild places, where the weather often becomes an integral part of the image and contributes to the emotion that I felt whilst being there.
Most of the images in this series are long exposures, ranging from 30 seconds to eight minutes. I use long exposure to remove unnecessary detail from the water and the sky. That allows me to create strong, simple compositions free of distractions. These images were all taken in challenging weather conditions, whether that was a blizzard in Senja, storms in Lofoten or gale-force winds in Iceland, while the image from Harris in the Outer Hebrides was taken on a much more ‘normal’ Scottish day, which was simply cold and wet! As you can see, I’m drawn to those colder and more rugged locations.
The biggest challenge in a project like this is keeping the gear as dry as possible, particularly the front of the filters that I almost always use, along with ensuring my own safety, especially when balancing on the rocks with big waves coming in with the storm, as they did in Uttakleiv in Lofoten.
When I was in Iceland recently, the main road that runs around the country, called Route One, had been closed for a 200km section for nearly two days due to gale-force winds. After being stuck for 36 hours at Vestrahorn, I managed to get to Diamond Beach, and I was the only person there. I had to sleep in the back of the car as it rocked and rolled, and I cooked my dinner in the nearby gents’ toilets. But the dawn light was amazing and it was a true privilege to experience the rawness of nature.
In terms of kit, I like to keep it relatively simple and light, preferring to use a couple of lenses that I know really well and know how they’ll perform. I use a Nikon Z 7, often paired with the Z 24-70mm f/4 S zoom and a PC-E 24mm f/3.5 tilt-shift lens, which I absolutely love for its optical quality. I also use the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S ultra-wide zoom when I need something wider as it’s also fabulous. The weather-sealing is top class, it’s never let me down over all the years I’ve used it, along with my previous Nikon gear. When this setup is paired with my LEE ND filters, I’m able to capture my signature long-exposure images.
I think this is one of those series that won’t be finished for quite some time, as it’s not every day you get the right combination of weather, tides and light. Of course, this is part of the attraction in going for something that is both challenging to achieve and very satisfying when you get the feeling that you’ve captured something a bit special”.
About John Miskelly
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Local photographer focused on helping others
Not having many photographs of his family growing up, Michael Hudson makes it his mission to ensure those who want lasting images of significant life events have them.
“I had very few photos of myself and my family growing up, so I always just wanted to capture people,” Hudson said. “My job is to deliver memories to people. I’m in search of the perfect portrait.”
Police seek tips after sculpture in Tecumseh Art Trail defaced
Tecumseh police say someone drew what appeared to be a business or group logo on a gorilla-shaped sculpture in the city’s annual public art exhibit.
Unique works of sculpture shown for first time
‘Spirit of Anatta – Duo Exhibition of Sculpture Works by Yang Dongbai and Shi Jinsong’ is showing at
Do Ho Suh’s sculpture “Public Figures” graces Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art
Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s sculpture “Public Figures” is now on view at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.
Here’s what happening for First Friday in May
Robes and quilts will loom large during May’s First Friday as two new Alaska Native exhibits are scheduled to debut at the city and state museums while a three-day quilt show opens at Centennial Hall.
More than 45 Alaska Native artists are scheduled to participate in the opening of the exhibit “Protection: Adaptation & Resistance” at the Alaska State Museum from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The themes will be wide-ranging in material and tone, ranging from the illustrators of the comic book “Chickaloonies” offering workshops to programming focusing on the upcoming National Day of Recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons on May 5.
Among the other artists at the exhibit are Louise Brady, organizer of the Herring Protector robes; Lily Wooshkindein Da.áat Hope, organizer of the Chilkat Protector mask; and Rico Worl, artist of the USPS Raven Story stamp, according to the museum. Asia Freeman, the exhibit’s curator, will moderate a discussion at 7 p.m. with artists Hope, Amber Webb, K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady and Rico Lanaat’ Worl.
Hope will also debut her exhibit “Yéil Koowú Átx’i Khaa Sháade Nákhx’i Yán Sákw Jeeyís: Ravenstail Regalia for Future Leaders” at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum at 4 p.m. The project features what’s claimed to be one of the largest collections of child-sized Ravenstail, with about 40 created by people throughout North America, which were also featured Tuesday as part of a weavers’ gathering, historical presentation and dance performance Tuesday at Centennial Hall.
The Capital City Quilters Guild will open their annual three-day show at noon on Friday. Works will be exhibited in three of the convention center’s ballrooms and be judged in multiple categories by Nancy Fuka, a nationally certified quilt judge. There will also be quilt demonstrations and other activities at the event which continues until 7 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
People observe images of space while laying on the floor at the Marie Drake Planetarium. (Marie Drake Planetarium photo)
The full calendar of this month’s First Friday events, as provided by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council:
Rebecca Hsieh, “Bite Sized,” Juneau Arts & Culture Center, 350 Whittier St., 4-7 p.m.
The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council presents “Bite Sized,” an immersive, interactive art exhibit by Rebecca Hsieh that explores the artist’s relationship with food. From traditional Cantonese dishes cooked by her family and favorite street foods, to traditional American foods she was exposed to as she immigrated to the United States — this exhibit illustrates the comfort, respite, and joy that food brings to the artist’s life. Visitors can interacting with these “bite-sized” pieces. Please be sure to have clean hands before touching the pieces and to please place them back to their original state.
Exhibit up through the month.
Alaska State Museum: “Protection: Adaptation and Resistance,” 395 Whittier Street, APK Building, 4:30-7 p.m.
New exhibit presents the work of more than 45 Alaska Native artists who explore the climate crisis, social justice, strengthening communities through ancestral knowledge and imagining a thriving future. A lecture follows the First Friday Opening at 7 p.m. Exhibit curator Asia Freeman will lead a discussion with artists Amber Webb, K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady, Lily Wooshkindein Da.aat, and Rico Lanaat’ Worl.
Exhibit up through the month.
Celebrate 50 years of KTOO broadcasting, KTOO Public Media, 360 Egan Drive, 4 – 6 p.m.
Join KTOO in celebrating a half-century of broadcasting during First Friday. Tune in from 2 to 4 p.m. on KTOO 104.3 and 91.7 or online for a special two-hour edition of Juneau Afternoon, featuring guests from KTOO’s past and present and live music. Open house at the station starts at 4 p.m. Light refreshments, tour the studios, and see photos and items from KTOO’s 50-year history on display. More information at https://www.ktoo.org/2024/04/29/celebrate-50-years-of-ktoo-broadcasting-on-first-friday.
First Friday opening only.
Capital City Quilters: 2024 Quilt Show, 101 Egan Drive, Centennial Hall, noon-7 p.m.
Free, professionally juried quilt show. There will be live quilting demonstrations, special exhibit ”Today’s Quilts — an Alaskan Perspective,” vendor and gift sales, and a silent auction. Continues Saturday and Sunday.
Exhibit up through the weekend.
Juneau Arts & Humanities Council: “Juneau Wildlife Portraits — Paintings and Photographs,” 101 Egan Drive, The Davis Gallery in Centennial Hall, 4-7 p.m.
Exhibit by Susan Watson and Christopher Grau includes nine of Susan’s acrylic paintings of Juneau wildlife (from Chris’s photographs), and 12 of Chris’s photographs of Juneau wildlife. The paintings are all 10×8”, the photographs are all 13×19”.
Exhibit up through the month.
Juneau Douglas City Museum: “Yéil Koowú Átx’i Khaa Sháade Nákhx’i Yán Sákw Jeeyís: Ravenstail Regalia for Future Leaders,” 114 W. 4th St., 4-7 p.m.
Ravenstail weaving known in Tlingit language as Yéil Koowú originates on the Northwest Coast of Alaska and Canada. The oldest known robe dates back to the 1700’s. Historic pieces have been preserved in museums across the world. This artform fell out of practice for 100 years until researcher Cheryl Samuel “woke” it up. It has largely been carried by Cheryl and one of her students, Kay Parker, who have both taught with historical pattern integrity intact. For this exhibition, weaver and Artist Lily Hope led a cohort of weavers to create child size robes with the intent that every student is training toward creating adult size ceremonial Yéil Koowú regalia. On display through Oct. 19.
Exhibit up through the month.
Marie Drake Planetarium: Open House, 1415 Glacier Ave., 5:30-7 p.m.
Explore the universe with our new digital projector and share some short full-dome movies on 30-foot dome. Suitable for all ages. No sign up needed.
First Friday opening only.
Sealaska Heritage Institute: SHI First Friday Mini-Market, metal artist Rudy Isturis, Arts Campus open, and student exhibit “Cameras Speak,” 105 Heritage Way, 4:30-7 p.m.
Walter Soboleff Building will feature mini-market and metal artist Rudy Isturis, who will showcase chasing and repoussé techniques. The Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus will feature wood artists and metal artists, and a “Camera Speak” student exhibit. “Cameras Speak” brings digital cameras and professional photographers to teach techniques to students in grades 6-12.
First Friday opening only.
Annie Kaill’s Gallery: Louise Kuntz-Tadda, ceramicist and Moondance Alaska by Colleen Goldrich, jeweler, 124 Seward St., 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Show with ceramicist Louise Kuntz-Tadda and jeweler Colleen Goldrich of Moondance Alaska.
First Friday opening only.
Willow + Luna: Alaskan Me- Made Line, 117 Seward St., 4-7 p.m.
Alaskan Mermaid Linx will be in the shop offering custom fitted jewelry that can be permanent or put together with a clap.
First Friday opening only.
Barnaby Brewing Company: Lanie McCarry, 165 Shattuck Way, 3-8 p.m.
Lanie’s art show this month focuses on creativity and her love of mountainscapes.
Exhibit up through the month.
Rainforest Yoga: Pam Garcia, Yoga Teacher, 171 Shattuck Way, 5-6 p.m.
Spring-themed poses like lotus, butterfly, sunflower, sunbird, boat…
First Friday opening only.
Rainbow Foods: New oil paintings by Page Bridges, 4th and Gold streets, 4:30-7 p.m.
Year two anniversary show on the peach wall above the baked goods. The new paintings are for sale. About 70 painting from 35 years will be on display throughout store.
Exhibit up through the month.
Alaska Robotics Gallery: Alec Dye, Illustrator, 134 N. Franklin St., 4-7 p.m.
Dye’s latest series “Crab” is an expressive and stylized exploration of Alaska’s favorite crustaceans through ink and watercolor.
Exhibit up through the month.
Spice Cafe & Art Gallery: Featuring artists Crystal Jackson, Hollis Kitchin, Christine Kleinhenz, 116 N. Franklin St., 4-10 p.m.
Artists featured in the gallery, with live music by the Gypsy Jazz Quartet featuring local musicians John Unzicker, Ben Higdon, Ceann Murphy and Bob Banghart.
Exhibit up through the month.
Devil’s Club Brewing: Jacqui Tingey, 100 N. Franklin St., 4:30-8 p.m.
Jacqui Tingey is a self.taught artist based in Juneau, where she gathers inspiration and explores with her husband and daughters. Her newest body of work focuses on the seascapes and ocean life featured in Southeast Alaska. These pieces are based on personal photos and memories of summer days spent on islands, rocky beaches, and fishing on the boat.
Exhibit up through the month.
Aunt Claudia’s Dolls, A Museum: Soft re-opening, 114 S. Franklin St., Triangle Building, 4:30-7 p.m.
“Long time, no see” new displays for the Northern Indigenous Collection. Artist’s studio with new conservation area and display/mount work space. Portrait doll carver Mary Ellen Frank docents the newly conserved works housed in renovated displays.
Exhibit up through the month.
Kindred Post: Kelsey Riker and Taylor Vidic, 145 S. Franklin St., 4:30-7 p.m.
Taylor Dallas Vidic and Kelsey Bryce Riker, known collectively as “Roommates,” perform original tunes and covers. By day, Vidic lends their expertise to the arts scene as an esteemed organizer within the Juneau community, while Riker is recognized as the astute manager of Kindred Post. Mail services are not available during special events.
First Friday opening only.
Harbor Tea & Spice: Ice Cave Blue Tea & Other in house blends, 175 S. Franklin St., Ste. 105, Senate Building, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tasting of in-house blend paired with ginger cookies.
First Friday opening only.
Juneau Artists Gallery: Mallory Reid, Photographer, 175 S. Franklin St., Ste. 111, Senate Building, 4:30-7 p.m.
Mallory Reid is May’s featured artist at the Juneau Artists Gallery. Reid joined the gallery last spring, developing a love of nature and photography while she was growing up in the mountains of Montana. She turned her passion of taking photographs into a business venture. First with family photography, which later expanded into landscapes and wildlife after she moved to Juneau in 2018. Mallory has developed a particular fondness for the Alaska Coastal Brown Bear.
Exhibit up through the month.
Caribou Crossings: Karla Moreira, wildlife watercolor mixed media painter, 387 S. Franklin St., 4-8 p.m.
In honor of kicking off the 26th year at Caribou Crossings, showcases are being featured from two popular artists, Karla Morreira and Lisa McCormick, who have been involved since the beginning. Karla will be coming down from Chugiak wildlife watercolors to launch new releases, sign prints and framed work, and share stories and inspirations. Lisa is sending her entire winter’s work — just in time for Mother’s Day. Also featuring works from more than 60 Alaska artists.
Exhibit up through the month.
Hundreds visit Ely Cathedral’s Sean Henry sculpture exhibition
More than 20 “polychrome” sculptures, some more than life-sized, are in place at cathedral.
