Clay, wood, potential glazes, and anagama, also known as “tunnel” kiln. These are the materials the UAF ceramics department used to fire the UAF wood kiln on Friday, April 19.

For many years, I’ve wanted to visit the Anchorage Museum. This desire was increased significantly several years ago when I heard an interview on Alaska News Nightly with the visiting ambassador from France in which he gave a rave review of the museum. If the French are experts in anything besides food, surely it’s museums and art, no? Well, over the winter break, I had a couple of days in Anchorage, so, on a gloomy and chilly Tuesday, I made my first visit.

This was my first First Friday anywhere, ever. Although a popular phenomenon across the country, I have always avoided crowds and therefore usually go to museums or art galleries in the early weekday hours. But I’m new to Fairbanks and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to dive into the community.

The October 2023 64th Parallel Juried Exhibition at the Bear Art Gallery features a wide variety of work by local Fairbanks artists.