Even if it was possible to overlook the happenings of Celebration — rather unlikely when thousands of people are dancing, singing, parading and otherwise doing what the name of their event suggests — there is a lot happening in Juneau on the First Friday of June.
One Celebration event officially linked with the First Friday events coordinated by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council is a Juried Youth Art Exhibit hosted by the Sealaska Heritage Institute, showcasing Northwest Coast Native art created by eight middle and high school students, in addition to exhibiting works by other artists and teachers. It is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.
“SHI sponsors the art show to encourage youth to learn traditional art forms, to expand their skills, and to reach for the highest standards set by their ancestors, thus promoting the continued evolution of those traditions,” a JAHC announcement of the event states. “The institute also sponsors an adult Juried Art Show & Competition, currently on display at the Walter Soboleff Building.”
Also happening on Friday in coordination with JAHC — but not officially affiliated with Celebration or First Friday — are live performances presented by the Áak’w Rock Indigenous music festival as part of a two-day “Side Stage” event to raise funds for next year’s festival. A series of one-hour “turntable” shows will be performed by various artists from noon-7 p.m. at the building that houses Amalga Distillery and Alaska Robotics, with a concert by the Yup’ik soul band Pamyua at the distillery at 7 p.m. and a DJ dance party at The Alaskan at 9 p.m.
Other events scheduled during June’s First Friday include:
Juneau Arts and Humanities Council: SHI Juried Youth Art Exhibit, 350 Whittier St., Juneau Arts and Culture Center, 4-7 p.m.
This year’s exhibit features works by eight youth artists, plus works by local Northwest Coast Native artists and teachers. The exhibit will be open for public viewing until Monday-Saturday until June 29.
Exhibit up through the month.
Marie Drake Planetarium: Full Dome Astronomy Videos, 1415 Glacier Ave., 5:30-7 p.m.
Quinn and Steve will provide an overview of what the planetarium offers, including exploring the universe with a new digital projector and sharing short full-dome movies on the 30-foot dome. All ages welcome.
First Friday opening only.
Frenchie’s Floral Studio: Michael Payne — Owner of StoneFist Wood Works, 1200 Glacier Ave., Ste. 101, 4:30-7 p.m.
Local woodworker Michael Payne will feature recent works of artisanal charcuterie and cutting boards.
First Friday opening only.
Annie Kaill’s Gallery: Melanie Burns — visual artist, The Rosie Finn by Ashley Lohr — jeweler, Bob Dilley — woodworker, 124 Seward St., 4:30-8 p.m.
Three different artists from three different Alaskan towns. Melanie Burns, from Anchorage, features area landscapes in her paintings. Ashley Lohr of The Rosie Finn, from Petersburg, calls her jewelry “vivid and conversational.” Bob Dilley, a Juneau resident, creates art that works in yards and similar settings.
First Friday opening only.
Bustin’ Out Boutique: Body Bustin’, 118 Seward St., 4:30-7 p.m.
Group exhibition by Juneau artists Jennifer Gross and Alex Bookless. Body Bustin’ is a figurative exploration of the femme form. A technically varied collection of drawings in various media.
Exhibit up through the month.
Rainforest Yoga: Pam Garcia, Yoga Teacher, 171 Shattuck Way, Ste. 202 B, 5-6 p.m.
Restorative Yoga uses props to create positions of ease and comfort to facilitate relaxation and health. No yoga experience needed.
First Friday opening only.
Trickster Company x Alaska Robotics: Trickster Company 10 Year Anniversary Pop-Up, 134 N. Franklin St., 4:30-8 p.m.
Trickster Company’s 10-Year Anniversary pop-up shop, with co-artists and custom-made art cookies. Rico Worl started hand painting skateboard decks and decided to start a shop with his sister Crystal Worl. Since then the siblings have been busy creating and designing new everyday products and selling them online at www.trickstercompany.com).
Exhibit up June 5-8.
Spice Cafe & Art Gallery: Chromatic Crystal, Christine Kleinhenz, Hollis Kitchin, 116 N. Franklin St., 4-9 p.m.
Featuring local artists Chromatic Crystal, Christine Kleinhenz, Hollis Kitchin, and also featuring local musician Dan Hopson.
Exhibit up through the month.
Kindred Post: Moon Goat Studio Jewelry Pop-Up, 145 S. Franklin St., 4:30-7 p.m.
Kayla and Lauren will show off their collection of handcrafted earrings. Kayla is originally from Bellingham, Washington (traditional lands of the Coast Salish and Nooksack peoples). She is a professional ski patroller, snowboarder, outdoor guide, artist and writer. Her handmade, small-batch designs are inspired by the wild places she’s been and their people. Lauren grew up in Mill Valley, California (traditional Coast Miwok territory). She finds her joys in food growing, filmmaking, trail running, and creation of handmade crafts. Her earrings share her values of holding space for creative expression.
First Friday opening only.
Juneau Artists Gallery: Rick Kauzlarich, painter, 175 S. Franklin St., Ste. 111, Senate Building, 4:30-8 p.m.
Lifelong Alaskan Rick Kauzlarich is the featured artist for the month of June at the Juneau Artists Gallery. Renowned for his distinctive works of Alaskan people, wildlife and landscapes, with vivid colors used for digital paintings. Although Rick has created art through traditional methods, his current passion is using his iPad to paint in any location or lighting, with infinite color and layering possibilities.
Exhibit up through the month.
The Juneau Pro-Choice Coalition and Picture This: Freedom For All Art Show, 230 S. Franklin St., Ste. 110, 4-8 p.m.
More than 60 different artists in 60 different mediums, both 2D and 3D, with freedom of choice themes. Live music from Jane Hale, Dara Rilatos and Justin Price, and food provided by Spice. All proceeds will go to the Juneau Pro Choice annual scholarship awarded to high seniors and adults for their continued education.
Exhibit up through the month.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
