Author Sarah Asper-Smith and her husband-illustrator Mitchell Watley are well known for their bestselling children’s books “You Are Home With Me” and “I Would Tuck You In,” and while working with your spouse might sound romantic, Asper-Smith said it’s not without its challenges.
“Creating a picture book is messy and fun and hard,” Asper-Smith said. “And also very rewarding, especially when kids and parents tell us how much the book has meant to them, or about their favorite Alaskan animal.”
The couple’s latest book titled “I Would Teach You to Fly” introduces children to the characteristics of a variety of animals, showing parents and their babies interacting in their natural habitats. Asper-Smith said that while searching for an idea for the new book, she couldn’t get the image of bears plucking blueberries off of branches out of her head.
An illustration from Author Sarah Asper-Smith and illustrator Mitchell Watley’s children’s picture book, “I Would Teach You to Fly” depicts two bears. The married couple’s latest collaboration is just one of many attractions to be featured at Juneau’s Gallery Walk 2022 on Friday, Dec. 2. (Courtesy Photo / Sarah Asper-Smith)
“I’m so glad that I came around to teaching, which I think is a much more compelling theme,” Asper-Smith said. “After many revisions and looking for animals that hadn’t been featured in the previous books, I submitted the draft script to my publisher, where it went through another round of editing. That’s when Mitch comes in and starts sketching.”
As part of Juneau’s Gallery Walk 2022 on Friday, Alaska Robotics will be hosting Watley and Asper-Smith for the release of the third collaboration in their ongoing series from 4:30-8 p.m. where Watley will be releasing prints from the book.
That’s just one of many attractions featured at this year’s Gallery Walk which will host over 40 different events throughout local businesses downtown, along with the Holiday Trolley making stops at the Alaska State Museum, South Franklin, the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tram and Front Street by the clock. Additionally, CBJ announced on-street parking will not be limited to two hours, and free parking will be offered at the Shopper’s Lot, the North Franklin Lot, the Downtown Transportation Center Garage, and the Marine Parking Garage starting at 3 p.m.
To help better coordinate holiday strolls, here’s a complete schedule of everything the Gallery Walk has to offer.
Juneau Arts & Humanities Council: Kirsten Shelton Solo Exhibition Opening, 350 Whittier St., Juneau Arts & Culture Center, 4-7:30 p.m. The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council presents “Understories”, a solo exhibition of new works by Kirsten Shelton. “Understories” features a number of works composed in fine pen and ink that will detail the connections and interactions that occur under the forest canopy – between the flora, the matrix of moss and tree limbs, and the animals who make this landscape their home.
Live music performances by the JAMM Mariachi Ensemble, The Raindeer Band and the JAMM Ensemble from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and nonprofit awareness booths in the Main Hall. Snacks and refreshments will also be served.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, JACC will host an all-ages free art activity with Shelton in the gallery between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Alaska State Museum: Gail Priday & Alison Bremner Naxshageit, 395 Whittier St., Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building, 4:30-7 p.m. “Up Close and Under Foot” is a solo exhibition of paintings by Fairbanks artist Gail Priday. Priday will give a lecture about her work and painting process at 6:30 p.m. in the APK Lecture Hall. Priday finds inspiration from the natural world, specifically the boreal forest. Her solo exhibition includes 33 paintings that depict “ever-changing treasures up-close and underfoot.”
Also running, “Midnight at the Fireworks Stand,” by artist Alison Bremner Naxshageit. In this solo exhibition, Bremner considers the ways in which Western contact continues to shape Indigenous communities, from potlatches to the poverty-to-prison pipeline. Bremner is a multidisciplinary artist from Yakutat and is believed to be the first Tlingit woman to carve and raise a totem pole.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, Alaska State Museum / APK Classroom will host Holiday Printmaking Youth Activity with artist Gail Priday at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Limited space available, registration at library-alaska.libwizard.com/f/youthartform.
Alaska State Museum Atrium: Rachael Juzeler, artist, 395 Whittier St., Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building, 4-7 p.m. New works by Rachael Juzeler will be for sale in the atrium of the Alaska State Museum during Gallery Walk. A new school of herring and hooligan will be available, as well as numerous new glass works; recycled bottle glasses, mosaic and art glass works. New works will include kilned glass artwork from this summer’s Anchorage exhibits; “Glass H2O blocks with Herring,” “Improv H2O & Mudflat (glass) Quilts & Mosaics,” “Flying Hooligan” and lino prints. First Friday opening only.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Opening Reception for “Hit & Miss: Adventures in Textile Reuse,” by fiber artist Mary McEwen, 114 West 4th St., 4-7 p.m. This exhibition consists of several large-scale woven pieces created from reused textiles sourced in Juneau. As a fiber artist, Mary McEwen wanted to explore whether it would be feasible to use textiles that would be otherwise headed to the dump as materials for creative works. Exhibit up through the month.
Marie Drake Planetarium: Explore the Universe, 1415 Glacier Avenue, 5:30-7 p.m. Explore the universe with the planetarium’s digital projector and enjoy short fulldome movies about astronomy and space exploration. Suitable for all ages. Masks required and provided. First Friday opening only.
Glacier Salt Cave & Spa: Jillian Olson with Arbonne, Karina Ireno artist, Memory Box Photography giving away free Christmas photos instantly in the salt cave, 917 Glacier Avenue, No. 101, 4-8 p.m. Glacier Salt Cave and Spa will be having their new ownership grand opening during Gallery Walk. Appetizers and drinks will be served, along with music, art sale, and memory box photography will be there taking Christmas pictures in the salt cave to be immediately received by email. First Friday opening only.
Coppa: Paintings by Jim Fowler, 917 Glacier Avenue, No. 102, 4-5 p.m. Coppa presents “Renewal,” a collection of landscape paintings by plein air artist Jim Fowler of favorite places in Juneau and north. Paintings will be up through January 2023. Exhibit up through the month.
Downtown McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill: Janacie Peters / GreyfoxBrobots & Coty Davis of Coty’s Cookies, 51 Egan Dr., Four Points Hotel, 4-10 p.m. McGivney’s will be showcasing their very own employees’ talents. Janacie Peters (ig: GreyfoxBrobots) is a lover of making robots for people to enjoy. Coty Davis is not only a bartender and plays the guitar, but she bakes delicious cookies, too. McGivney’s will also have “Tami Tuesday” holiday inspired cocktails there as well as selling new McGivney’s merchandise. First Friday opening only.
Frost + Fur: Salt Water Press // Anchorage Distillery, 2 Marine Way, No. 114, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Salt Water Press is a print and design company specializing in letterpress printing, simple and environmentally-inspired design, and quality craftsmanship. Hand-printed on an antique letterpress, new holiday items such as greeting cards, gift tags, bookmarks, and more will delight your inner paper nerd. Enjoy complimentary Alaskan Made, Frontier Crafted vodka lemonade canned cocktails served by Anchorage Distillery. First Friday opening only.
Hearthside Books & Toys: True-crime author Betsy Longenbaugh and mystery writer John Straley book-signing, 2 Marine Way, No. 119, 4-7 p.m. Juneau true-crime writer Betsy Longenbaugh signs her “Forgotten Murders from Alaska’s Capital.” And Sitka mystery author John Straley signs “So Far and Good,” “What is Time to a Pig,” and other Southeast Alaska-based mysteries. It’s an evening of murder fact and fiction. First Friday opening only.
Alaska Knifeworks: Knives of Alaska, Benchmade, and William Henry knives all in-stock, 2 Marine Way, No. 122, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.cGallery Walk Weekend from Friday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 4, Alaska Knifeworks will be open featuring in-stock custom cutlery. Alaska Knifeworks will be running a 10-15% off First Friday special on most knives. Exhibit up through the weekend.
Heritage Coffee Downtown: Jasz Garrett, photographer and poet, 130 Front St., 4-7:30 p.m. Heritage’s downtown location will feature local photographer and self-published author, Jasz Garrett, with a photo gallery and book signings. Exhibit up through the month.
The Crystal Saloon: Taking Care of Bluegrass – music, Huna Totem – Áak’w Landing 3D Renderings, artists in the Bearcade, 218 Front St., 4-11 p.m. Join The Crystal Saloon for their first ever Gallery Walk. Huna Totem shares 3D renderings of Áak’w Landing, the proposed future of Juneau’s Downtown sub-port lot. Upstairs, in the Bearcade, there will be art by Rik Pruitt. Taking Care of Bluegrass takes to the stage at 7 p.m. First Friday opening only.
Resolute Boutique: Featuring Alaskan made apparel and jewelry from across the State, 224 Front St., 4-8 p.m. Resolute Boutique will feature specially curated apparel and jewelry from across the State as well as international finds that Cordova, the owner, has brought back from her travels. She’ll be featuring Alaskan made skincare, candles, perfumes, kuspuks, seal skin accessories, designer denim, and more sustainable and ethically sourced goods. Exhibit up through the month.
Bustin Out Boutique: Hollis Kitchin, watercolor artist, 234 Front St., 4:30-8 p.m. Bustin’ Out Boutique will feature local artist Hollis Kitchin with a collection of prints, cards, scarves and original art. First Friday opening only.
Triangle Bar: Featuring art drawn by Triangle Club customers, and Alaskan Brewing Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout, 251 Front St., 4-11:59 p.m. The Triangle Club’s Annual Napkin Art contest will feature our local artists’ works all drawn on a cocktail napkin. Everyone can join the fun by voting on their favorite napkin. Early in the evening Alaskan Brewing will be serving samples of Alaskan Brewing Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout. In addition to offering samples, Alaskan Brewing is helping sponsor the Napkin Art Contest. First Friday opening only.
Black Moon Koven: Local Artists, 224 Seward St., 5-7 p.m. Black Moon Koven will feature multiple local artists sharing their art forms. Cards, jewelry, ornaments will be available. First Friday opening only.
REACH Inc: Sabrina Richmond & Niall Johnson, 223 Seward St., 4:30-7 p.m. Showing new artwork by Sabrina Richmond & Niall Johnson for this year. First Friday opening only.
Urban Eskimo: Pendleton shirts and vintage native art, 220 Seward St., 4-7 p.m. An ongoing display of vintage art by local artists. Collectible and vintage native art. Pendleton shirts and blankets. Exhibit up through the month.
Nana’s Attic: Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be appearing all evening, 205 Seward St., 4-7 p.m. Nana’s Attic will be open and available items will be for sale. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to take letters and to take requests for what you want for Christmas. First Friday opening only.
Northwind Architects: Current Projects Showcase & Live Music by Taylor Vidic, 126 Seward St., 4:30-8 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop by and see what projects Northwind has been working on while enjoying live music by Taylor Vidic as well as some snacks and drinks. First Friday opening only.
Annie Kaill’s: Constance Baltuck, Artist and the Annie Kaill’s Crew – Karen Beason, Nancy DeCherney, Kate Diebels, Colleen Goldrich and Tess Seltzer, 124 Seward St., 4-8 p.m. Annie Kaill’s will feature local artist, Constance Baltuck and a collection of her original paintings. Annie Kaill’s will also be showing an array of work by several of the Annie Kaill’s crew including Karen Beason, Nancy DeCherney, Kate Diebels, Colleen Goldrich and Tess Seltzer. First Friday opening only.
Southeast Alaska Land Trust: Holiday Wine Pull, 119 Seward St., Upstairs Valentine Building 4-8 p.m. For $20 you select a wrapped bottle of wine valued at $20-100. (bottles would have retailed for at least $20.) Wines are donated by local businesses and board members. Non-alcoholic beverages are also offered. All proceeds directly support the Southeast Alaska Land Trust and land conservation throughout Southeast Alaska. First Friday opening only.
The Plant Studio: Henry Walter Webb, Woodworking, 118 Seward St., 4:30-8 p.m. The Plant Studio will be featuring local woodworker Henry Webb and his latest line of plant stands. Exhibit up through the month.
Willow + Luna: Bering Sea Designs, 117 Seward St., 4-8 p.m. Inspired by the ocean and traditional practice of my ancestors of harvesting sea otter, Carley began to slowly build what is now Bering Sea Designs. Carley will have earrings, neckpieces and bracelets as well as her newly released wall hangings. She will also be creating a one of a kind stool specifically for this event. First Friday opening only.
The Rookery Cafe: ArtistNatalie, Harper Gunn, & CJ Harrell, 111 Seward St., 4-8 p.m. The Rookery will feature multiple artists during Gallery Walk, including Artist Natalie, Harper Gunn and CJ Harrell. First Friday opening only.
Sealaska Heritage features Alaska Native artists, 105 S Seward St., 4-8 p.m. Visit with Tlingit artist Mary Daaljíni Cruise of Naakée Designs, Nisga’a Tsimshian artist Jayne Dangeli, and other Alaska Native artists in the Walter Soboleff Building lobby, meet the Grinch, enjoy a performance by the Has Du X’aakeidíx̲ Haa Sitee Dance Group, watch a traditional games demonstration (6:30 p.m.), and view the Celebration 2022 Juried Art Show for the last time in the Nathan Jackson Gallery (no entry fee.) First Friday opening only.
Barnaby Brewing: Christine Kleinhenz of Tide Watcher, visual artist, 165 Shattuck Way, 5-7:30 p.m. “Up Close” will immerse you into underwater scenes of herring and kelp forests that make you feel like you are breathing underwater. The featured painting is a 12-sectioned herring ball puzzle. For the night of Gallery Walk, earrings, prints, hats, ornaments, cards and other fun holiday gifts will be available along with the paintings for the show. Exhibit up through the month.
Juneau Food Tours – Taste Alaska: K. Hoke Contemporary, 167 Shattuck Way, 4:30-7 p.m. Kelsey Hoke Martin will showcase her canvas paintings and watercolor paintings. Juneau Food Tours will also feature the popular “Build A Box” where you can create your own gift box filled with Alaskan made products and support multiple small businesses. Refreshments are provided by V’s Cellar Door. First Friday opening only.
Gold Town Theater: Locally Produced Short Films Screening, 165 Shattuck Way, No.109, 5-7:30 p.m. Gold Town Theater proudly presents a One-Night-Only event of short locally-produced films on the big screen. The evening will feature new documentaries from KTOO’s ReVision Alaska film series from 4-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., and a 20th anniversary retrospective compilation of short films from the JUMP Society’s Film Festivals from 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Stop in anytime to watch some homegrown talent and visit the theater again after 2 years away. First Friday opening only.
Rainforest Yoga: Restorative Yoga with Swarupa, 171 Shattuck Way, No. 202, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join Swarupa in the studio for restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is for relaxing your body and centering your mind. The only prerequisite is that you be able to be on the floor and shift positions. Please pre-register online since space is limited. First Friday opening only.
Rainbow Foods: Colorful, unique, uplifting oil paintings by Page Bridges, Fourth and N Franklin St., 4:30-7 p.m. Flower paintings, outer-space paintings, abstract paintings for sale in three spots at Rainbow. Also, Rainbow’s huge, beautiful permanent collection. Exhibit up through the month.
Amalga Distillery: Photos, Cupcakes, and Drinks, 134 N Franklin St., 4-8 p.m. Amalga’s Instagram wall is back, featuring photos taken by their customers over the past couple of years. They’ll have cupcakes made by Melissa Leeanne Bakes and a variety of drinks, including a full Zero Proof menu. First Friday opening only.
Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine: Gallery walk dinner special and live music by local artists, 112 N Franklin St., 4-9 p.m. Spice Juneau Indian cuisine will have a Gallery Walk special dinner plate filled with flavors, love and warmth. Spice will feature live local music by local artists. Spice Juneau Indian cuisine will be running a 10% off First Friday special on Masala Chai. First Friday opening only.
Treetop Tees: Shelly Marshall, Shell Art Studio, 110 N Franklin St., 12-8 p.m. Treetop Tees will be hosting local artist, Shelly Marshall for Gallery Walk. Shelly’s focus is in marine art and scientific illustration. In addition to Shelly’s works at the shop, Treetop Tees will also have our original holiday apparel available at the shop. First Friday opening only.
Devil’s Club Brewing: Taylor Ranney, potter, 100 N Franklin St., 4-8 p.m. Devil’s Club Brewing will feature local potter Taylor Ranney and her atmospheric fired work. Taylor is a student of art and biology, and her work is inspired by her love of the natural world. Exhibit up through the month.
Kindred Post: Frenchie’s Floral Studio, 145 S Franklin St., 4-8 p.m. Kindred Post is partnering with Frenchie’s Floral Studio with the return of the Flower Bar. Frenchie’s will have bucketfuls of seasonal stems and blooms for sale to build your own bouquet, plus a variety of pre-made bouquets to grab and go. Friendly reminder that mail services are closed during special events. First Friday opening only.
Mt Juneau Trading Post and Chilkat River Trading: Andrew Tripp, Tlingit Formline Artist, 151 S Franklin St. and 170 S Franklin St., 4-8 p.m. Mt Juneau Trading Post and Chilkat River Trading will feature local Tlingit artist Andrew Tripp. He’ll be showcasing some of his recent hand-carved silver and gold jewelry. There will also be an option at checkout to draw for a discount all weekend. Win anywhere from 10-30% off your purchase. Discounts cannot be stacked. First Friday opening only.
Juneau’s Imagination Station: Kids Holiday Art Show, 174 S Franklin St., 4-8 p.m. Children’s Gallery Walk art exhibit will be up the entire weekend of Gallery Walk (Dec. 2-4). Pick up or Print the Gallery Walk art canvas. Bring artwork to Juneau’s Imagination Station by Dec. 1 with name and phone number. Stop by Juneau’s Imagination Station to see the Children’s Gallery Walk Art Exhibit. Exhibit up through the weekend.
Senate Building: Welcoming Reception in the Mall Atrium, 175 S Franklin St., 4:30-7 p.m. Celebrate Gallery Walk and the winter holidays with refreshments in the atrium at the Senate Mall. Visit boutique local shops, including a delicious deli and juice bar, a salon, women’s clothing, and various businesses operating year round and serving neighbors as well as visitors. First Friday opening only.
Juneau Artist Gallery: Lue Isaac, visual artist, 175 S Franklin St. No. 111, Senate Building, 4-7 p.m. Lue Isaac is the featured artist for the month of December at the Juneau Artists Gallery. During the pandemic Isaac explored new paintings that pleased herself rather than a particular market. Her featured artist display will focus on these works that are intended to share her artist’s vision. Exhibit up through the month.
Saturday, Dec. 3, Senate Mall, 175 S Franklin St., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. DBA sponsored face painting and CBJ Parks & Rec Candy Cane Hunt.
• Contact reporter Jonson Kuhn at jonson.kuhn@juneauempire.com.
