Arts and Culture

(Juneau Empire File)

Community calendar of upcoming events

This is a calendar updated daily of upcoming local events during the coming days provided by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, and other contributors.… Continue reading

 

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo A 1928 Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ in the atrium of the State Office Building is played by Christopher Nordwall on May 30, 2023, as he and Michael Ruppert work on restoring it to a condition suitable for public performances. The two tuners were only able to work on the organ during hours when the building was officially closed.

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in March

Performance and presentation on historic SOB organ, community exhibit at city museum among events.

 

Blank posts are seen where the two totem poles once stood at the Fred Meyer main entrance on Feb. 7, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Fred Meyer totem poles get a second chance at life

Tlingit master carver says they will be refurbished with tribal youth and repurposed.

 

A photo by Nicole Steger that’s part of her exhibit at the Juneau Artists Gallery is among the events featured during First Friday in February. (Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in February

First Friday for the shortest month of 2025 features performances from the second annual Juneau Jazz Fest, a trio of exhibitions at the Alaska State… Continue reading

A photo by Nicole Steger that’s part of her exhibit at the Juneau Artists Gallery is among the events featured during First Friday in February. (Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
Hosts and guests mingle at a fundraising brunch on behalf of the Alaska Cultural Trust at the Rie Muñoz Gallery on Sunday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Practicing the art of of seeking funds from lawmakers during a lean year at the Alaska State Capitol

Alaska Cultural Trust seeks $733,000 — $1 per resident — for grants it hopes to start awarding this fall.

Hosts and guests mingle at a fundraising brunch on behalf of the Alaska Cultural Trust at the Rie Muñoz Gallery on Sunday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-based qayaq (kayak) maker Lou Logan works on his exhibit that will be at the Alaska State Museum during First Friday in January. (Photo provided by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in January

A trio of ongoing exhibitions at the Alaska State Museum, an exhibit at Centennial Hall by Juneau Arts and Humanities Council members, and a Juneau… Continue reading

Juneau-based qayaq (kayak) maker Lou Logan works on his exhibit that will be at the Alaska State Museum during First Friday in January. (Photo provided by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
Jeff Campbell moves a Santa figurine into the front yard of his annual Christmas-themed holiday house on West 11th Street in the downtown neighborhood known as The Flats on Thursday, Nov. 28. Campbell begins the decorating after removing Halloween fare and usually turns on the lights in December. Campbell has created this masterpiece annually for over 30 years. Besides Santas, the display includes candy canes, drummer boys, nativity scenes, reindeer and Disney and Winnie the Pooh characters and some of his own creations. He also has thousands of lights and speakers wired to play Christmas music and his electricity bill doubles over the display’s longevity. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

An icebreaker, a world-premiere play, a new ski season and holiday events galore arriving at week’s end

Gallery Walk, landmark anniversary for “Nutcracker,” Mexican holy feast day among seasonal celebrations.

Jeff Campbell moves a Santa figurine into the front yard of his annual Christmas-themed holiday house on West 11th Street in the downtown neighborhood known as The Flats on Thursday, Nov. 28. Campbell begins the decorating after removing Halloween fare and usually turns on the lights in December. Campbell has created this masterpiece annually for over 30 years. Besides Santas, the display includes candy canes, drummer boys, nativity scenes, reindeer and Disney and Winnie the Pooh characters and some of his own creations. He also has thousands of lights and speakers wired to play Christmas music and his electricity bill doubles over the display’s longevity. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
A profile of a South African model is seen on the surface of Sandy Beach on Nov 18. (Photo by Elliot Welch shared by Juneau Parks and Recreation)

So…who is that woman that’s been stretched out on Sandy Beach all month?

Artist Blake Byers uses nearby rocks to depict South African model as part of “exhibit” of people on shores.

A profile of a South African model is seen on the surface of Sandy Beach on Nov 18. (Photo by Elliot Welch shared by Juneau Parks and Recreation)
A bear/landscape painting is among the works by Liyuan (Sunny) Zhang that will be exhibited at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum as part of First Friday in November. (Photo provided by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in November

The penultimate First Friday of 2024 features a variety of art and photography exhibits highlighting Alaska’s nature, plus an annual napkin design contest where winners… Continue reading

A bear/landscape painting is among the works by Liyuan (Sunny) Zhang that will be exhibited at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum as part of First Friday in November. (Photo provided by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
The Alaska State Museum is seen in the fall sun on Wednesday. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Grant increases museum access for Alaska Native artists and culture bearers

The Access to Alaska Native Collections grant is part of a broader movement.

The Alaska State Museum is seen in the fall sun on Wednesday. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
Ceramics by Uliana from BeWilder Creative will be featured at The Pottery Jungle during First Friday in October. (Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in October

Cardboard heads, a new Pride robe and a sendoff for retiring local bead artist among activities.

Ceramics by Uliana from BeWilder Creative will be featured at The Pottery Jungle during First Friday in October. (Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
A painting by Marty Sharp, whose works will be exhibited at the Juneau Artists Gallery as part of First Friday in September. (Photo courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in September

Art exhibits, artists’ market, singer from Iceland and opening of new Perseverance play scheduled.

A painting by Marty Sharp, whose works will be exhibited at the Juneau Artists Gallery as part of First Friday in September. (Photo courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
A painting by Juneau artist Timi Johnson’s that’s part of his “Fugitive” exhibit that will be on display at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center during First Friday in August. (Image courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in August

A wide range of artists from traditional Tlingit to self-taught modern, featuring creations ranging from ballpoint pen images to ceramics, along with a book talk… Continue reading

A painting by Juneau artist Timi Johnson’s that’s part of his “Fugitive” exhibit that will be on display at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center during First Friday in August. (Image courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire Kaylie Simpson poses with a turkey leg from V’s Cellar Door at the Master’s Faire on Saturday.

A musical Master’s Faire invites all of Juneau to dress up

Musicians “crashing” local renaissance faire a welcome addition as the event continues to grow.

Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire Kaylie Simpson poses with a turkey leg from V’s Cellar Door at the Master’s Faire on Saturday.
An image from “Splash Photography” by Bing Carrillo is scheduled to be displayed during at event at Centennial Hall as part of First Friday in July. (Photo courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in July

People looking for more quaint leisure activities following the explosive happenings of the Fourth of July will have a range of art and literature offerings… Continue reading

An image from “Splash Photography” by Bing Carrillo is scheduled to be displayed during at event at Centennial Hall as part of First Friday in July. (Photo courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
This Woodworm Grease Bowl by artist Patrizia (Patty) Fiorella is among the works accepted into Sealaska Heritage Institute’s 2024 Juried Art Show and Competition as part of First Friday and Celebration. (Brian Wallace / Courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Here’s what happening for First Friday in June

Art events affiliated with Celebration, skateboarding and pro-choice activism among activities.

This Woodworm Grease Bowl by artist Patrizia (Patty) Fiorella is among the works accepted into Sealaska Heritage Institute’s 2024 Juried Art Show and Competition as part of First Friday and Celebration. (Brian Wallace / Courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute)
Walter Soboleff Jr. leads a traditional Alaska Native dance during the beginning of the Juneau Maritime Festival at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza on Saturday morning. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

A strong show of seamanship at 14th annual Juneau Maritime Festival

U.S. Navy and Coast Guard get into tug-of-war after destroyer arrives during record-size gathering.

Walter Soboleff Jr. leads a traditional Alaska Native dance during the beginning of the Juneau Maritime Festival at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza on Saturday morning. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Glen McDaniel, Nick Villalobos and Zack Clark perform as the trio Simply Three, which is scheduled after a previous appearance in Juneau to return for a May 18 concert at Centennial Hall as part of this year’s Juneau Jazz and Classics festival. (Photo courtesy of Simply Three)

This year’s Juneau Jazz and Classics festival is stretching out

Festival that begins Saturday extended to two weeks and three Southeast communities.

Glen McDaniel, Nick Villalobos and Zack Clark perform as the trio Simply Three, which is scheduled after a previous appearance in Juneau to return for a May 18 concert at Centennial Hall as part of this year’s Juneau Jazz and Classics festival. (Photo courtesy of Simply Three)
Kaxhatjaa X’óow/Herring Protectors wearing robes, which will be part of the exhibit “Protection: Adaptation & Resistance” at the Alaska State Museum on Friday. (Photo by Caitlin Blaisdell)

Here’s what happening for First Friday in May

Exhibit by more than 45 Alaska Natives at state museum features protector robes, MMIP Day preview.

Kaxhatjaa X’óow/Herring Protectors wearing robes, which will be part of the exhibit “Protection: Adaptation & Resistance” at the Alaska State Museum on Friday. (Photo by Caitlin Blaisdell)
Lily Hope (right) teaches a student how to weave Ravenstail on the Youth Pride Robe project. (Photo courtesy of Lily Hope)

A historically big show-and-tell for small Ravenstail robes

About 40 child-sized robes to be featured in weavers’ gathering, dance and presentations Tuesday.

Lily Hope (right) teaches a student how to weave Ravenstail on the Youth Pride Robe project. (Photo courtesy of Lily Hope)