Arts and Culture

Pressed plants, National Coloring Book Day and lots of local artists: Here’s the First Friday schedule

Pressed plants, National Coloring Book Day and lots of local artists: Here’s the First Friday schedule

Happy First Friday, Juneau.

Pressed plants, National Coloring Book Day and lots of local artists: Here’s the First Friday schedule
Natalia Spengler plays the title roll during a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” by Theatre in the Rough at McPhetres Hall on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

A compassionate take on a classic: This ‘Hamlet’ does what other productions don’t

A king and prince you haven’t seen before.

Natalia Spengler plays the title roll during a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” by Theatre in the Rough at McPhetres Hall on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Gingi Vitis visits with bar patrons during Drag Queen Bingo at the Rendezvous in September 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Writers’ Weir: Drag Show at the Rendezvous

A poem by Diane DeSloover.

Gingi Vitis visits with bar patrons during Drag Queen Bingo at the Rendezvous in September 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Perseverance Theatre’s artistic Director Art Rotch and Juneau Arts & Humanities Council Executive Director Nancy DeCherney address the audience during the break at the annual Wearable Art show in this February 2013 photo. Rotch is departing Perseverance Theatre this month. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Perseverance Theatre’s artistic director is leaving this summer

Big changes at Alaska’s largest professional theater.

Perseverance Theatre’s artistic Director Art Rotch and Juneau Arts & Humanities Council Executive Director Nancy DeCherney address the audience during the break at the annual Wearable Art show in this February 2013 photo. Rotch is departing Perseverance Theatre this month. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
(Unsplash | Danielle Machines)

Writers’ Weir: Dad’s Gifts

A poem by Richard Stokes.

(Unsplash | Danielle Machines)
Award-winning artist eager to get more artists in Juneau classrooms

Award-winning artist eager to get more artists in Juneau classrooms

You may have seen him before.

Award-winning artist eager to get more artists in Juneau classrooms
Writers’ Weir: Weight Control Script for TV Commercial

Writers’ Weir: Weight Control Script for TV Commercial

A poem by Richard Stokes.

Writers’ Weir: Weight Control Script for TV Commercial
Anjuli Grantham shows off historic salmon canneries tin from a collection from the Karen Hofstad at the Alaska State Library’s Research Center for First Friday on Friday, June 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Book spotlights fishy stories at the heart of the state’s history

Colorful labels and characters from bygone era.

Anjuli Grantham shows off historic salmon canneries tin from a collection from the Karen Hofstad at the Alaska State Library’s Research Center for First Friday on Friday, June 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Aidan Key, director of Gender Diversity, speaks after the showing of the movie, “The Most Dangerous Year” at the University of Alaska on Thursday, June 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The (transgender) kids are all right

Encouraging signs coming from hard work.

Aidan Key, director of Gender Diversity, speaks after the showing of the movie, “The Most Dangerous Year” at the University of Alaska on Thursday, June 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Corin Hughes-Skandijs, who moved from Juneau to Delaware about a year ago, is coming back to the capital city to visit, and he’ll be roasting Juneau while he’s here. (Courtesy Photo | Corin Hughes-Skandijs)

He kids because he cares: Comedian comes back to town to roast Juneau

Comic sets sights on Juneau’s foibles.

Corin Hughes-Skandijs, who moved from Juneau to Delaware about a year ago, is coming back to the capital city to visit, and he’ll be roasting Juneau while he’s here. (Courtesy Photo | Corin Hughes-Skandijs)
Stephen Qacung Blanchett is the new education director for Juneau Arts & Humanities Council. (Courtesy Photo | Juneau Arts & Humanities Council)

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council announces new education director

Award-winning performer to helm arts education programs.

Stephen Qacung Blanchett is the new education director for Juneau Arts & Humanities Council. (Courtesy Photo | Juneau Arts & Humanities Council)
Aidan Key is one of the driving forces in documentary “The Most Dangerous Year,” which will be shown in Juneau, Thursday night. Key is an author, speaker and community organizer. (Courtesy Photo | thedarlingbudphotography.com)
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‘Bathroom bills’ documentary coming to town features former Juneauite

History was being made, but he didn’t see anyone recording it.

Aidan Key is one of the driving forces in documentary “The Most Dangerous Year,” which will be shown in Juneau, Thursday night. Key is an author, speaker and community organizer. (Courtesy Photo | thedarlingbudphotography.com)
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First Friday at the Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum will focus on the history of canneries in Southeast Alaska. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska State Library, Karen Hofstad collection, MS 300)

Antique tools, a juried art show, a look at canning in Southeast: Here’s what’s going on for First Friday

Can you dig it?

First Friday at the Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum will focus on the history of canneries in Southeast Alaska. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska State Library, Karen Hofstad collection, MS 300)
Dance it out: Tlingit weavers create unique leggings made of cedar and mountain goat wool
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Dance it out: Tlingit weavers create unique leggings made of cedar and mountain goat wool

It was a yearlong project.

Dance it out: Tlingit weavers create unique leggings made of cedar and mountain goat wool
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(Unsplash | Jefferson Santos)

Writer’s Weir: Eliot Fisk Plays ‘Memories of Alhambra’ and May in Juneau

Two poems by reader Summer Koester.

(Unsplash | Jefferson Santos)
Daniel Firmin plays a two-song set during the Mountainside Open Mic & Art Night at The Rookery on Oct. 31, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Album review: You should hang out with ‘Buddies’

Equal parts tight EP and shaggy dog hangout album.

Daniel Firmin plays a two-song set during the Mountainside Open Mic & Art Night at The Rookery on Oct. 31, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Ancient threads: Tlingit artist will study how to weave increasingly rare tunics

Ancient threads: Tlingit artist will study how to weave increasingly rare tunics

Only four other artists worldwide know how to make them.

Ancient threads: Tlingit artist will study how to weave increasingly rare tunics
In this photo from March 15, 2019, Gigi Monroe, left, clutches a bouquet courtesy of organist T.J. Duffy, right, after a St. Patrick’s Day-themed performance at the State Office Building. (Ben Hohenstatt | Capital City Weekly)

Southeast artists earn Rasmuson Foundation honors

Here’s who won.

In this photo from March 15, 2019, Gigi Monroe, left, clutches a bouquet courtesy of organist T.J. Duffy, right, after a St. Patrick’s Day-themed performance at the State Office Building. (Ben Hohenstatt | Capital City Weekly)
Late Bloomers: ‘The Underpants’ closes Perseverance Theatre’s 40th season

Late Bloomers: ‘The Underpants’ closes Perseverance Theatre’s 40th season

Laughs, heart and undergarments important in new show.

Late Bloomers: ‘The Underpants’ closes Perseverance Theatre’s 40th season
Not just fiddling around: Jazz & Classics closes with one of the best string players around
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Not just fiddling around: Jazz & Classics closes with one of the best string players around

He’s played with Yo-Yo Ma, Zac Brown, Ricky Skaggs and more.

Not just fiddling around: Jazz & Classics closes with one of the best string players around
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