Living and Growing: Our Juneau Renaissance

Published 4:30 am Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Juneau is a mecca for artists, and because we have so much talent of all kinds, we will have a renaissance. It has already started. Soon, we will see an explosion in the arts as our talent comes to fruition. It has taken time to develop enough to produce great work that will emanate from Juneau and influence the world.

I know we will produce world class art, because we enjoy cooperating with each other. Also, our town has certain advantages other places might not. For instance, I loved hosting the opera on public radio for a few years, alternating Sundays with our regular host Tom Melville. In a bigger place, I might not even have known Tom, let alone worked with him. Our town is large enough to allow for opportunity, but small enough that artists can interact easily with other artists and the community.

I have some news about how our renaissance is happening. Do come to a special event at Holy Trinity on November 21 and see a wonderful manifestation! The fourth ”Healing Space Art and Singing Bowls” event will take place between 5:30 and 7:30. The church pews are comfortable, so one can experience the healing sounds in a very relaxed and relaxing way.

Crystal bowls will make glorious sounds played by Luke Weld and Heather Mountcastle. Luke will also play the piano. The sound will resonate continuously. Close to the beginning, Angie Mendbayar will lead people in chanting a mantra, Om for example. The chanting is slow and sustained. After that, she will chant in harmony with Luke and Heather. My oil paintings will be around the room harmonizing in their own way. I paint outer space paintings, but there will be some earlier ones there in addition.

Angie sets out a flyer at the event entitled, “The World is Sound.” Here is part of it:

“Sound is our foundation, from which comes light, frequency, and geometric patterns that shape our DNA. Traditional wisdoms from all over the world have been practicing sound healing since time immemorial. And now, it is time we learn and practice it, too!”

“Mantras are sacred sound vibrations that predate organized religions and transcend religious boundaries. These powerful vibrations tune our energetic body and offer healing by calming the mind, reducing stress, and aligning our internal energy systems through pure resonance.”

My musician husband loves Angie’s flyer. He said that this is what he is always saying. As a visual artist, I had not been so aware of the sound vibrations, yet of course, it is clear that different colors have different vibrations. Angie’s flyer is right.

“Art has the power to enrich your world, deepen connections with those around you, and stir your emotions.”

I read that beautiful quote online and can’t find it again to attribute it. I love it so much that I will write about it in my flyer for the event. Heather will write a flyer, too! Luke speaks with his music. The event starts at 5:30. Shortly after, we will say a few words of introduction. Last time, I said, “Juneau is going to have a renaissance, I promise you.” I said JAG was coming out of hibernation to facilitate the renaissance. Juneau Artists’ Guild is an umbrella organization dedicated to helping artists, founding arts spaces, etc. We are starting a non-profit art gallery big enough for big paintings, poetry readings, music, dance, salons, etc. I just can’t wait!

JAG has a committee now to protect our aesthetic appearance and natural environment. The danger to Telephone Hill inspired us. I asked Mark Whitman to compose a name as he is one of many working to save Telephone Hill and also a poet. He made a great name for us: “Green Museum Foundation.” Please join us in being “muses,” or “green muses.” For our well being and happiness, Juneau must be beautiful and livable. We need our historic neighborhoods and houses now and in the future. We need our green refuge in the heart of downtown, the only place there where we can experience peace and beauty and go to relax. Every city has a place like that. Why in God’s name can’t Juneau?

Page Bridges is a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.