The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum are looking for Alaska Native artists to apply to the Native Artist Residency program. This summer’s schedule starts in May and ends in September. Applications are due Jan. 15.
Six residency positions are available. Two residencies are mini-residencies and take place within a 11-day period. The first mini residency is Aug. 10-21; the second is Aug. 24- Sept. 3. Four of the residencies are 21-day residencies and occur May 12-June 2; June 4-June 25 in collaboration with Sitka Fine Arts Camp (this residency involves teaching middle school students); June 26-July 17 in collaboration with Sitka Fine Arts Camp (this residency involves teaching high school students); and July 19-Aug. 9.
In 2016, artists in the 21-day residencies will be awarded $2,000, travel to and from Sitka, lodging, and food. Artists in the 11-day residencies will be awarded $1,100 but will need to provide for their own travel to and from Sitka, food, and lodging. As in previous years, artists are also given a welcome dinner with a local welcome committee and receive paid, scheduled time accessing and studying the museum’s Alaska Native ethnographic and art collection.
Artists-in-residence may focus on traditional or contemporary Native art forms including but not limited to wood carving, ivory carving, silver engraving, beading, skin, gut and fish skin sewing, drum making, and basket or textile weaving, drumming, and dancing. Outstanding beginners as well as experienced artists are welcome. Artists benefit from utilizing the museum’s collections for research and meeting visitors from around Alaska and the world and local Sitka community members while working in the museum gallery.
For questions about the program or application, email: Jacqueline.Fernandez@alaska.gov or call (907) 747-8904.
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