Capital City Weekly

An illustration by David Brame for “Sanford Biggers: CODESWITCH,”created in collaboration with John Jennings. (Photo courtesy of David Brame)

New Homer creator brings Afrofuturism to town

David Brame’s new graphic novel will be published in January

An illustration by David Brame for “Sanford Biggers: CODESWITCH,”created in collaboration with John Jennings. (Photo courtesy of David Brame)
Despite their name, highbush cranberries aren’t actually cranberries. High bush cranberries are actually in the honeysuckle family and are closely related to elderberries. (Vivian Mork Yéilk’ / For the Capital City Weekly)

Highbush holidays: Recipes using the berries

These are some tasty ways to use those not-actually cranberries this season.

Despite their name, highbush cranberries aren’t actually cranberries. High bush cranberries are actually in the honeysuckle family and are closely related to elderberries. (Vivian Mork Yéilk’ / For the Capital City Weekly)
Rico Lanáat’ Worl’s design ‘Raven Story,’ shown here, is thought to be the first Tlingit-designed art to be featured on a stamp, available beginning in 2021. (Courtesy Image / Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Putting his stamp on it: Tlingit artist creates Northwest Coast design for USPS

The stamp will become available in 2021.

Rico Lanáat’ Worl’s design ‘Raven Story,’ shown here, is thought to be the first Tlingit-designed art to be featured on a stamp, available beginning in 2021. (Courtesy Image / Sealaska Heritage Institute)
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is using robots to let guests virtually explore the museum from anywhere on earth beginning in November. Here, Empire reporter Michael S. Lockett perambulates the museum with Shelby the robot on Nov. 17, 2020. (Courtesy photo / Elissa Borges)

Domo arigato assister roboto: museum uses robots to allow visits from anywhere

The rise of the machines is upon the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is using robots to let guests virtually explore the museum from anywhere on earth beginning in November. Here, Empire reporter Michael S. Lockett perambulates the museum with Shelby the robot on Nov. 17, 2020. (Courtesy photo / Elissa Borges)
This August 2020 photo shows a recipe for traditional Thanksgiving stuffing in New York. The recipe can be cut in half and baked in a smaller pan for less time for a smaller group. (Katie Workman via AP)

How to cook (and save) a smaller Thanksgiving feast

By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press If you’re planning a smaller Thanksgiving gathering this year because of social distancing, you don’t have to give up the… Continue reading

This August 2020 photo shows a recipe for traditional Thanksgiving stuffing in New York. The recipe can be cut in half and baked in a smaller pan for less time for a smaller group. (Katie Workman via AP)
"The Spirit of the Valley" is Perseverance Theatre's latest play. (Courtesy Image / Perseverance Theatre)

Sense of play: New production blends message with fun

“The Spirit of the Valley,” the latest live, virtual offering from Perseverance Theatre, deftly hides its vegetables. A play geared toward younger audiences with a… Continue reading

"The Spirit of the Valley" is Perseverance Theatre's latest play. (Courtesy Image / Perseverance Theatre)
This Nov. 5, 2020, photo provided by the Sealaska Heritage Institute shows a Zoom memorial service for Tlingit elder David Katzeek, conducted by the Institute, showing highlights of Katzeek's life as people honored him over the internet as the pandemic had made in-person ceremonies impossible. (Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Technology allows thousands to say goodbye to Tlingit elder

‘They were all over the country, wherever our clan members are living’

This Nov. 5, 2020, photo provided by the Sealaska Heritage Institute shows a Zoom memorial service for Tlingit elder David Katzeek, conducted by the Institute, showing highlights of Katzeek's life as people honored him over the internet as the pandemic had made in-person ceremonies impossible. (Sealaska Heritage Institute)
Courtesy photo / JAMM Inmates at Lemon Creek Correctional Center are working with the nonprofit Juneau Alaska Music Matters to make xylophones.

Inmates work with nonprofit to make instruments for kids

The xylophones come as part of a pandemic-driven curriculum shift.

Courtesy photo / JAMM Inmates at Lemon Creek Correctional Center are working with the nonprofit Juneau Alaska Music Matters to make xylophones.
David Kingeistí Katzeek, a Tlingit elder who helps with Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy program, speaks during a program open house, Monday, April 22, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Traditional memorial ceremony to be held virtually

It will be livestreamed and open to the public.

David Kingeistí Katzeek, a Tlingit elder who helps with Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy program, speaks during a program open house, Monday, April 22, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
This photo shows an encaustic piece titled “Sentinels” by Michelle Morrell. I couldn’t damped the reds in the photo. It depicts the old Aurora Harbor breakwater that was replaced last winter. (Courtesy Image / Michelle Morrell)

First Friday: Encaustics, chai tea and more await

Here’s what’s happening on Friday, Nov. 6

This photo shows an encaustic piece titled “Sentinels” by Michelle Morrell. I couldn’t damped the reds in the photo. It depicts the old Aurora Harbor breakwater that was replaced last winter. (Courtesy Image / Michelle Morrell)
Bunchberries grow on old stumps in Wrangell. (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)

Planet Alaska: The bunchberry yoik

Yes, they’re photogenic, but what I like best is you can still find bunchberries to eat in October.

Bunchberries grow on old stumps in Wrangell. (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has pledged $400,000 toward work on the Sealaska Heritage Institute Arts Campus. The donation is contingent upon SHI reaching its fundraising goal, the nonprofit announced. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Support pledged for arts campus, symposium and lecture series share schedules

News briefs for the week of Oct. 29, 2020.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has pledged $400,000 toward work on the Sealaska Heritage Institute Arts Campus. The donation is contingent upon SHI reaching its fundraising goal, the nonprofit announced. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Frank Henry Kaash Katasse is the writer and director of the new play "The Spirit of the Valley." The all-ages comedy began as something like a writing exercise for Katasse's wife and kids. It's his first time writing and directing a full-length play. “This is certainly a different beast than anything I’ve ever been a part of," he said. “It’s been a really fun experience.” (Courtesy Photo)

Stage is set for all-ages comedy with a message

Thinking green and green screens factor into new play.

Frank Henry Kaash Katasse is the writer and director of the new play "The Spirit of the Valley." The all-ages comedy began as something like a writing exercise for Katasse's wife and kids. It's his first time writing and directing a full-length play. “This is certainly a different beast than anything I’ve ever been a part of," he said. “It’s been a really fun experience.” (Courtesy Photo)
Sherry Simpson, shown in this 2013 photo, passed away recently at the age of 60. Simpson is widely respected and beloved as a writer and educator. (Courtesy Photo / Scott Kiefer)

Sherry Simpson, much-loved writer and educator, dies at 60

Alaska recently lost one of its most influential writers and impactful writing teachers.

Sherry Simpson, shown in this 2013 photo, passed away recently at the age of 60. Simpson is widely respected and beloved as a writer and educator. (Courtesy Photo / Scott Kiefer)
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Writers’ Weir: Blindsided

Do they know yet? They didn’t.

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This photo shows western bog laurel. (Courtesy Photo / Vivian Mork Yéilk’)

Planet Alaska: Southeast Alaska Traditional Plants Summit and Celebration: Protecting what we love

I miss harvesting with my friends and family around Alaska.

This photo shows western bog laurel. (Courtesy Photo / Vivian Mork Yéilk’)
The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council recently produced a zine “Hunker Down For Climate Change” made with art submissions from residents of the Southeast, Oct. 13, 2020. (Courtesy Photo / SEACC)

SEACC produces art ‘zine’ about climate change reactions

Thirty seperate pieces of art were submitted for the publication.

The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council recently produced a zine “Hunker Down For Climate Change” made with art submissions from residents of the Southeast, Oct. 13, 2020. (Courtesy Photo / SEACC)
This screenshot shows the official 2020 AFN Convention app that Android or iPhone users can download to connect to this year’s virtual convention. (Screenshot)

AFN Convention is ready to bring state, federal leaders to a screen near you

This year’s event is virtual.

This screenshot shows the official 2020 AFN Convention app that Android or iPhone users can download to connect to this year’s virtual convention. (Screenshot)
This Spanish-language “I Voted” sticker is among several designed by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. The stickers will be available in English, Spanish, Koyukon, Gwich’in, Aleut, Tagalog, Alutiiq, Northern Inupiaq, Nunivak Cup’ig and Yup’ik, according to Alaska Division of Elections. (Courtesy Image / DOE)

State unveils new ‘I Voted’ stickers

The celebrate diversity, women’s right to vote.

This Spanish-language “I Voted” sticker is among several designed by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. The stickers will be available in English, Spanish, Koyukon, Gwich’in, Aleut, Tagalog, Alutiiq, Northern Inupiaq, Nunivak Cup’ig and Yup’ik, according to Alaska Division of Elections. (Courtesy Image / DOE)
The Vecchi Store is a location featured in the recently released video game “Tell My Why.” The mural adorning the outside of the market was designed by Hoonah-based artist Gordon Greenwald. The game is set in a fictional Southeast Alaska village, and care was taken to realistically portray the region’s art and culture.(Courtesy Image / Xbox)

Xbox marks the spot: New game helps put Southeast Alaska arts and culture on the map

Game makers work with artists, nonprofit to portray local culture.

The Vecchi Store is a location featured in the recently released video game “Tell My Why.” The mural adorning the outside of the market was designed by Hoonah-based artist Gordon Greenwald. The game is set in a fictional Southeast Alaska village, and care was taken to realistically portray the region’s art and culture.(Courtesy Image / Xbox)