June 15, 2007

Does the often high-brow art world have a place in the Mat-Su?

Lindsey Shelley, local artist and president of the Valley Fine Arts Association (VFAA), believes very passionately that it does. After taking notice how well First Friday's in Anchorage was doing for local artists and art connoisseurs alike, Shelley and other Valley artists got together and came up with a plan to mirror the big city's efforts by hosting and launching Second Saturday's. VFAA's previous president, Judith Sharpe Levy, coined the name and got the ball rolling for artists to gain exposure by contacting venues outside of the gallery box to participate in the shows. Bagel's Alaska in Wasilla is one such venue. Others include the Loon Attic in Wasilla, Sheldon Community Hanger in Talkeetna and Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Pieces from Shelley and resident artist Judy Vars decorate the walls of Bagel's Alaska throughout the month of June. Shelley hopes other businesses will show their support of Mat-Su artists by showcasing their pieces in the future. In its second year, the Second Saturday event has been growing enough each month to bring more support from the community and also to keep local art galleries open. The recently closed Fireflower Gallery and Northern Things are examples of what has been prevailing in the bedroom community art world for quite some time. Shelley says she doesn't necessarily believe all is lost in the area's hidden art culture.

“People who would never get a chance to hang in a traditional gallery, that aren't well established, finally get a chance too,” said Shelley. “Whether it be in a real gallery, like Townsquare, or at an espresso shop outside Wal-Mart, they are getting the exposure they deserve during Second Saturdays.”

Bagel's Alaska hosted last weekend's June opening with pieces from Shelley's and local folk artist Judy Vars' collections. 50 to 75 people attended the event which also showcased live music from The Redheads.

“We had a great time. People from all over attended,” Shelley said.

Shelley's recent pieces are a combination of mixed-media and collage, bringing cartoon like characters, photography and color to life in such works as “Birds on a Wire,” “Sand Castle by the Sea,” and “Princess Sunshine.”

“Insect Alphabet,” Shelley's son's favorite, hangs on the east wall of Bagel's Alaska, layered with altered photographs and printed on transparencies.

“I plan on donating one of my alphabet pieces to the Wasilla Library for the public to enjoy for an extended period of time. I'd like to give the community something to enjoy and appreciate.”

The VFAA meets twice a month at Mat-Su College where members work on art pieces together and share their techniques. Shelley notes that anyone who is interested in supporting VFAA can get involved with their efforts to promote a healthy and growing art community in the Valley.

Contact J.J. Harrier at valleylife@frontiersman.com, or call 352-2269.