Spirit of Alaska Captured
in 'Alaska Positive' Exhibit
by Joseph Branco
February 10, 2005
Thursday
Ketchikan, Alaska - There are few moments more precious in a
parent's life than to hold hands with our children to their first
visit to the museum. The absolute joyous curiosity and profound
interest in art and history our children display is delightful.
To see the spirit of Alaska captured in still life through the
mind of an artist and the lens of a camera is an experience that
words cannot accurately describe.
Joel Bennett's "Kaktovik
Whaling Tool Sharpeners"
Photograph Courtesy Tongass Historical Museum
Alaska Positive is a photographic exhibition annually organized
and shared in museums across the state. The juried exhibition
this year was critiqued by Seattle photographer Michelle Dunn
Marsh. Dunn Marsh is the managing director for Aperture West,
arguably the most influential and notable magazine for photography
in the nation. It was Michelle Dunn Marsh's task to accept and
review great examples of photographic art and decide which would
be chosen for the touring showcase and which few would receive
special recognition and the coveted Juror's Choice Award.
This year among 276 photographs
submitted from 81 photographers, Joel Bennett's "Kaktovik
Whaling Tool Sharpeners" was bestowed with the highest honor.
His photograph is truly awe-inspiring in its fascinating texture
and color. When I saw the photo, I thought I was looking at a
painting. The piece is certainly unique and surprisingly intriguing.
Several other pieces inspire
the powerful exhibit. I am no art critic; just an admirer of
passion. Some of my personal favorites include Kevin Harding's
"Two Rocks and Waves" from Soldotna, George Provost's
"McHugh Creek #7" from Anchorage, and John Hyde's "Storm
Brewing" from Juneau.
The Alaska Positive exhibit
will be available for public viewing at Ketchikan's Tongass Historical
Museum through Sunday, February 13th. A special slide-show called
Ketchikan Positive will be presented tonight, February 10th at
7pm at the Tongass Historical Museum. The Ketchikan Positive
digital slide-show will provide an opportunity to see Ketchikan
through the eyes of local photographers and will guide your eyes
through views both familiar and never before seen. Light refreshments
will be served.
Take time to enjoy some great
art from our Alaska neighbors and our local photographers.
Joseph Branco is a
freelance writer living in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Contact Joseph Branco at branco(AT)sitnews.us
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