I'm used to admiring his work at Artique, Ltd. or in notable solo shows, but birch vistas and burgers were a new one on me. It struck me that this may be the most elegantly decorated McDonald's in America, but I haven't yet seen them all.
Of course they're not alone. On the opposite end of the culinary scale, Jens' Restaurant on Arctic has made a tradition of showing work by important Alaska artists. Abstracts by Rosemary Redmond were up the last time I was there.
As a patron of the arts, Jens Hansen is revered by artists to whom I've spoken because he lets them keep the proceeds from any sales of their work at his gourmet establishment.
Terra Bella coffee shop on Dimond is another non-gallery venue that often has unexpectedly impressive art on display.
Tap Root, the pub on Spenard, has been hosting art shows for some time. It's usually hard to get a good look at what's on the walls in dimly-lit bars and, frankly, some customers just don't like a stranger craning his neck across their table to squint at a picture.
But the current show -- actually a pottery sale -- is three-dimensional. It includes pie plates, mixing bowls, mugs and other practical pieces by Marta Zagzdryn. Today is the final day and, if you don't like anything you see, you can always have a beer.
Aleutians in Oz
Dirk Spennemann, the photographer and historical anthropologist whose photos of the battlefield on Kiska Island were featured at the Anchorage Museum last year, has a show in Melbourne, Australia's Shrine of Remembrance featuring two images from Alaska.
The Shrine was originally dedicated to Australians who lost their lives in World War I. Spennemann's show features pictures of World War II battle sites from around the Pacific, including two pictures from Kiska. The show remains up through Jan. 15.
Symphony accepting scholarship applications
The Anchorage Symphony is accepting applications for the annual Cassetta Competition.
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who displays musical talent, dedication and a desire to continue advanced music studies. Students are invited to participate.
It's open to both instrumentalists and vocalists. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 20. The competition will take place on Feb. 2. For more information, call the Anchorage Symphony at 274-8668.
Museum seeks committee members
How would you like to take part in the selection of additions to the Anchorage Museum?
The museum is looking for volunteers with backgrounds in Alaska history, fine art, anthropology or museology to serve a three-year term on its collections committee. The committee meets bi-monthly and is responsible for collections policy, planning, acquisitions and de-accessions (that is, getting rid of stuff).
Interested parties should send a resume and letter of interest to mshah@anchoragemuseum.org, or write to: Anchorage Museum, attn. Monica Shah, 625 C St., Anchorage 99501.
The application deadline is Jan. 15.
Reach Mike Dunham at mdunham@adn.com or 257-4332.
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.