VISUAL ARTS
• CALL FOR ARTISTS: The University of Alaska Anchorage Student Union Gallery is calling for entries to the 27th annual No Big Heads, a national juried self-portrait competition open to all artists. Works must have been completed in the last three years and must not have been exhibited in any previous Student Union Gallery exhibition. Works must be no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches in any direction, including framing and hanging materials. Limit of two entries per person. Weight limitation is 65 pounds. Awards include $1,000 for best of show and a summer 2013 solo exhibit at the gallery, plus $1,000 in other cash prizes. Juror will be David Kassan, a realist portrait artist from Brooklyn, N.Y. The exhibit opens Oct. 23 and runs through Nov. 5. Go to uaatix.com, fill out the entry form and pay the entry fee. Mail artwork to the gallery or drop it off. Entries must be received no earlier than Oct. 15 and no later than Oct. 17.
• CALL FOR QUILTERS: Pratt Museum in Homer will host a themed quilt show, "History in the Making: Quilts, Quilters and Their Stories," Nov. 9-Dec. 30. Quilters are invited to create works that reflect their rich, shared local history or their own personal connection to this place. Each quilter will be asked to include a brief statement about their personal quilting history and the story of their piece. Quilts or wall hangings can be hand quilted, machine quilted or tied. All styles and techniques are welcome. Works must not exceed 72 inches in length or width. This is not a juried contest. Quilters must notify Pratt Museum curator Holly Cusack-McVeigh of their intent to participate no later than Sept. 1. Quilts need to be delivered for installation on Monday, Nov. 5, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, call 907-235-8635.
LITERARY ARTS
• CALL FOR WRITERS: Anchorage essayist and author Bill Sherwonit will teach a 12-week nature and travel writing class beginning Wednesday in the Sierra Club office downtown. Participants in this workshop-style class will explore and refine their own writing styles, with an emphasis on the personal essay form. The class will also read and discuss works by some of America's finest nature and travel writers, past and present. The cost is $240. To sign up for this Wednesday night class (7-9:30 p.m.), or for more information, contact Sherwonit at 245-0283 or akgriz@hotmail.com. Further information about the teacher is also available at billsherwonit.alaskawriters.com
POTPOURRI
• CALL FOR MUSICIANS: The Alaska Jazz Workshop's Fall 2012 Small Combo Jazz Improvisation Class for ages teens and older will meet Fridays through Dec. 15 at UAA Fine Arts Building. Students explore the creative world of jazz improvisation with Alaska Jazz Master Artists John Damberg and Mark Manners. Cost is $420 for 14 classes. Applications are now available at akjazzworkshop.org or by calling 332-3234.
• CALL FOR ARTISTS AND WRITERS: Denali National Park has called for applications from visual artists and writers for the 2013 Artist-in-Residence program. Established artists and writers use a historic roadside cabin as a base to explore the park and seek inspiration from it. Many works from previous artists-in-residence are displayed in the Denali and Eielson visitor centers. Artists reside in the East Fork cabin, Mile 43 on the park road, for a 10-day period between now and mid-September. In return, each artist donates a piece of artwork or written piece to the park's collection. They also offer a public presentation for visitors at the end of their residency. Applications are available online at nps.gov/dena/historyculture/arts-program.htm.
Do you have a creative opportunity to list in this column? Send details to play@adn.com.
