Graham Dane first came to Alaska from England in 1995, part of a trip organized by artist Colin Day. He had his first solo show here at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art the following year. He's been a pretty permanent part of the local arts scene since 1998, as a teacher, artist in the schools and participant in group shows.
It's been a while since we've caught any new work from him, but the opportunity comes with a show of new acrylic and oil paintings by Dane and Linda Infante Lyons at the Alaska Humanities Forum on display for the next month.
Writing for the ADN in 1998, reviewer Andy Nau noted that Dane's abstract paintings "appeal directly to the emotions of the viewer" and perceived "a driving curiosity and willingness to experiment with chaos" in the work. "This curiosity expressed through a wonderment or feeling of awe is the emotion one is sure not to miss. It results in a sophisticated understanding of color layer and form that can be seen in each of the pieces."
A "Second Friday" opening reception for the Dane-Lyons show will take place starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9. The work will remain on view through Feb. 11. The Alaska Humanities Forum is located at 161 E. First Ave., Door 15.
Alaska photographers honored
Congratulations to Alaska photographer Ellen Davis, who won second prize in the 17th International Krappy Kamera Competition recently. Despite the name, it's actually a pretty respected contest, organized by the SohoPhoto Gallery in New York City and juried this year by Miriam Leuchter, editor-in-chief of Popular Photography Magazine and American Photo Magazine. The name has to do with the fact that the pictures are taken with lenses that are not your conventional high-end store-bought items. In addition to Davis, Cody Swanson of Anchorage was also selected for the show, which will be on display at the gallery, 15 White St., Feb. 4-28.
Alaska Overnighters this weekend
The next installation of The Alaska Overnighters will take place with performances at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10, at Alaska Pacific University's Grant Hall. Playwrights will have received their theme, something to do with science fiction this time around, 24 hours before, given 12 hours to produce a complete one act play that is handed over to a cast and director who have another 12 hours to memorize the whole thing and take it on stage. Tickets are $12 at the door. Pay $20 and get tickets for both nights. For more information, call 907-677-7529
Costumers sought
Alaska Dance Theatre is looking for volunteers to help out with costumes for upcoming performance of a new work, "Spirit -- 7th Fire of Alaska," which will be presented Feb. 20-22. The volunteers are needed at the costume fitting session, 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. If you have skills such as altering, fixing, adjusting, etc. call ADT's front office at 907-277-9591.
White Mountain cabin ready for artists
The Bureau of Land Management is taking applications for their artist-in-residence program in the White Mountains National Recreation Area outside Fairbanks. Applications are being accepted in all disciplines and media, painting, photography, writing, music, etc. Selected artists will spend a week next winter in a "rustic" cabin -- transportation provided from Fairbanks -- where they can drink in the subtle beauty of the place, enjoy 240 miles of maintained winter trails and try to stay warm. The only hitch is that you need to donate a piece of art inspired by your stay. The deadline to apply is Feb. 6. Go online at blm.gov/alaska or contact Craig Tanner at ctanner@blm.gov or call 907-474-2321.
Native fellowships in Massachusetts
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts is accepting applications for Native American fellowships for the summer of 2015. Specifically, they're looking for graduate students and emerging professionals of Native American, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native background.
"These paid, full-time, 10-week fellowships help prepare participants for leadership positions in the museum field and/or the nonprofit cultural sector," says the press release. "The program presents a comprehensive perspective on the theory and practice of museum leadership, in the context of a meaningful, in-depth project within a department of the museum. Weekly intensive workshops, field trips, lodging in Salem, travel expenses and a stipend are included in the fellowship award. Academic credit is available upon official request."
Get details and download a copy of the application form at hireculture.org (select "Peabody Essex Museum" as the organization and hit search). The deadline is Jan. 16.