Arts and culture

Local author Larry Johansen has written a book about the history of baseball in Alaska during the Gold Rush. The book, called "The Golden Days of Baseball, The Story of Baseball Played in Frontier Alaska and the Klondike” is the first about this previously unexplored topic. The book is available for purchase beginning May 5. (Courtesy image/Larry Johansen)

Baseball in the Land of the Midnight Sun

Alaska author shares untold story of frontier baseball in a new book

 

An art show featuring works by Indigenous artist Penni Anne Cross will take place at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center from April 17 to May 20, 2021, in Kenai, Alaska. (Promotional image)

Kenai visitor center to showcase work by Indigenous artist

Local businessman Robert Favretto wanted to showcase Cross’ art after he recovered it from the late artist’s house last summer.

 

Samuel Anderson examines artwork up for bid while on shift at Veronica’s Cafe on April 7, 2021. The Kenai Fine Art Center and KDLL Public Radio are auctioning off local art through the month of April. (Photo by Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

KDLL, Fine Art Center team up for art auction

The pieces up for bid are on display at Veronica’s Cafe in Old Town Kenai.

 

The pageantry of western opera will join forces with the Tlingit culture’s rich history of storytelling, song and dance to create the world’s first Tlingit opera. The opera, which is currently untitled, will premiere at the Perseverance Theatre around 2025. (Courtesy Photo / Sealaska Heritage Institute)

First-ever first Tlingit opera will premiere locally

It is a collaboration between Perseverance Theatre and the Sealaska Heritage Institute.

The pageantry of western opera will join forces with the Tlingit culture’s rich history of storytelling, song and dance to create the world’s first Tlingit opera. The opera, which is currently untitled, will premiere at the Perseverance Theatre around 2025. (Courtesy Photo / Sealaska Heritage Institute)
Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File Paul Gardinier, an exhibit specialist, works to install a Nathan Jackson retrospective in the gallery at the Walter Soboleff Center on March 25, 2019.

Renowned Northwest Coast artist named USA Fellow

United States Artists awards $50,000 to the Ketchikan-based artist.

Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File Paul Gardinier, an exhibit specialist, works to install a Nathan Jackson retrospective in the gallery at the Walter Soboleff Center on March 25, 2019.
Alaska Native illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American or Alaska Native to win the Caldecott Award on Jan. 25 for her work on “We Are Water Protectors,” about the defenders of Standing Rock Reservation. (Courtesy photo / Sydney Akagi)

‘It just feels very surreal’: a Q&A with Southeast’s recent Caldecott Medal winner

The prestigious award for her illustration work tails her Google Doodle being featured in December.

Alaska Native illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American or Alaska Native to win the Caldecott Award on Jan. 25 for her work on “We Are Water Protectors,” about the defenders of Standing Rock Reservation. (Courtesy photo / Sydney Akagi)
Irene Lampe dances a robe for its First Dance ceremony at the Sealaska Heritage Institute on Monday, June 22, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Annie Bartholomew)

Weavers celebrate new robe with first dance

The event is part of a resurgent trend for traditional weaving.

Irene Lampe dances a robe for its First Dance ceremony at the Sealaska Heritage Institute on Monday, June 22, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Annie Bartholomew)
‘Molly of Denali’ drums up fun, cultural pride

‘Molly of Denali’ drums up fun, cultural pride

Cartoon tells Native stories with Native voices.

‘Molly of Denali’ drums up fun, cultural pride
Daniel Firmin plays a two-song set during the Mountainside Open Mic & Art Night at The Rookery on Oct. 31, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Album review: You should hang out with ‘Buddies’

Equal parts tight EP and shaggy dog hangout album.

Daniel Firmin plays a two-song set during the Mountainside Open Mic & Art Night at The Rookery on Oct. 31, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
At-first reluctant author talks about her Elizabeth Peratrovich book

At-first reluctant author talks about her Elizabeth Peratrovich book

Alaska Native rights advocate also took in cats and read Victor Hugo to high schoolers.

At-first reluctant author talks about her Elizabeth Peratrovich book
Woven squares by Chloe French, left, and Kathryn Rousso are part of the Giving Strength Robe project on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Juneau weaver Lily Hope is organizing dozens of Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers from all over North America to weave 5-inch-by-5-inch squares that will be combined to make one traditional indigenous robe. Once completed, the robe will be given to Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE). (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska Native weaving project honors survivors of violence

Family thread runs through endeavor.

Woven squares by Chloe French, left, and Kathryn Rousso are part of the Giving Strength Robe project on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Juneau weaver Lily Hope is organizing dozens of Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers from all over North America to weave 5-inch-by-5-inch squares that will be combined to make one traditional indigenous robe. Once completed, the robe will be given to Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE). (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Local pianist to join with rare singer for ‘emotional’ concert

Local pianist to join with rare singer for ‘emotional’ concert

Audiences will get the chance to hear something rare this weekend in Soldotna. Local musician Maria Allison is teaming up with Michigan singer Rehanna Thelwell… Continue reading

Local pianist to join with rare singer for ‘emotional’ concert