Author: ASAA

  • Idja Váile Åppås By Aili Jensen

      Title of Art Piece: Idja Váile Åppås By Aili Jensen Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Aili Jensen School: Homer HIgh School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: “Night of untouched snow” This piece depicts two young Sami girls engulfed by a snowy forest with paper star lanterns brightening up the girls with a few hiding in the dark forest. The Sami people are the indigenous people of northern Europe and many don't know about them. My ancestors were Sami and I have a lot of pride in my ethnicity. I made a parody of the painting Carnation Lily, Lily Rose by John Singer Sargent. I love his work and really wanted to add a part of myself to my painting. I want people to learn about…

  • Tiger & Gecko Sgraffito Bowls

      Title of Art Piece: Tiger & Gecko Sgraffito Bowls Category: Ceramics Student/Artist’s Name: Natalie Farren School: Homer High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: The inspiration behind my ceramic work originated from an artist local to my area named Jeff Szarzi. He uses a mainly black and white sgraffito, which pictures Alaska’s wildlife and beauty. A goal I had was to create bowls that were not only visually appealing, but also easy to eat out of. Which is something that Szarzi does very well in order for his pieces to be functional for everyday use. In contrast to his work, my bowls are themed around a rainforest/jungle ecosystem. I wanted the tiger and gecko to be the main figures, while the matching landscape bowls complimented…

  • Northern Lights

      Title of Art Piece: Northern Lights Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Kathrine Connie Tazruk School: Alak School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: The reason I was motivated to make the Northern Lights was mainly to express our cultural and traditional lifestyle. The northern lights piece was made to admire our skies and how they guide us in hunting and traveling. The beauty that it gives us, the light in the dark, and the grace of their motions. The trees give us stability, to build endless supplies, and the home of those that roam in the sky and on the ground, simply to see the meaning and importance of our resources. Artwork Dimensions: 10 in x 7.8 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Oil Pastel

      Title of Art Piece: Oil Pastel Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Willow Hinsberger School: Homer High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: While making this I had no idea it would turn out the way it has, but my work tends to turn out green. It’s not that I don't enjoy the color, but they aren't the mountains I was imagining while making the project. They are still mountains, and that's enough. All the people I know have let the mountains fade into the background of their daily lives, and I must have too while making this. I hope as I continue to create mountains they will become more like the mountains I see. Artwork Dimensions: 10"X14.5"   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Purple Mountains

      Title of Art Piece: Purple Mountains Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Willow Hinsberger School: Homer High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I didn't have anything particular in my mind while painting this; I just wanted to see what I could make with the resources I had on hand. Now that I reflect on the choices and elements I used, I can recall my memory of the place. While I don't particularly remember where this place is, I can still remember the ice cream shop, the trees, and the way the air felt. I know that the mountains weren't purple, unless they were, and there was a lake, not a river, but it's still the same place to me. Artwork Dimensions: 7"X5"   Additional Images:   …

  • Baleen Sketching

      Title of Art Piece: Baleen Sketching Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Kathrine Connie Tazruk School: Alak School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: The reason I was motivated to make the Baleen Sketching drawing was mainly to express our cultural and traditional lifestyle. The baleen piece was to show that we are excellent hunters, find beauty in the ocean, and that it always provides us with blessings. We depend on it to survive and feed our community. The baleen comes from an animal that lives in the ocean, which is called the Baleen Whale. Artwork Dimensions: 11 in x 7.6 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Whale Hunting

      Title of Art Piece: Whale Hunting Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Evans Joseph Panik School: Alak School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I have been inspired to draw whale hunting because I have been whaling and helping my community for years. My drawing shows whaling as an important part of our Iñupiaq culture and survival. It’s about respect for the animal, the land, and the people who work together. Artwork Dimensions: 12 in x 9 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Arctic Tern

      Title of Art Piece: Arctic Tern Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Emma Nashookpuk School: Alak School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I have a lot of arctic animal drawings, and the ones I like most are birds. I chose the Arctic tern because it travels so far and survives tough conditions. It represents strength and resilience. Artwork Dimensions: 11 in x 8 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • My Car

      Title of Art Piece: My Car Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Eben Jordan Panik School: Alak School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I have always been fascinated with cars. This car shows how important travel and technology are in our lives today. It represents independence and how fast life moves. Artwork Dimensions: 12 in x 9 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • The Man and the Whale

      Title of Art Piece: The Man and the Whale Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Arianna Glenn Agnasagga School: Alak School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I drew this from a picture online because I liked the movement and mystery of it. The dancing figure and the tail in the distance make it feel like there is a story happening that you do not fully see. Artwork Dimensions: 10.75 in x 8.30 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Dentures

      Title of Art Piece: Dentures Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Aurora Rose Panik School: Alak School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: There was a time in my life when I wished to be a dentist. I made this denture to show how our bodies change over time and how we adapt. It reminds me that even replacements still carry part of our identity. Artwork Dimensions: 3.5 in x 2.75 x 1 in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Skittles and Bowls

      Title of Art Piece: Skittles and Bowls Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Andrea Phyllis Kippi School: Alak School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I made the clay Skittles because they are colorful. I want to make something temporary feel permanent. It makes you think about how fast the things we enjoy can disappear. I created the bowls mainly to hold my yummy Skittles. These bowls represent sharing and everyday life. Artwork Dimensions: big bowl: 2.75in x 2.5in x 1.25in, big skittle: 1in x 0.5in, small bowl: 1.75in x 1.75inx 1in, small skittle: 0.4in x 0.25in   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • No One is Beyond Redemption

      Title of Art Piece: “No One is Beyond Redemption” Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Alana Clements School: Mat-Su Central Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I carved hands into foam and painted them using color to represent emotions. I wrote several things considered sin on the hands to look like tattoos since they're deemed permanent. Jesus was the bridge and the sacrifice for everything sinful. He said that if we chose him we are washed clean. Artwork Dimensions: 17" x 22"   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Sentimental Still Life

      Title of Art Piece: Sentimental Still Life Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Alana Clements School: Mat-Su Central Grade: 12th Artist Statement: I arranged a several of my keepsakes inside a lantern to create a still life painting. Artwork Dimensions: 16" x 20"   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Charcoal Study

      Title of Art Piece: Charcoal Study Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Anastasia Poglitsh School: Mat-Su Central Grade: 9th Artist Statement: NA Artwork Dimensions: 18' x 24"   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • The New Colossus

      Title of Art Piece: The New Colossus Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Alana Clements School: Mat- Su Central Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This was an interpretation of what I think The Statue of Liberty means today. Part of our prompt was to imagine ourselves being the model for the statue – what would our body language/posture be? We also read part of Emma Lazarus' poem that was an invitation to refugees. I don't think she still represents our current foreign and domestic polices. Artwork Dimensions: 14' x 17"   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Wandering Muskox

      Title of Art Piece: Wandering Muskox Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Sila Evans-Peacock School: AKChoice K-12 Learning Grade: 9th Artist Statement: Growing up me and my family would always visit Nome. Nome, Alaska is probably my favorite place on the planet. The best part of going to Nome is watching the muskox. I thought it would be a good idea to paint somewhere I loved with something I loved. Salmon lake; capturing the pretty, cloudy days and the big, scruffy gentle muskox as I remember it from my memory. Getting to be free and enjoy the nature of the tundra. Artwork Dimensions: 8 inches high x 10 inches wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Salmon Lake

      Title of Art Piece: Salmon Lake Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Sila Evans-Peacock School: AKChoice K-12 Learning Grade: 9th Artist Statement: Being far from home. Alaska has made me realize how much I take my sacred land for granted. Alaska's beauty is far beyond my comprehension, for that reason I want to comprehend it as much as I can. I wanted to paint a sacred place for me and my family. Kenai lake; I wanted to try to capture the turning of seasons. A change from the beautiful greenery to the calming orange and fiery reds. Artwork Dimensions: 16 inches high x 20 inches wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Temperate Glacier

      Title of Art Piece: Temperate Glacier Category: Photography Student/Artist’s Name: Kristine Laxa School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: My artwork is a double exposure photograph. It shows Matanuska Glacier and a picture of my mom. I wanted to aim for a cold, calm mood while also representing endurance of long-lasting strength. I learned that this technique takes a lot of patience because of editing the photos and merging them together. Artwork Dimensions: 10 Inches High x 8 Inches Wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Turtles

    Title of Art Piece: Turtles Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Aaliyah Alexander School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: What inspired me to make this project was my family. My brother recently had a baby girl, which officially makes me an aunt. My sister-in-law loves turtles, and I decided to make them for her family. She has a daughter as well, and I couldn’t be happier to become her aunt as well. Artwork Dimensions: 6 in long x 3 1/2in wide x 2in tall, 5 x 4 1/2 x 1, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3/4 Additional Images: 2. Third Photo Adjudicate Artwork

  • Aquarium

      Title of Art Piece: Aquarium Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Ivy Suoja School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: This piece is made with ink, watercolor, and acrylic. I used gyotaku fish molds and printed onto the paper, then watercolor and acrylic to create the portrait. This piece shows human's desire to connect with nature. I like how the fish and person share the same eye. Artwork Dimensions: 8 inches wide x 10 inches tall   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Portrait of Dasha and Sasha

      Title of Art Piece: Portrait of Dasha and Sasha Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Dariia Bondarenko School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: Sasha and I are both from Urkraine and became friends in Anchorage, Alaska. I made this painting because it shows realism in watercolors. I have been working on portraiture this year and water colors. I like this painting because of the technique and colors. Artwork Dimensions: 14 inches tall by 11 inches wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Beneath the Stillness

      Title of Art Piece: Beneath the Stillness Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Alannah King School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This piece was hand-built and was started using a solid piece of clay. After loosely forming the facial features, it was cut open and hollowed out, later refining the facial features one by one. It is meant to show intense emotion, specifically anger hidden within quietness, through a calm face surrounded by snakes. Inspired by Medusa, the snakes reflect inner conflict, acting as both a protective barrier and a source of fear, representing the chaos of suppressed anger. What is first looked at as intimidating, is now viewed as protective. The snakes represent inner conflict, being both protective and dangerous. The color…

  • Reginald

      Title of Art Piece: Reginald Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Charlotte-Joy Marciales School: Palmer High School Grade: 9th Artist Statement: I've always loved Muppets and have never created one. I asked to create a Muppet for my 3D survey class, for a beginning sculpture project and I came up with the idea of Reginald. I learned a lot in the process including best foam to use, glue that allows flexibility and hand sewing techniques. I am really pleased with how it turned out and would like to create more so I could put on a show. His personality really came to life as I added the shirt, hair and mustache. It was a fun process. Artwork Dimensions: 18 inches high x 8 inches wide x…

  • Our Field

      Title of Art Piece: Our Field Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Claire Jong School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Our Field is an acrylic painting which explores the theme of tobacco farmers losing the rights to their own work and being forced to hand over everything they cultivate. The red and blue features throughout the piece tie back to traditional and modern clothes commonly seen in Meinong, Taiwan. The main subject shows a hand holding tobacco and being forced to hand it over to the dictatorial KMT government while at the same time being restrained, showing the restrictions farmers felt. Artwork Dimensions: 20 inches tall X 15 inches wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Sunrise Drive

      Title of Art Piece: Sunrise Drive Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Scout (Frances) Gramse School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: This plaster and acrylic tondo represents the fleeting feelings of childhood and the duality within the want to grow up. The strong leading lines draw the viewer into the piece, creating the sense that the viewpoint is guiding the child down the sidewalk. The small child represents the naive hope in maturity and the aspiration to find freedom in age. This contrasts the harsh reality of coming of age, and the eventual realization that being young is the only time one will feel true freedom. Artwork Dimensions: 16" height x 16 inches wide X 1/2 deep   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Familiarity

      Title of Art Piece: Familiarity Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Aether Moxey School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: Familiarity was created out of the want to represent my childhood with a landmark that is still present today, the Inlet Tower. My childhood home, a little cabin with a huge backyard in the heart of Downtown Anchorage, was destroyed in 2018 and replaced with a four-plex. I grew up walking to and from school every day with the tower in my view, saw this building throughout the destruction and my parents' divorce, and now it stands tall out the window of my Dad's condo that has been passed down throughout generations. I accidentally captured the reference for this painting by taking a photo…

  • Crimson Flowers

      Title of Art Piece: Crimson Flowers Category: Jewelry / Metalsmithing Student/Artist’s Name: Isabella Lopez School: Service High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: In my art I like to experiment with the pieces I make. I like to express myself in different ways and create things that are one of a kind. I made a flower with a crimson red bezel in the center. The bezel in the middle catches your eye and is the first thing you see so I wanted it to draw the person into the center of the flower.  Artwork Dimensions: 1 3/4 inch height 1 3/4 inch width   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • 500 Miles

      Title of Art Piece: 500 Miles Category: Communication Arts / Graphic Design Student/Artist’s Name: Athena Vallada School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: Rather than celebrating the wonders of the Western World, the impact of European settlers has taken more than just the Natives of Alaska’s land. They took lives, children, and all sense of identity. For nearly a hundred years the Native Americans of our state have been working relentlessly to regain the culture they once lost.My main subject is a Native Alaskan woman, looking into the sunrise. Looking forward to the new day represents the bright futures of the current generation of Native Alaskans, fitting right between cultural identity and the voices of today. Long, flowing hair in Indigenous communities…

  • Generational Links

      Title of Art Piece: Generational Links Category: Multicultural Art Student/Artist’s Name: Miley Kakaruk School: West Anchorage High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: Ivory story bracelets are believed to have originated in Shishmaref, Alaska in the 1920’s. This ceramic piece is an enlarged sculptural interpretation. Every other panel depicts a scene from life in the Arctic. The NYO event being represented is the One-Foot High Kick, which was used as a form of communication; a whaling crew sets out in search of a whale. The hunt was successful and the villages’ highest kicker is sent to a viewing spot to signal the village that the crew needs help pulling in the whale. Artwork Dimensions: 11" inches wide x 11 "inches deep x 3.5 inches tall…

  • Equality and Curiosity

      Title of Art Piece: Equality and Curiosity Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Daton Huntington School: Galena City Schools Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My artwork is a drawing of two young men walking from a city under night and day skies, in a grass field. The materials used to make this piece were pencil, colored pencil, oil pastels, and pen and ink. I was inspired by the idea of equality of day and night, and by anime style. Artwork Dimensions: 9 x 12   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Oh Deer!

    Title of Art Piece: Oh Deer! Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Kaleena Mendoza School: West Valley High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: This is a glass mosaic on wood panel. I had fun making it and it took about two and half months to complete. I really enjoy working with glass. Artwork Dimensions: 11×7 Adjudicate Artwork

  • Mule

    Title of Art Piece: Mule Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Hunter Buchert School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: I like horses but mules are cooler, so I drew a mule. Artwork Dimensions: 16.5in x 11.5in Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork

  • Resilience

    Title of Art Piece: Resilience Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Sylvia Nelson School: Kenny Lake School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: I was inspired by the beauty of the maternal bond between humpback whales and their calves, as well as their resilience during their long journey from Alaska to Hawaii. They hold distinct cultural and biological roles in both, seemingly completely different regions. Artwork Dimensions: 15.5in x 11.5in Additional Images: Adjudicate Artwork

  • The Part of me I Carry

      Title of Art Piece: The Part of me I Carry Category: Painting Student/Artist’s Name: Aleilum Kendall School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: My painting depicts me as my younger self, holding the stuffed bear I carried throughout my early childhood. I used watercolor to create soft, yet vibrant tones that reflect the warmth and energy of youth. The bright yellow and red variations emphasize the bear as the focal point, symbolizing comfort, peace, and security. The soft pinks and purples in the clothing and background generate a sense of innocence and nostalgia tied to childhood memories. Through this piece, I wanted to capture not just how I looked holding my bear but also how I felt, safe, happy, and warm Artwork Dimensions:…

  • Alone in the Crowd

      Title of Art Piece: Alone in the Crowd Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: Kaitlyn Prink School: Wasilla High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: My work showcases a person who feels disconnected from their surroundings, the feeling of being alone despite having so much commotion around. This is a great example of how I love depicting situations or feelings in my art, I feel like it gives the art more meaning and connection to the people experiencing it. This art piece ais also an example of my weaknesses in commitment when it comes to perfectionism. The colors are drawn out and light, giving it an airy feeling of being incomplete. Artwork Dimensions: 12" Wide x 12" High   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Protected Curls

      Title of Art Piece: Protected Curls Category: Drawing Student/Artist’s Name: Taylor Coady School: Wasilla High School Grade: 11th Artist Statement: My artwork is about showing the importance of protective hairstyles for curly hair> For me, most commonly this is braids. I was inspired to create this piece because I love wearing my hair in braids to keep it tidy. In this piece, I used colored pencils and a white paint pen for highlights to show the small details of the hair and braided strands. It includes a self portrait of myself wearing two braids in a bright green shirt. There is also a slight pink outline to highlight the piece. This artwork represents the feeling of taming my hair. Artwork Dimensions: 8" Wide x…

  • Bloom

      Title of Art Piece: Bloom Category: Mixed Media Student/Artist’s Name: McKinleigh Wood School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: With Bloom, I wanted to showcase symbolism and connection. The telephone wire symbolizes the connection we all have with each other, going off far into the unseeable distance. So do the stars on everyone's faces other than the face of the main subject. They have all connected with each other, but they're not intentionally avoiding her. She just hasn't connected with them yet. I also wanted to display a mix between watercolors, acrylic, and differing amounts of detail so the main points of the drawing really stand out from the rest. Artwork Dimensions: 8" High x 12" Wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Scraps

      Title of Art Piece: Scraps Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Zoe Johnson School: Wasilla High School Grade: 12th Artist Statement: In my piece entitled, Scraps I built a bear sculpture containing many components. My goal was to convey how art doesn't have to be intimidating or require expensive material. In the artwork I showcase the beauty in making art with objects that often go overlooked. Artwork Dimensions: 6" High x 8" Wide   Additional Images:    Adjudicate Artwork

  • Three Whiskers

      Title of Art Piece: Three Whiskers Category: Sculpture Student/Artist’s Name: Isis Kocean School: Wasilla High School Grade: 10th Artist Statement: My artwork showcases the feeling of nostalgia and chaos. It captures specific things from childhood with a twisted form. I draw many famous cartoon figures from shows in the 2000s, most of which touched with the chaotic realness of day to day life. I often decide to depict these characters in situations that people who grew up watching them are involved in. These touches of realistic darkness mixing with nostalgia is what makes my art mine. It gives it a feeling of a lived life or someone going through something. As I grow older I try to turn away from the nostalgic figures but…