Rasmuson Foundation News and Information

Senungetuk Named Distinguished Artist

Victoria Lord — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:24:39 +0100

Ron Senungetuk, visual artist, curator, Inupiaq scholar, and former University of Alaska Fairbanks professor of Art and Design has been named 2008 Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist. Artist Photo.jpg, Artist Bio.pdf

Ron Senungetuk

Senungetuk's artwork reflects a progressive interpretation of Alaska Native influences and an exploration of new forms. He is widely recognized and his work has been exhibited and purchased for collections throughout Alaska and the lower 48. Dipytch Seals.jpg, Reindeer Herd.jpg, Aurora Borealis I II III.jpg

The Distinguished Artist Award provides $25,000 in unrestricted funds to allow artists to concentrate and reflect on their work, to immerse themselves in a creative endeavor, or to experiment, explore and develop their artistry more fully.

Six artists have been selected to receive $12,000 Fellowship Awards:

Carl Battreall, photographer (Anchorage).
Nicholas Galanin, multidiscipline artist working in performance art, video installation, film, sculpture, painting and photography (Sitka).
Sonya Kelliher-Combs, visual artist working in mixed-media creating two and three dimensional works (Anchorage).
Philip Munger music composer (Wasilla).
Linda Smogor, photographer (Homer).
Vladimir Zhikhartsev, plein air watercolor painter (Fairbanks).

In addition, Individual Artist Project grants have been awarded to:

Audrey Armstrong, $5,000, folk/traditional artist working with fish skin (Anchorage).
Michael Engelhard, $5,000, literary artist (Fairbanks).
Clara Haley, $5,000, folk/traditional artist Northwest Coast cedar bark weaver (Wrangell).
Denise Heimel, $5,000, visual artist working in clay to create sculptural forms (Wasilla).
Caroline Kroll, $5,000, folk/traditional artist, wood carver, weaver (Anchorage).
Rosemary McGuire, $3,145, literary artist (Cordova).
Christopher Miller, $4,999, photographer (Juneau).
Leslie Hsu Oh, $5,000, literary artist (Eagle River).
Roswell Schaeffer Sr., $5,000, folk/traditional artist working with wood, ivory and bone craft (Kotzebue).
Teresa Shannon, $5,000, craft artist working in clay (Fairbanks).
Ruth Sorensen, $5,000, oil painter (Anchorage).
Tasha Walen, $5,000, craft artist working in glass (Juneau).
Sheila Wyne, $5,000, multidiscipline, multi-media artist (Anchorage).

"Diptych Seals" by Ron Senungetuk

Born in Wales, Alaska, on the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, Senungetuk grew up with traditional Inupiaq values, surrounded by a rich cultural heritage. His creative talents and intellect were recognized at an early age and he was sent to study at the Bureau of Indian Affairs high school in Sitka, Alaska. Senungetuk then went on to received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School for American Craftsman at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a degree from Statens Handverks og Kunstindustri Skole, Oslo, Norway, where he studied sculpture and metalsmithing. He is the recipient of many distinguished honors and awards including a Fullbright Scholarship to study in Oslo, Norway, 1960 - 1961; the State of Alaska Governor's Award for the Arts, 1979; and named Professor of Art, Emeritus, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1986.

Dedicated to the creative spirit and an objective to provide educational opportunities for young Native artists, Senungetuk founded and directed the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Native Arts Center (1965-1986) and was head of the UAF Art Department from 1977 until his retirement in 1986. He has been a teacher, mentor, and supporter of talented Alaska Native students who might not have otherwise had the aspiration or opportunity to attend college. During his UAF tenure, he advocated to keep the center active for both established and emerging Native artists who did not necessarily meet the typical university enrollment requirements.

Senungetuk continues to produce art while living in Homer with his wife Turid. He regularly serves on public art committees and national and local art and craft advisory boards. He is a frequent speaker, presenter, and panelist addressing subjects including cultural identity, contemporary Native art, and traditional Alaska Native art.

The Individual Artist Awards is a program of the Arts and Culture Initiative, a ten-year $20 million investment to increase the impact of arts in Alaska. The awards are intended to provide artists with the resources to concentrate and reflect on their work, to immerse themselves in a creative endeavor, and to experiment, explore, and develop their artistry more fully. The Foundation funds artists at various stages in their career whose work is defined by excellence and accomplishment in the arts. To date, the Foundation has awarded $962,621 to 132 artists; five artists have been selected as recipients of the Distinguished Artist Award. Click here to view all Individual Artist Award recipients.

The next deadline for Project Award applications is September 1, 2008 (postmark deadline). More information is available at the Foundation's website or by calling Victoria Lord at 907-297-2827 or toll-free 1-877-366-2700.

About the Foundation

The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband "E.A." Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Atauciq, Malruq, Pingayun — ...

Don J. Rearden — Sun, 11 May 2008 12:00:02 +0100

One: Atauciq

Cup'aq rides on her mother's back
Down the slippery boardwalk
Past the curled and snoozing sled dogs
towards her head start on life

towards the magical building
a place unlike anywhere in the village
with little tables and chairs made just for her
with fingerpaints, shelves of colorful books, and a toy kitchen

how many boats can you count?
her mother asks
Cup'aq stretches a blue knitted mitten
out to the morning mirror of the bay
and counts:

Mission Statement
RurAL CAP

RurAL CAP encourages the efforts of low-income people attempting to break the cycle of dependency and gain control of the changes affecting their lives. Its mission is to protect and improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans through education, training, direct services, decent and affordable housing, advocacy, and strengthen the ability of low income people to advocate for themselves.

Atuaciq, Malruq, Pingayun
she says

now kass'atun
her mother says

One, Two, Three
Cup'aq says.

Two: Malruq

Isaac's son was shy at first
but the cook took him
under her wing and now
each night he talks about how

he set up tables for lunch
and painted muskox, ducks, and seals
with his fingers

sometimes Isaac hears him
singing the Yup'ik alphabet song
and when they walk together to school
in the morning dark

the snow diamonds sparkling
in the flashlight's glow
he remembers his own father
walking him through the village
braving the monster-filled shadows

bundled back then in his little squirrel-lined parka
the thick warm hood drawn tight to keep out the wind

Isaac wonders if his son will someday
make the same walk with a son of his own
and if their stories of hunting and school will be
told in the tongue of their ancestors.

Three: Pingayun

Cup'aq's brown eyes turn down
to the table where her oldest two daughters,
clench crayons and turn snow white
pages into worlds of color

she carries her third,
on her hip into the kitchen

who wants to make necklaces?
she asks, carrying a flat cake pan
filled with dyed Cheerios
red, plain, and blue

she made her own jewelry once
slipping string through the small cereal holes
fine tuning motor skills, learning
the months and days, and how to brush baby teeth
and wash dirty hands

now, a world away from the Bering Sea
and the village she called home
she tries to recreate that magic
of learning and excitement
for her own daughters

they count the little cereal gems
in Yup'ik: Atauciq, Malruq, Pingayun

Non-Fiction Collection #4

Susan Share — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:00:02 +0100

Susan Share
Non-Fiction Collection #4
Mixed media
2003
Anchorage Museum of History and Art

Public Health Dentistry honors DHAT

Jeff Clarke — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:28:10 +0100

Rasmuson Foundation received the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) Public Service Award at the 2008 National Oral Health Conference in Miami on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. As the first organization to receive the prestigious recognition in the award's 24 year history, the Foundation was acknowledged for its early and continuing support for the development of the Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) workforce model.

Historically, the award is given to an individual for substantial contribution through action related to public health dentistry issues. Past awardees include President Jimmy Carter, U.S. Surgeon Generals, and several members of Congress. "We are recognizing a new model for improving public's health," commented AAPHD's Immediate Past President Kathryn Atchison. "For accepting the challenge and the responsibility to help the people of Alaska, we would like to recognize the Rasmuson Foundation."

"This recognition honors the many partners within Alaska and across the country who, through their early investment and ongoing support, made the development and success of the Dental Health Aide Therapist program possible," commented Rasmuson Foundation President Diane Kaplan.

Program Officer Joel Neimeyer accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation. Click here to read Kathryn Atchison's introductory remarks and Joel Neimeyer's acceptance remarks.

Dental Health Aide Therapists are a new category of dental providers under the long-standing and highly successful Community Health Aide/Practitioner program of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Today, there are 10 Dental Health Aide Therapists working in communities across Alaska, successfully providing services in rural villages.

The Rasmuson Foundation is proud to support the Dental Health Aide Therapist program along with Alaska Area Native Health Service, the Alaska Congressional Delegation, The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Bethel Community Services Foundation, Denali Commission, Ford Foundation, Indian Health Service, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Paul G. Allen Family Foundations, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Local Initiative Funding Partners, and W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

About the Foundation

The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband "E.A." Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Beaded purse

Rochelle Adams — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:00:02 +0100

Rochelle Adams
Beaded purse
Modern glass beads, moose hide
2005
University of Alaska Museum of the North

Small capital grant awards announced

Jeff Clarke — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:27:59 +0100

In the first three months of 2008, Rasmuson Foundation awarded small capital grants totaling $479,768 to 23 nonprofits across the state. "Though we have grown considerably in recent years, we are committed to awarding small capital grants to ensure that basic needs are met," commented Foundation President Diane Kaplan. "The Foundation is proud to provide resources that allow these grassroots organizations to fulfill their missions."

Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) received $25,000 for handicapped-accessible playground equipment for Grass Creek Village in East Anchorage, a new mixed-income housing development. CIHA expects that nearly 130 children will call Grass Creek Village home and the playground will be designed to provide a safe activity environment for children ages two to 12.

Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) received $25,000 for furniture. The existing furniture is about 12 years old and not accommodating to elder beneficiaries. KANA was formed in 1966 to provide health and social services for Alaska Natives of the Koniag region. In 2007, KANA served over 2,500 Alaska Natives and American Indians through clinics and other programs. The service area includes the City of Kodiak and the villages of Akhiok, Karluk, Old harbor, Ouzinkie, Port Lions, and Larsen Bay.

Immaculate Conception Parish in Fairbanks received $24,038 for equipment and safety / efficiency upgrades for its Soup Kitchen, which is one of its primary community service programs. The major kitchen appliances are over 17 years old and in need of replacement. The current building, nearly a century old, requires general kitchen upgrades to support safe and efficient operation of the Soup Kitchen.

Musk Ox Development Corporation (MODC) in Palmer received $25,000 to replace a colony barn roof and purchase a snow blower and gates. The colony barn houses MODC's museum and gift shop and a failed roof places the educational collection and gift shop inventory in jeopardy. MODC raises musk oxen as a source of "qiviut" (the underwool of the musk ox) to provide employment to rural Alaskan artisans. The artisans produce scarves, hats, and other clothing items that are sold at Oomingmak, a co-operative owned by approximately 250 Native Alaskan women from remote coastal villages of Alaska.

Alaska Fine Arts Academy in Eagle River received $20,199 for the installation of a media center and flooring in the new theatre. The Alaska Fine Arts Academy moved to a new building in August 206 and created three instrument and vocal practice rooms, two large dance rooms, an art room, and a 100-seat theater. Additional lighting equipment, an updated sound system, and flooring will complete the multi-arts facility.

Catholic Social Services � Clare House in Anchorage received $19,477 for renovations and new appliances and furnishings for the shelter. Clare House began in 1983 and is one of only two facilities in Anchorage serving the needs of homeless women and homeless women with children.

Other awards included:

� Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association in Anchorage received $25,000 to replace an agency vehicle with a hybrid model.
� Alzheimer's Disease Resource Agency of Alaska in Anchorage received $24,081 for a new telephone system.
� Challenge Alaska in Anchorage received $25,000 for an enclosed equipment trailer, a life-equipped van, and replacement wheels for basketball wheelchairs for youth with disabilities.
� City of Kenai � Kenai Community Library received $22,060 for furniture replacement.
� City of Tenakee Springs received $25,000 to replace the boiler and metal roof of a community building.
� Clausen Memorial Museum in Petersburg received $4,410 for new furniture and equipment.
� Food Pantry of Wasilla received $12,000 to replace the floor of a box van truck, renovate the interior of the building, and purchase a 5,000 pound floor scale.
� Juneau Family Birth Center received $7,040 for a new ultrasound machine.
� Kids Corp in Anchorage received a $23,297 technology grant for a server, software, firewall, hardware and printers.
� Marian Center in Kodiak received $23,700 for the completion of facility renovation to create space for activities benefiting women and immigrant communities.
� Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla received $24,969 for framing lumber and wiring to preserve an original Matanuska Colony barn.
� Palmer Arts Council received $9,525 for office furniture and equipment.
� Southeast Alaska Independent Living in Juneau received $24,972 for technology upgrades, including a donor database program.
� Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines received $25,000 to renovate eight Dalton City building for year-round use.
� Talkeetna Community Council received a $25,000 challenge grant for materials and equipment for construction of a community playground, Wild Wood Park.
� Togiak Public Library and Cultural Center received $15,000 for technology to catalog the library collection and computers for public Internet-accessible terminals.
� VSA Arts of Alaska (Out North) in Anchorage received $25,000 for lighting equipment and fixtures; film projector and screen; and technology upgrades.

A list of these funded projects is attached below or all 2008 year to date Tier 1 awards can be viewed here.

About the Foundation

The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband "E.A." Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Damocles Metronome

Sheila Wyne — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:00:02 +0100

Sheila Wyne
Damocles Metronome
Mixed media, wax, metal
2001
University of Alaska Museum of the North

Permanent Fund Dividend bill passed

Jeff Clarke — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:18:38 +0100

Late in the afternoon of Friday, April 11th, the Legislature passed HB 166, the Permanent Fund Check-off bill, and sent it to the Governor for her signature, the last step before it becomes law.

The bill easily passed through the House earlier in the session, and this week the Senate adopted its own version with a 17 - 2 vote. This afternoon, the House concurred with the Senate changes with a 39 - 0 vote.

What is this Bill?

The Bill provides an easy way for Alaskans to increase their charitable giving. Why do Alaskans need a way to help them make charitable donations? Alaskans are known for their willingness to support our neighbors and communities; however, individual charitable donations from Alaskans are among the lowest in the nation.

� The proposed legislation will allow Alaskans to make a tax deductible donation to a reputable Alaskan nonprofit by dedicating a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) through a "check-off" mechanism.

� What makes this proposal different from any other is that at the outset there will be nearly ZERO FISCAL IMPACT on state resources. The Rasmuson Foundation, a private family foundation funding nonprofits in every corner of the state, will pay for all start-up and initial operating costs associated with the proposed legislation, to include state time necessary to process the donations.

When might this check - off opportunity be available to Alaskans?

Assuming that the Governor signs the Bill, the intent is to have the check-off in place for the 2009 Permanent Fund Dividend application process for the 2008 dividend.

About the Rasmuson Foundation

The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband "E.A." Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Alaskan artists showcased on Second Life

Jeff Clarke — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:12:27 +0100

Rasmuson Foundation announces that its Gallery of Alaskan Artists in Second Life is now available to visit. Second Life is on online, 3-d virtual world imagined and created by members or "residents." If you're interested in joining us in Second Life (and have an established Second Life account) go to SLURL (Second Life URL): http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rhetorica/185/237/44.

Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks sim Rhetorica, the gallery features the work of Alaska-based artists, each a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award recipent. Rasmuson Foundation is pleased to partner with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks to bring Alaskan artists and their work to this new platform or "world".

A grand opening of the gallery is planned for Monday, May 12th, in conjunction with the Foundation's announcement of the 2008 Individual Artist Award recipients, including the Distinguished Artist Award.

What is Second Life?

Second Life is an Internet-based virtual world that was launched in 2003 by Linden Research, Inc. Users, called "Residents", interact with each other through avatars, providing an advanced level of a social network service. Residents can do all the things one would in reality: explore, meet other Residents, participate in group activities, and create and trade items (virtual property) and services from one another.

Companies and nonprofit organizations are creating their presence in Second Life to reach a global audience for communications, marketing, branding, fundraising and business transactions. Virtual worlds create an opportunity for collaboration and human development.

How can I participate in Second Life?

In order to participate in Second Life, one must set up an account, choose a name and create an "avatar" or a computer representation of oneself. Click here to create an account and download the free software to access Second Life.

About the Foundation

The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband "E.A." Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

The Filipino chorus sang, the Hispanic cho ...

Carol Hult — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:00:02 +0100

For a remote Alaskan island, Kodiak has a surprisingly diverse population. When I arrived a year ago, I noticed Alutiiq language posters around town and "News from the Philippines" in the Kodiak Daily Mirror. Near the harbor, a truck called Martha's Place sells Mexican food, and the canneries down Shelikof Avenue are filled with Asian and Central American workers.

The Catholic parish of St. Mary's is a hub of immigrant
activity. Buffered from Mill Bay Road by tall spruce

Mission Statement
St. Mary's Church � Marian Center

The empowerment, integration, human and spiritual development of the diverse cultures within our community through programs responsive to these needs.

trees, St. Mary's includes a school, church, thrift store,
and the Marian Center, where something is always going on.

Sister Barbara Harrington, the calm and gracious woman who directs the center, is bilingual in Spanish and English. With community help, she's built the Marian Center into a welcoming and empowering place. The center offers ESL instruction, citizenship classes, meeting space for groups big and small, and activities that sometimes translate into jobs.

The Asociaci�n Latina de Mujeres in Alaska � or "ALMA" � has held classes on haircutting, home-buying, and starting a business, to name a few. "We've looked at our skills," says Nancy DeSantiago, "and Marian Center gives us the possibility to try new things." The group operates a food booth at Kodiak's Crab Festival every May. Upbeat and articulate, Nancy describes how the women come together to prepare Mexican tamales, a longtime favorite, and pupusas, a thick, pork-filled tortilla from El Salvador, served with salsa and spicy coleslaw.

Kodiak Filipinas may soon occupy space in the center as well. Mary Guilas-Hawver, founder and President of the Filipino Women's Council, says, "I'm glad Sister Barbara is thinking of us. Right now the office things are riding around in my car." The Council, a volunteer organization that works with victims of domestic violence, is a link between Filipino women and the Kodiak Women's Resource Center.

Mary left the Philippines twenty years ago and calls Kodiak "a good place to live, very friendly and very forgiving." Nancy came from Mexico six years ago and describes Kodiak as peaceful. "A small town is good for a big family," she says cheerfully. "The weather is a little bit crazy, but it's better than where I came from."

But it's not easy to get settled in this port town where the community's well-being depends upon fish. Cannery workers who cannot sustain themselves during the industry's slack periods are especially vulnerable.

Gloria Quezada assists immigrants with the difficulties they encounter. She herself came to Kodiak nineteen years ago from Mexico where she was an accountant. Now she holds two jobs, including one at the Marian Center in administration and advocacy. She does everything from translating mail to handling emergencies and often finds herself in the role of liaison between immigrants, attorneys, and home countries. "Sometimes it's too late," says this quietly intense woman, "but usually we can help." She tells me that it's especially hard for many people from El Salvador because illiteracy in their own language makes it even harder to learn English.

Sister Carol Bartol, the center's education coordinator, explains how work takes precedence in the lives of immigrants. After long shifts on a processing line, people still have to feed their children and take care of other family business rather than attend a meeting or class. I've heard this dilemma echoed by many others. Sr. Carol, compassionate and pragmatic, has learned that one-on-one ESL instruction is more effective than weekly classes.

Despite the daily struggles, something good is always happening at St. Mary's. On a gray, rainy morning last week, the Marian Center kitchen was filled with teenagers in red aprons, making pupusas as a fundraiser for their chorus. And that evening, hundreds of people packed into the church for a Jubilee mass celebrating Sister Diane Bardol's 50 years as a nun, 36 of those years in Kodiak. A small woman with huge energy, she is an active reminder of hope. Wet and blustery outside, it was bright with candles and flowers inside. Though a newcomer myself, I felt at home. The Filipino chorus sang, the Hispanic chorus sang, we all sang.