At this time each year, the Rasmuson Foundation offices are buzzing with activity related to the annual application process for the Individual Artist Awards. When the awards are announced in mid-May, one artist will be named the Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist.

Each year since 2004, the Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist Award has celebrated the excellence, achievements, talent, and skill of one Alaskan artist. Those who have received this recognition are: sculptor and carver Sylvester Ayek of Nome (2004); literary artist John Haines of Fairbanks (2005); Haida weaver Delores Churchill of Ketchikan (2006); visual artist Rie Muñoz of Juneau (2007), visual artist Ron Senungetuk of Homer (2008); and Tlingit carver Nathan Jackson of Ketchikan (2009). Every time I look over this list, I am in awe and incredibly grateful that these terrific people make Alaska their home.

The slideshow below shows some of the amazing artists and their creative work the Foundation recognized with awards in 2009.

Naming only one artist to receive this prestigious distinction will, I suspect, always be a difficult choice because Alaska is so fortunate to have a number of innovative, resourceful (imagine making art off the grid), and productive artists who live here. There are artists in every Alaskan community sharing new original work, providing inspiration, and making their towns more vibrant and livable.

Because each of us can probably think of a few people who deserve the Distinguished Artist Award, Rasmuson Foundation is now accepting on-line nominations from the public. Artists may also nominate themselves. Once nominated and deemed eligible based on the criteria for this award, the evaluation and selection process proceeds as normal. The number of times an individual is nominated does not affect their chances of being selected.

Nominations may also be sent in by mail by downloading and completing this form. The postmark deadline for all Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Awards is Monday, March 1, 2010. Online nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. No late applications will be accepted.

To date, Rasmuson Foundation has invested $1.2 million directly into the creative work of 167 Alaskan artists. One of the goals the Foundation set for itself when it launched its 10-year Art and Culture Initiative in 2003 was to “help create a dynamic and supportive environment for creative artists.” We invite you to be part of the process by helping identify the next recipient of the Distinguished Artist Award.

Tags: Alaska, Alaska State Council on the Arts, Alaskan art, art, artists, Individual Artist Awards, Victoria Lord

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