It’s official: Smithsonian Affiliate status granted

The Anchorage Museum has been named an official Smithsonian Affiliate. The designation formally acknowledges the museum’s longtime partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and increases opportunities for collaboration. The Anchorage Museum is the first Smithsonian Affiliate in Alaska. As an affiliate, the Anchorage Museum will have access to additional Smithsonian resources, including its 136 million-object collections and traveling exhibitions.

 Call for entries: Short films for ‘Cabin Fever’

The Anchorage Museum seeks short film entries for “Cabin Fever.” The exhibition, opening Nov. 21, examines the emotions and behaviors that manifest after hours of darkness and isolation, a state of mind particularly common in the North. Films must enhance the exhibition theme: Humorous and dark films are equally welcome. Deadline is Sept. 1. Entries must be 5 minutes or less. Entries selected by the curator will be on view for the duration of the exhibition. Winning filmmakers receive a $200 stipend. “Cabin Fever” is part of the Anchorage Museum’s Northern Initiative. Learn more and submit a film at anchoragemuseum.org/entries.

 JULY EVENTS

 Planetarium Show

The H2O Cycle

Noon and 4 p.m. daily in July

Do you know how old water is? More than half the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and much of it has been around as long as the Earth has existed. That means the water you drink could be same water dinosaurs walked in! But don’t get grossed out. Learn about nature’s method of recycling water — how the Earth uses water, filters it and re-uses it over and over again. Included with admission

 Guided Anchorage Museum Tours

11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. daily through Sept. 7

Join a museum docent for a 45-minute guided tour and learn about Alaska’s history, art, indigenous people and more. Tours vary each day. For the daily schedule visit the front desk or call (907) 929-9215. Included with admission

 Anchorage Museum Explorer Camps

Weekly through July 25

Kids can paint a masterpiece, build a robot and more at the museum’s summer camps. Prices vary. Learn more and register at anchoragemuseum.org/camps

 Lunch on the Lawn

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 26

Grab some sunshine and re-charge over your lunch hour. We mix it up every week: Lawn games, live summer jams, weird science … the only guarantee is that we’re full of surprises. Brown bag it, or check out food stands run by Fishalicious and Muse. Weather dependent. Free

 Art Mart

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, July 2-Aug. 1

Help your visitors find beautiful, Alaska-made treasures or treat yourself at this annual juried art and craft show. The museum hosts a revolving roster of Alaska artists who specialize in handmade jewelry, woodwork, apparel and more. Featured artists include Ed Mighell, Cook Inlet clay tiles; Susan Serna, photography; and Rik Seeganna, ivory carvings. A portion of the proceeds benefits the museum. Included with admission

 All American Picnic

Noon Friday, July 4

Celebrate the Fourth of July with family picnic favorites under the summer sun. Menu includes fried chicken, reindeer sausage, hamburgers, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, Alaska Thunder potato chips, chocolate cake and a drink. Picnic held outdoors, weather permitting. Beer and wine are available for purchase. $14.95 adult, children younger than 12 pay their age

 Art on the Green

Plastic Personality

1 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 4

Choose from colorful marine debris and contribute to a community art collage facilitated by Seward artist Dyan Ferren. Outdoors, rain or shine. This program is held in conjunction with the exhibition “Gyre: The Plastic Ocean.” Free

 First Friday at the Anchorage Museum

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4

Enjoy admission to the museum’s galleries. Free

 1% for Art Excursion

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 5

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes narrated tour of Anchorage’s public art, including work by some of Alaska’s best-known artists. This bus tour is led by Angela Demma of the Municipality of Anchorage’s 1% for Art Program, which makes this art collection possible. Snacks and water provided; bring a brown bag lunch. Dress for walking and the weather. Register online. $30

 Smithsonian Curator’s Tour

Noon Friday, July 18

Join a Smithsonian anthropologist for a curator’s tour of the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center. Gain a better understanding of Alaska’s nine indigenous cultures through 600 Alaska Native artifacts. Learn about traditional lifeways in Alaska’s diverse regions through clothing, tools, ceremonial objects and more. Curator tours are offered the third Friday of every month. Included with admission

 Juror’s Lecture

A Life In Photography: Joyce Tenneson

7 p.m. Thursday, July 24

A retrospective presentation by Maine artist Joyce Tenneson, who was recently named one of the world’s 10 most influential women photographers by American Photo Magazine. Tenneson also announces the winners of the Rarefied Light Alaska photography exhibition, which opens at the Anchorage Museum Nov. 7. Tenneson’s portraits have appeared on magazine covers such as Time, Esquire and The New York Times Magazine, and her photographs have been shown in more than 150 exhibitions worldwide. Free

 Book Signing

The First Great Race

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 25

In his new book, dog musher Dan Seavey tells the story of fulfilling a boyhood dream and of his adventures running the first Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Seavey placed third in that grueling 1,000-mile, 20-day odyssey. He is the father of Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey and the grandfather of the youngest Iditarod champion ever, Dallas Seavey. Free

 Outdoor Explore

Painting with Plants

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26

Ingredients to create art are all around us. Create your own artwork and paint with natural dyes derived from Alaska plants. Alaska Botanical Garden experts discuss how local plants can become nature’s palette. Rain or shine. Free

 PLEASE NOTE: Fees still apply for premium exhibitions and planetarium shows during free events.

 AUGUST EVENTS

 Guided Anchorage Museum Tours

11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. daily through Sept. 7

Join a museum docent for a 45-minute guided tour and learn about Alaska’s history, art, indigenous people and more. Tours vary each day. For the daily schedule visit the front desk or call (907) 929-9215. Included with admission

 Planetarium Show

H2O Cycle

Noon and 4 p.m. daily in August

Do you know how old water is? More than half the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and much of it has been around as long as the Earth has existed. That means the water you drink could be same water dinosaurs walked in! But don’t get grossed out. Learn about nature’s method of recycling water — how the Earth uses water, filters it and re-uses it over and over again. Included with admission

 First Friday at the Anchorage Museum

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1

Enjoy an artist lecture by Diedra Krieger and admission to the museum’s galleries. Free

 Art on the Green

Plastic Fantastic

1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1

Help Philadelphia artist Diedra Krieger create a giant dome made from plastic bottles. More than 6,000 post-consumer water bottles serve as the structure for Plastic Fantastic, a 16-foot geodesic dome. Krieger has built Plastic Fantastic domes across the country to spark conversations about environmental issues, recycling and health. Anchorage Food Mosaic Project serves up a refreshing drink made from natural, local ingredients; please bring your own re-usable cup. This program is held in conjunction with the exhibition “Gyre: The Plastic Ocean.”Water bottle collection provided by UAA Office of Sustainability. Outdoors, rain or shine. Free

 Meet the Artist

Diedra Krieger

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1

Explore the Plastic Fantastic dome with its creator, Philadelphia artist Diedra Krieger. More than 6,000 post-consumer water bottles serve as the structure for Plastic Fantastic, a 16-foot geodesic dome. Krieger has built Plastic Fantastic domes across the country to spark conversations about environmental issues, recycling and health. This program is held in conjunction with the exhibition “Gyre: The Plastic Ocean.”Outdoors, rain or shine. Free

 Mini Dome Design

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2

Balance engineering skills with art to make your own mini geodesic domes inspired by the Plastic Fantastic dome installation. More than 6,000 post-consumer water bottles serve as the structure for Plastic Fantastic, a 16-foot geodesic dome. Philadelphia artist Diedra Krieger has created Plastic Fantastic domes across the country to spark conversations about environmental issues, recycling and health. This program is held in conjunction with the exhibition “Gyre: The Plastic Ocean.”Outdoors, rain or shine. Free

 1% for Art Excursion

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes narrated tour of Anchorage’s public art, including work by some of Alaska’s best-known artists. This bus tour is led by Angela Demma of the Municipality of Anchorage’s 1% for Art Program, which makes this art collection possible. Snacks and water provided; bring a brown bag lunch. Dress for walking and the weather. Register online. $30

 Coffee Talk: A Plastic World

11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 3

What do you think about humans’ relationship with plastic? Join us on the lawn for a casual conversation over coffee. Discussion is facilitated by Mary Fisher, Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling; Paula Williams, UAA Office of Sustainability; and Diedra Krieger, Philadelphia artist and creator of the Plastic Fantastic dome. This program is held in conjunction with the exhibition “Gyre: The Plastic Ocean.”Coffee is available; please bring your own re-usable mug. Outdoors, rain or shine. Free

 Lunch on the Lawn

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 26

Grab some sunshine and re-charge over your lunch hour. We mix it up every week: Lawn games, live summer jams, weird science … the only guarantee is that we’re full of surprises. Brown bag it, or check out food stands run by Fishalicious and Muse. Weather dependent. Free

 Smithsonian Spotlight

Voices of our Ancestors

Noon Thursday, Aug. 7

Scholar and author Roy Agloinga discusses the new dictionary of Qawairaq Igaluik Inupiaq, the endangered language of his home village of White Mountain. The dictionary is a resource to reinvigorate the community by passing on traditional knowledge through Inupiat definitions of place and relationships. Included with admission

 Smithsonian Curator’s Tour

Noon Friday, Aug. 15

Join a Smithsonian anthropologist for a curator’s tour of the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center. Gain a better understanding of Alaska’s nine indigenous cultures through 600 Alaska Native artifacts. Learn about traditional lifeways in Alaska’s diverse regions through clothing, tools, ceremonial objects and more. Curator tours are offered the third Friday of every month. Included with admission

 Outdoor Explore

Salmon Ecology

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

Learn the what and the why of the salmon life cycle, and how human behavior impacts wild fish. Led by Kay Shoemaker Howell, UAF Science and Natural Resources Education and 4-H Youth Development. Outdoors, rain or shine. Free

 PLEASE NOTE: Fees still apply for premium exhibitions and planetarium shows during free events.

 THOMAS PLANETARIUM: THROUGH AUGUST 30

 The following schedule is valid through Aug. 30. Prices vary from $4 to $10 and do not include museum general admission (unless otherwise noted). Learn more and buy tickets at www.anchoragemuseum.org.

 Earth, Moon and Sun

11 a.m. daily

Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this character in a show that discusses American Indian star lore, lunar phases, eclipses and space exploration.

 River of Bears

1 and 2:30 p.m. daily

Observe Alaska’s iconic brown bears as they nurture cubs, fish for salmon, and play in their natural environment. This immersive, full-dome planetarium show plants you in the middle of the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, where more than 100 brown bears congregate each summer to bulk up for the harsh winter. Learn how the bears’ remarkable intelligence and instincts help them survive in the Alaska wilderness.

 Experience the Aurora

1:45 and 3:15 p.m. daily

Marvel as the Northern Lights shimmer and glisten overhead through time-lapse footage captured in the Arctic Circle. This immersive show is the next best thing to being under Alaska’s winter night sky. Unearth the science behind auroras, and learn about mankind’s quest to find and understand this incredible phenomenon.

 Life: A Cosmic Story

4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

How did life on Earth begin? Find out on this journey through time. Witness key events since the Big Bang that set the stage for life. See the first stars ignite, galaxies coalesce and entire worlds take shape. On a young Earth, two scenarios for the dawn of life are presented — one near a turbulent, deep-sea hydrothermal vent, and the other in a primordial hot puddle on a volcanic island.

 Pink Floyd: The Wall

4:30 p.m. Saturday

Lose yourself in Pink Floyd’s rock ‘n’ roll masterpiece “The Wall.” This new full-dome music and light show interprets this classic album through mesmerizing HD graphics. This is not a laser show, but the next generation of computer generated imagery. Audience advisory: Adult subject matter.

 Led Zeppelin Cosmic Light Show

4:30 p.m. Sunday

Be transported by mood-altering art and 3-D graphics choreographed to some of Led Zeppelin’s biggest hits, including “Whole Lotta Love,” “Immigrant Song” and “Ramble On.” This immersive rock ‘n’ roll experience plays out on the museum’s full-dome planetarium screen and features a state-of-the-art sound system. Audience advisory: Adult subject matter.

 UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

 All exhibitions are included with museum admission unless otherwise noted. Dates are subject to change: Please call (907) 929-9231 to confirm dates.

 Brick By Brick

On view Oct. 3 through Jan. 11, 2015

This Anchorage Museum-curated exhibition explores the creative potential of LEGO^® toys and bricks. The exhibition features work by New York artist Nathan Sawaya, who creates large-scale sculptures from Lego bricks, and English artist Mike Stimpson, who is known for re-creating historic events and popular culture scenes using Lego figurines. Hands-on stations emphasize Lego bricks as learning tools with artistic, scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical applications. Lego bricks are symbols of innovation and a contemporary material used by architects, artists and engineers for their color, uniformity, ties to popular culture and endless potential for imagination. Despite a long history and simple form, Lego bricks are more relevant than ever. Tickets are $12-$20. Anchorage Museum members enjoy unlimited free admission to “Brick by Brick.”

 All Alaska Juried XXXV

On view Nov. 7 through Feb. 1, 2015

For more than 30 years,the “All Alaska Juried Exhibition”has recognized the unique contributions Alaskaartists are making to the world of contemporary art.The biennial exhibition encourages Alaska artiststo create new work and showcases the finest art beingproduced in the state. Typically about 50 works are chosen from more than 400 submissions in a variety of media including painting, fiber and sculpture. Organized by the Anchorage Museum.

 Rarefied Light

On view Nov. 7 through Feb. 22, 2015

“Rarefied Light” showcases the best of Alaska’s fine art photography. The largest juried photography exhibition in the state typically features about 50 images selected from about 500 submissions. This annual juried exhibition is a collaboration with the Alaska Photographic Center.

 It’s All Material

On view Nov. 7 through Feb. 22, 2015

Before there is art, there is just raw material and potential. Get an insider’s look at how an artist transforms raw “stuff” into the inspiring objects you see at the museum. From fish skin and baleen to metal and glass, “It’s All Material” examines a wide range of materials, their sources and the techniques involved in making objects and art. Drawn from the Anchorage Museum’s collection, this exhibition illustrates the resources, inventiveness, time and skill that go into making Alaska’s cultural treasures. The exhibition includes a conservator’s corner where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work in progress and ask questions. 

 Wonderland of Toys

On view Dec. 2 through Jan. 11, 2015

In this beloved holiday tradition, the museum’s atrium is transformed into a dazzling tableau of toys, some which date back as far as the 1800s. Against a backdrop of twinkling lights and holiday decor, find carousel horses, World War I toy soldiers and an evergreen tree decorated with more than 100 dolls dressed in costumes from around the world.

 Cabin Fever

On view Nov. 21 through Feb. 15, 2015
“Cabin Fever” examines the emotions and behaviors that manifest after hours of darkness and isolation, a state of mind particularly common in the North. The exhibition features archival and contemporary photography and film. With humor, irony and clarity, these images explore the hysteria associated with the term “cabin fever.” This exhibition is part of the Anchorage Museum’s Northern Initiative.

 CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

 All exhibitions are included with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

 Gyre: The Plastic Ocean

On view through Sept. 7

Alaska’s wilderness is the closest thing to a pristine landscape on the planet, but even the Last Frontier is not immune to the growing ocean trash problem. An ambitious art and science exhibition tackles the big picture. “Gyre: The Plastic Ocean” tells a global marine debris story through the work of 26 artists hailing from Australia to Finland, as well as a National Geographic film, documentary photography, and hands-on activities for families. The exhibition also features findings of a 2013 scientific expedition to study marine debris in Alaska. The boat carried scientists from the Alaska SeaLife Center, Blue Ocean Institute, Smithsonian Institution, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as artists, educators and documentary filmmakers. Some of the artwork in the exhibition incorporates trash gathered during that journey.

 Arctic Desert: Kobuk Valley National Park

On view through Sept. 7
Undulating golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see. One hundred-degree days and 25-degree nights. And caribou. Welcome to Kobuk Valley National Park, where Alaska meets “Lawrence of Arabia.” Nearly half a million caribou migrate yearly across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, their tracks crisscrossing dunes rising up to 100 feet high. But few people make the trek. No roads lead to the park: It’s consistently one of the 10 least-visited national parks. “Arctic Desert,” featuring images taken by the National Park Service, is a photographic exploration of this rarely seen phenomenon, located above the Arctic Circle in northwestern Alaska. Part of the Anchorage Museum’s Northern Initiative.

 Riskland: Remembering the 1964 Alaska Earthquake

On view through Sept. 14

To mark the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, this exhibition looks at this devastating event scientifically and historically, including the reconstruction efforts that followed and Alaskans’ earthquake preparedness today. On March 27, 1964, the Alaskan spirit was tested by the earthquake that remains the second largest seismic event recorded in world history. The earthquake measured at a magnitude of 9.2 and lasted nearly 5 minutes. The exhibition features historical images, video and audio of the earthquake and its aftermath, including many compelling firsthand accounts from survivors. Interactive multimedia displays include real-time streaming data from earthquakes occurring around the world and practical information about earthquake preparedness. An official program of the Anchorage Centennial Celebration.

 Re/Marks

On view through Oct. 26

Alaska Native artists present traditional stories and aesthetics in innovative, contemporary ways in this new exhibition curated from the Anchorage Museum collection. The 31 artworks in “Re/Marks” span the 1970s until the present, following the development of contemporary Alaska Native art from early prints and paintings to recent photography and sculpture. Featured artists include John Hoover, Ron Senungetuk, Susie Silook, Sonya Kelliher-Combs and Perry Eaton. These artists reinterpret images, reinvent methods and remark upon the intersections of history and identity, both personal and cultural. Their work transcends ethnographic and anthropological interpretations, and challenges preconceived notions of indigenous art, demonstrating that Native art is vital and varied. This exhibition is part of the Anchorage Museum’s Northern Initiative.

 VISITOR INFORMATION AND MUSEUM HOURS

 The Anchorage Museum’s mission is to share and connect Alaska with the world through art, history, science and culture.

 WINTER HOURS

Oct. 1 through April 30

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

Closed Monday

 

SUMMER HOURS

May 1 through Sept. 30

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

 GENERAL ADMISSION

Free for museum members, $15 adults (18-64), $12 Alaska resident adults (18-64), $10 military/senior citizens/students, $7 ages 3 to 12, free ages 2 and younger. Visitors can find general museum information at (907) 929-9200 or www.anchoragemuseum.org.

 Visitors with disabilities who need special assistance, please call (907) 929-9254.

 Parking is available for $1 per hour in the underground garage on evenings and weekends

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