Alaska’s Heart Through Student Art
Every inch of space in display cases and tables in the atrium of the Father Andrew Kashevaroff Library, Archives and Museum was adorned with gloriously colorful student artwork on March 25, 2019 at the 4thannual Alaska’s Heart through Student Art reception. Hosted by the Alaska Council of School Administrators with partners GCI Alaska and the Alaska Arts Education Consortium, the room was packed, with superintendents, district administrators, legislators and legislative staffers who examined and admired the student artwork. Senate President Cathy Giessel and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon welcomed all present, and praised and thanked students of all ages and communities large and small who shared their artwork. U. S. Senator Lisa Murkowski was the Honorary Chair of the reception, and, via distance delivery, gave an eloquent testimonial to the importance and value of the arts across Alaska and in the lives and education of all our young people. A live auction led by Senator Peter Micciche was one highlight of the evening, with a dozen pieces of art hotly and loudly contested by administrators and legislators. Two AAEC Champions of the Arts – Angie Chervenak, elementary principal in Kodiak and Claire Scott, a Juneau Douglas High School student – were present to accept awards and applause, giving a face to some of the thousands of Alaska educators and students for whom the visual arts are essential to their education. Above all, this event was a grand celebration of the talents and creativity of Alaskans. More information can be found HERE.