Eight artists from across Alaska have been chosen to show their work at the new Su Valley School.
The One Percent for the Arts program requires permanent works of art to be displayed in public buildings in Alaska. The Mat Su Borough this past year signed a memorandum of understanding with the Municipality of Anchorage to help with the organization of their Percent for Arts projects borough-wide.
Jocelyn Young is the curator for the municipality of Anchorage and headed up the One Percent Art project for the new Su Valley high school. She said the process got bogged down for months as the Borough struggled with the insurance question and how much money would actually be available for art and artists.
It wasn’t until recently that all artists received their contracts and the One Percent program at the Su Valley school was solidified.
Young announced the eight chosen artists as: Karen Mannix and Kristin Gerde of Talkeetna, Sara Tabbert of Fairbanks, Peter Keenan of Talkeetna, Gina Holleman of Anchorage, Bill Brody of Fairbanks, Tony Crocetto of Talkeetna, Holly Griffin of Wasilla and Cammie Walker of Willow.
Young said there were some excellent proposals. A total of 47 proposals were received for consideration. A selection committee consisting of local residents and artists worked on pouring over all the proposals received. Young says it’s the only time she can think of where the students on the selection committee were as knowledgeable about art as the adults.
Young says she expects the works of art will be complete at the time the school is completed. The art will be displayed as a permanent fixture at the school.
The Percent for Art program was developed to contribute to the recognition of the statewide artistic community.
