Alaska Native artists represent their culture through Fairbanks art sale

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) – Fairbanks non-profit organization Denakkanaaga hosted its monthly art sale at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

Denakkanaaga represents Alaska Native Elders in Interior Alaska. Many have a passion for art and were able to display their work at the event.

One artist said the goal is to represent the culture and heritage. Native artist Audrey Fields inherited it from her mother.

“Any craft fair, we were buddies, and we would go to each one,” Fields said. “We talk about our heritage, where we’re from … and we are very proud to learn many new things from other sewers.”

For many of the artists, their artwork is passed down through family members. Native artist Selina Alexander says her mother taught her sewing when she was seven. Since then, Alexander has used her skills to give her peace of mind.

“If you’re troubled or upset or anything, when you work with your hands, it calms your mind down,” Alexander said. “For me, that’s what art is”.

Alexander said she wants to keep their culture alive through their art sales.

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