Fairbanksans confirmed up in pressure for the Alaska Railroad Centennial kickoff celebration at a particular First Friday occasion on the Fairbanks Railroad Depot.
A gentle stream of tourists stood in line to get artists’ signatures on this yr’s particular version Alaska Railroad prints. Each artists — Noah Nolywaika of Nenana and William “Artwork” Chase of North Pole — had been there to greet guests and signal their names.
It wasn’t lengthy till prints had been offered out. Simply an hour into the occasion, the particular centennial print by Nolywaika offered out.
Solely six of Chase’s prints remained mid-way via the night, and people had been anticipated to promote out earlier than the night time ended.
In line with John Simmons, who spearheaded the occasion for the Alaska Railroad, that has by no means occurred earlier than.
The 2 artwork prints have fun this yr’s Alaska Railroad centennial. Each items had been commissioned by the Alaska Railroad.
William “Artwork” Chase’s unique oil portray is entitled “Alaska Railroad: 100 Years Robust.” It depicts a lineup of 9 influential locomotives that showcase the railroad’s transportation growth over the a long time.
Noah Nolywaika’s unique charcoal pencil drawing, “Nenana: The place River Meets Rail and Previous Meets Future,” depicts Nenana’s historic railroad depot. Within the background, President Warren Harding drives a golden spike to finish the railroad on July 15, 1923.
Nolywaika mentioned this piece was new for him.
“I’d by no means performed paintings like that,” he mentioned. “It was a variety of trial and error.”
He likes that the piece tells a narrative — on this case, an essential historic story.
“That’s what I love to do,” he mentioned. “Inform tales.”
He was “fairly stunned” and really blissful when the railroad selected him to create a particular centennial artwork print. He’s 22 years previous however has been drawing his complete life. The truth that Nenana is his hometown makes the fee particular, he mentioned.
“I actually love capturing that historical past,” he mentioned.
Chase got here up with the thought for his locomotive paintings a few years in the past and mentioned he knew it might be good for the centennial.
For 40 years, his ardour has been steam locomotives. He has rebuilt and operated a number of steam locomotives across the nation, together with Alaska. He was additionally a founding member of the Buddies of the Tanana Valley Railroad. He helped rebuild Tanana Valley Railroad Porter #1 engine that now operates on particular events at Fairbanks Pioneer Park.
The centennial celebration will proceed with a particular occasion in Anchorage from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14 on the Anchorage Historic Railroad Depot, 411 W. First Ave.