Arts Outlook

Movement at the Fort Seward Sculpture Garden

Things are stirring at the Fort Seward sculpture garden.

The garden was created in 2014 with funding from the ArtPlace America Foundation on the foundations of an old barracks building, which burned down in 1981. The garden features 11 works of art from local artists, but maintenance and safety improvements fell by the wayside.

Lee Heinmiller, President of Port Chilkoot Co., which owns the sculpture garden site, confirmed that he just signed a new lease and MOU for the land, a first step in the garden’s “Reawakening,” in the words of Carol Tuynman, creative director of the Arts Confluence.

Now, the garden is on track to “come back online,” said Tuynman. Tuynman added that the Confluence is searching for volunteers to help with weeding and cleanup.

Volunteers wishing to help can contact the Alaska Arts Confluence at (907) 766-3715.

“Downtown Core Concepts” to Discuss 3rd and Main Lot

Visitors are invited to give comments and feedback about the empty lot at Third and Main at the Arts Confluence this First Friday, July 5.

The Arts Confluence along with architect and designer Larry Larson will host a discussion with the theme of “Downtown Core Concepts,” about the future of the empty lot at the corner of Third and Main and downtown Haines more generally.

Larson will present his concepts of a redesigned downtown Haines, including new public spaces and links to walking trails. Guests will be encouraged to put forth their own concepts of public space.

“Our vision is to inspire a culture of collaboration,” said Carol Tuynman, creative director of the Arts Confluence.

“Independents Week” Encourages Local Shopping

July 1 through 7 is “Independents Week,” a national event intended to encourage shoppers to patronize independent local businesses.

The Haines Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Haines Economic Development Corporation to raise awareness.

Independents Week is “a week to recognize the contributions that local businesses make in the community,” said Margaret Friedenauer, executive director of the Haines Economic Development Corporation.

Supporting local businesses is a way to ensure that money spent does not leave Haines. Friedenauer cites statistics claiming that 48 percent of the money spent on a local purchase stays in the community, versus about 1 percent of the money spent online.

“Amazon doesn’t have to use any of my money locally,” she says.

Friedenauer and Tracey Harmon, executive director of the Haines Chamber of Commerce, will man a booth at First Friday outside First National Bank Alaska to provide information and to raise awareness about local businesses.

First Friday Highlights

Haines Brewing Company will host an exhibit of jewelry by artist Kris Mulligan.

The Pioneer Bar will host an open mic night, starting at 10 p.m.

Ampersand AK will host a show with the theme of “Plants You Can and Can’t Kill,” featuring crochet art by Shannon Gerard, houseplants, and information about invasive and noxious weeds in Haines.

Moosterious Emporium will host live music and a game night.

Alaska Rod’s will host Mark Zeiger, author of “Sacred Coffee,” and the Zeiger family. The Zeigers will be selling handmade soaps from their homestead.

Port Chilkoot Distillery will host chef Travis Kukull and homemade seafood paella. The first round will be ready at 5 p.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m. $15 a plate. Cash only.

The Hammer Museum is hosting a “Hammer Hunt.” Visitors will compete in a scavenger hunt of various tools. There will be prizes for the winners and snacks and drinks will be served.

The Haines Sheldon Museum is hosting an exhibit scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded for participants who answer questions correctly.

The Sovereign, a native art gallery , will celebrate its second First Friday.

The Magpie Gallery will be showing pottery and “a Summer Sampling of Soul Happy Art” by Mandy Ramsey and Renee Hoffman.