BLM Artists in Residence to Give Presentations in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Bureau of Land Management Artists in Residence Ned Rozell and Sarah DeGennaro will share their experiences and art at two public presentations hosted by the Alaska Public Lands Information Center on Jan. 24 and 29 at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks.

On Jan. 24 at 2 p.m., Fairbanks writer Ned Rozell will present selected readings and thoughts inspired by his experiences as a BLM Artist in Residence in Eagle, Alaska last summer.

Rozell has walked, skied, driven or floated most of Alaska. He is the author of four Alaska-related books and more than 800 weekly newspaper columns about Alaska. During his stay in Eagle, Rozell worked on a manuscript for a novel that he started 20 years ago while living in the community. “My artist-in-residency in Eagle gave me the silence and space I needed to finish one of those projects that was getting away,” Rozell said. “Eagle is where I decided that I wanted to be a writer.”

On January 29 at 7 p.m., the public is invited to view new works by local artist Sarah DeGennaro and to hear about her experiences as a BLM Artist in Residence in the White Mountains National Recreation Area last April. DeGennaro spent five days at the Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter in the White Mountains.

DeGennaro received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013. She has participated in many art exhibits in Fairbanks and Anchorage, and her work has also been featured in Ecological Reflections at the National Science Foundation. DeGennaro is excited to share her work and experiences and to encourage other artists to apply for this year’s Artist in Residence opportunities. “My time in the White Mountains National Recreation area was incredible,” DeGennaro said. “I was able to draw so much inspiration from this beautiful landscape.”

The Artist in Residence program is open to emerging or established artists working in nearly any media, including painting, printmaking, photography, writing and music. The BLM is taking applications for the 2015 winter program through Feb. 6. The summer program will open for applications in April. Artists are expected to donate the use of a piece of their work inspired by their residency to help promote public lands. For more information about the upcoming presentations or applying for this year’s opportunities, contact Chel Ethun at methun@blm.gov or 907-474-2223.