www.frames.gov/afsc/projects/art-of-fire     

Fairbanks, Alaska—Nine local artists will unveil work of varied media inspired by fire, fire management and fire science at the exhibit opening of “In a Time of Change: The Art of Fire” at the Bear Gallery in Pioneer Park Aug. 3.

The First Friday opening will be 5-7 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display during gallery hours, noon-8 p.m. daily, through Sept. 3.

“The Art of Fire” is part of a larger collaborative effort led by the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research Station (LTER) to engage the arts, sciences and humanities in artistic exchanges regarding environmental issues, particularly climate change. Dubbing the network “In a Time of Change,” LTER has organized and helped fund similar events featuring visual, written and performance art in Fairbanks in recent years.

The Alaska Fire Science Consortium, a regional branch of a national fire science knowledge exchange network, saw “In a Time of Change” as an opportunity to bring new voices into conversations about fire science and management. AFSC partnered with LTER for “The Art of Fire” project, which focuses solely on visual artwork and is funded by the Joint Fire Science Program.

“This is really about building connections between the artistic talent we have in Fairbanks and managers and scientists throughout the state to promote awareness of fire and fire sciences in Alaska,” said Sarah Trainor, director of AFSC.

Professional artists featured in the exhibit are: Sarah DeGennaro, painting and drawing; Amanda Ellis, sculpture and photography; Erinn Kathryn, mixed media and painting; Jessie Hedden, mixed media and painting; Yasunari Izaki, wood and metal sculpture; Phillip Marshall, wood sculpture; Jennifer Moss, painting; Ree Nancarrow, fiber; and Hanna Stevenson, metal and fiberglass sculpture.

The project also invited members of the public and the fire management community to contribute artwork for an open show, providing additional fire science information and perspectives. The Community Art Show will open simultaneously in the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (APLIC) at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. APLIC will also host a Lecture Series with discussions from project participants at 7 p.m. Aug. 8, 15 and 22.  Additionally, artist Phillip Marshall is hosting a Studio Tour of Polhavn Woodfabrik Shop Aug. 4 from 12-4 pm at 1300 Skyline Drive.

Artwork in both exhibits is meant to include ecological and management aspects of fire in Alaska. The nine professional artists enjoyed exposure to the broad spectrum of fire management during four field trips organized by AFSC and LTER. A fire simulation event, an ecological tour of Denali National Park and other interaction with scientists and managers served as sources of information and inspiration for the artists.

FIND MORE ON THE WEB: www.frames.gov/afsc/projects/art-of-fire

Images by Jim Barker.