Our flight back from Anchorage was scheduled to leave last night at 11:10 p.m. and to arrive home at 6:20 a.m., so we had most of the day to catch up on a few local sites. There was no way I could see everything I wanted to. The Anchorage Museum was at the top of my list. The museum is undergoing major expansion. Here’s what it looks like now, and there’s digging and mud happening on the adjacent properties (to the left of the structure shown in this photo):
The sculpture out front is "Earth, Sea, Sky: Cycles of Alaska Seasons," by Jim McCain.
Inside, the museum’s first floor contains multiple galleries dedicated to fine art and its second floor covers history and natural history. Each section would be a satisfying and comprehensive experience by itself. Together? Well, I wish I’d had a lot more time! I managed an initial get-acquainted review in a couple of hours.
I saw an exhibit called "Tools as Art" that contained work by folk and fine artists, with pieces by Wayne Thiebaud (loved his "Paint Cans"), Walker Evans, Claes Oldenberg, and Jim Dine. Other galleries presented traditional and contemporary work by people from the diverse backgrounds that come together in this place.
I’ve got to go back to see more on both floors. . . .
While in Alaska, I also did some spinning. What’s shown below is part of the kid mohair I spun on the spindle I bought from Amy Durgeloh. I also spun qiviut on the Magpie spindle I took with me, but I didn’t get its picture taken.
And I worked on a sample sweater for Donna Druchunas‘ next book. The working title is Kitty Knits. I got the back done and one of the fronts.
I enjoyed reading your blog posts. I live in Anchorage, and was at the Yarn Expo and classes, but it was interesting to hear what you thought of the Expo, with your experience at events in other places. I’m glad that you enjoyed your visit!