Events
Spirit of the Wind @ Morris Thompson Center
Back by popular demand, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center adds two additional screenings of “Spirit of the Wind.”
From their website: “Come see this rare film following the trials and triumphs of sprint mushing legend George Attla. Alyeska Pipeline Service Company will be providing light refreshments before each showing.”
Where:
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
101 Dunkel Street
When:
Saturday, March 17th 11:00am and 4:00pm
Phone:
(907)459-3700
Events
20th Biz Bee for Literacy @ Westmark Hotel
The Literacy Council of Alaska presents the 20th Anniversary Biz Bee for Literacy! Teams compete in a spelling bee with silent auction and optional $15 buffet including soup du jour, sandwiches, tossed salad, and drinks. Raffle prizes include round-trip travel on Alaska Airlines! Admission is a $5 donation to the Literacy Council.
Where:
Westmark Gold Room
813 Noble Street
When:
Thursday, February 9th 7:00pm
Phone:
(907)456-7323
Events
2012 Iron Dog @ Chena River
Don’t miss the Iron Dog finish this Saturday, downtown on the Chena River right below Centennial Footbridge! Watch the lead teams of this grueling 2,000+ mile snow machine race sprint to glory in the final leg of their trip.
Updates and full schedule available on the Iron Dog’s official website.
Here’s the breakdown for the day from that site:
Saturday, February 25th: Pro Class Finish
- 9:00 am | Tired Iron races.
- 11:30 am | Iron Dog starts moving in to setup for the Finish.
- Approximately 1:00 pm | 1st Place team should be getting close to the end of the race.
- 5:00 pm | We start wrapping up most of the big Finish activities and head for the award ceremonies.
- Late night | After party at Pike’s Landing!
When:
Saturday, February 25th approx. 1:00pm
Phone:
(907) 563-4414
Events
2012 Tired Iron @ Chena River
Tired Iron, an annual celebration of vintage snow machines, has teamed up with Iron Dog and will offer a full schedule of weekend activities right next to the Iron Dog finish. That means you can attend two great events at once!
2012 Tired Iron schedule is as follows, from the official website:
SATURDAY February 25, 2012 – RACES & EVENTS
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
“Radar Run”
(Held from the Wendell St. Bridge to the Steese Expressway Bridge, in front of Graehl Landing)
11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Sideline Games/Events
(These events take place between the Finish line and just below the Cushman St Bridge)
11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
“Jurassic Classic”
(Starts at the Start/Finish line in front of the Golden Heart Plaza)
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
“2011 Iron Dog” Finish
(Timed “Hot” finish ends just downriver from the Wendell St. Bridge, near the confluence of the Noyes Slough. Then they proceed downriver, in a shutdown mode, to the Centennial Footbridge, exiting the river on the south bank into Griffin Park for Photo Op.)
1:30 P.M. (or 30 minutes after 1st place Iron Dog team finishes) till 3:00 P.M.
“Wired Iron”
(Junior’s race 120 cc sleds on smaller course, between the Start/Finish line in front of the Golden Heart Plaza and the Centennial Footbridge)
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Drivers’/Safety Meeting at Elk’s
(Short Order food and drinks are available)
SUNDAY February 26, 2012 – RACES & EVENTS
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 noon
“Tired Iron Classic”
(24 mile river race for Air Cooled sleds through 1979 model year)
11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Sideline Games/Events
(These events take place between the Finish line and just below the Cushman St Bridge)
12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
“Wet Iron”
(24 mile river race for Liquid Cooled sleds through 1979 model year)
2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
“Fun Run”
(24 mile river race for Air Cooled sleds through 1979 model year)
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Awards Banquet at Elk’s
(Short Order food and drinks are available)
When:
Saturday, February 25th 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday, February 26th 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Phone:
(907)452-8602
Events
QUEST FIRST FRIDAY DOWNTOWN
by Kara Nash · Leave a Comment
One day before the start of the Yukon Quest, downtown starts the party early with a full-bodied shot of artistic expression in the heart of the city! This month, listen to a traditional Japanese drum performance and view charcoal illustrations of world travels along with handmade snowshoes and fur clothing. Admire bright, bold strokes that harness the energy and joy of a dog team while learning about the history of mushing in Fairbanks. Handle handmade Alaskan jewelry and ask an artist about his unusual medium of choice- painting with vodka, gin, and coffee. Stop into an open house for a tour of the historic former Courthouse building, with spaces available to rent. Make it a weekend downtown, and kick it off with First Friday in February!
“Nature Photography,” by Roger M. Marty @ Frank’s Menswear, 535 3rd Avenue
Tin Cup Designs by Kristin Summerlin @ Alaskan Gold Rush Fine Jewelry, 531 2nd Avenue
Handcrafted Jewelry Made in Alaska @ If Only… a fine store, 215 Cushman Street
Handmade Native Art @ Beads and Things , 137 2nd Avenue
“Lima, Oscar, Victor, Echo” @ Fairbanks Veterans Center, 540 4th Avenue, Suite 100
New Artists @ Gallery 49, 535 2nd Avenue, Suite 103
Laura Nutter @ Fox Realty, 1121 1st Avenue
Iris J.W. Sutton, Color of Winter @ Fairbanks Community Museum, 410 Cushman Street
ReUse, RePurpose, ReCreate @ Lady Lee’s Bath House Emporium, 825 1st Avenue
Amanda Gecas, Laura Sample & George Yaska @ Morris Thompson Center, 101 Dunkle Avenue
Best Friends Forever, Part 2 & Winter’s Flow @ S Salon & Studio, 901 Cushman Street
Yelena Petkova & Music by Michela Miller @ Chartreuse, 729 1st Avenue
Gramma Nanook’s First Friday Art Show @ Julia’s Solstice Café, 206 Driveway Street
Winter Flavors @ Alana’s Espresso Escape, 535 2nd Avenue, Suite 101
Open House @ Courthouse Square
Explore Alaska: Jujiro Wada @ Morris Thompson Center, 101 Dunkle Avenue
Clarence Pate Project @ Gambardella’s Pasta Bella
Live Jazz @ Bobby’s Downtown, 609 2nd Avenue
Sand Castle @ McCafferty’s, A Coffee House, Etc., 408 Cushman Street
Weekend Entertainment @ The Big I Pub & Lounge, 122 N Turner Street
Events
BRATWURSTS & BUTTONS AT 2012 YUKON QUEST
Hear ye, hear ye! It’s time for the 2012 Yukon Quest, the epic 1,000-mile test of strength, willpower, and bootie warmth for 24 brave dog teams and their mushers. The race kicks off at 11am on Saturday, February 4th on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Here’s the breakdown of the weekend’s fanfare for “the world’s toughest sled dog race.”
DOWNTOWN EVENT SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 1st
5:00PM – The downtown party vamps up with the 2012 Start and Draw Banquet at the Westmark Hotel & Conference Center. A $60 ticket includes a buffet dinner, music, and a chance to mingle with the teams. Mushers will draw their place at the start line amidst an atmosphere of electrical anticipation. Purchase tickets at the Yukon Quest cabin on 1st Avenue or by calling (907)452-7954.
Friday, February 3rd
3:00-5:00PM – Tune into KSUA 91.5 FM College (stream live from the website) for The Downtowner radio show, featuring special guest Iris J.W. Sutton, the artistic genius behind the official 2012 Yukon Quest poster and a former Quest competitor. She’ll tell us what it’s like to run the Quest, describe the inspiration for her poster design, and talk about the pieces on display for her “Color of Winter” First Friday show at the Fairbanks Community Museum.
5:00-8:00PM - A stellar First Friday includes exhibits and activities themed around the Yukon Quest. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center presents a panel lecture at 7PM from the Alaska Historical Society about Jujiro Wada (a Japanese immigrant) titled “Blazing the Yukon Quest Trail, 1902″ as part of the Explore Alaska lecture series at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center. Learn about Jujiro’s adventures through Alaska in the late 1800s and check out the craftsmanship of Amanda Gecas of Boundary Fur Sewing, an avid musher who makes clothing and gear that is toasty enough for the trail.
Fairbanks Community Museum debuts “Color of Winter” by Iris J.W. Sutton who designed the official 2012 poster for the Yukon Quest. Bold, colorful brushstrokes on oversized canvas bring subjects to life including a dog team painted in primary colors that emit a radiance of energy and warmth. The museum also houses exhibits on the history of dog mushing in Interior Alaska.
9:00PM – After First Friday, join us for karaoke at Big Daddy’s BBQ for the first time at this location!
Saturday, February 4th
8:00AM – Gear up with a hearty breakfast provided by the Farthest North Elks Lodge with all proceeds benefitting the Yukon Quest. Pancakes will be served up hot off the griddle at 8am and $10 will get you a plate (free for kids 6 and under).
10:30AM – Lavelle’s Bistro open for brats and beer in honor of the Yukon Quest! Open all day and switches to regular menu at 4:30pm, just in time for the YQ300 start.
11:00AM – 2012 YUKON QUEST OFFICIAL START TIME – Watch 24 teams take their first brisk steps toward Whitehorse. Line the Chena River on both banks and pack the bridges to catch a glimpse of Lance Mackey, Hugh Neff, Brent Sass, Mike Ellis, and an eager group of rookies as they mush forth into the great white wilderness.
5:00PM – 11 teams will start their run for the Yukon Quest 300 from the same location on the river. This is a chance for mushers to get a taste of the Quest trail without going all the way to Whitehorse, and they can qualify for future Yukon Quests or the Iditarod.
All Day – Dog mushing products are 20% off at Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop on Saturday in honor of the race, patrons will receive 15% off store-wide at the Fairbanks Community Museum (except Ice Dogs merchandise) and Forget-Me-Not Books is having a buy one, get one free sale on chick lit so you can stock up for the rest of the winter. Julia’s Solstice Cafe serves up delicious Diving Duck coffee on the house with purchase of breakfast or lunch.
Many businesses will be open during the Quest start and welcome fans and visitors to stop in to warm up! Those closest to the river include The Big I Pub & Lounge, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, The Fudge Pot, Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop, Lavelle’s Bistro, l’assiette de Pomegranate, and the Co-Op Plaza (home to the Co-Op Diner, brand new Gallery 49, and Alana’s Espresso Escape).
WHERE TO PARK ON SATURDAY
With thousands of people descending on downtown Fairbanks for the start of the Yukon Quest, it’s important to come with a parking plan in mind. Lots closest to the river will fill up fast – including those at the Big I, Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the courthouse on 1st Ave, and Immaculate Conception Church. The borough parking lot (and plug-ins) will be available for use and Graehl Landing has limited spaces.
Two of the best bets for guaranteed downtown parking within easy walking distance of the Quest start include Sadler’s parking lot on Cushman Street and the parking garage with entrance on 3rd Avenue.
SUPPORT THE QUEST
A race of this magnitude can’t happen without volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual contributors. You can do your part to ensure the future of this great race by “sponsoring” one mile of the trail. Pick a number between 1-1,000 that is significant to you (a birthday, anniversary, or lucky number) and register your name as the official sponsor of this segment. It’s only $10 and you’ll receive a keepsake button with the mile of your choice. Call the Quest office or stop into the cabin on 1st Ave to contribute.
The Quest has a fabulous line of 2012 gear and memorabilia in the log cabin on 1st Avenue, and Saturday is a perfect time to stop in and pick up clothing, race posters, pins, patches, artwork, and stuffed sled dogs complete with a harness!
Events
Gruesome Playground Injuries @ The Empress Theatre
From the director:
“I was drawn to this play because of its evocative treatment of the trauma we undergo as humans in relationships. It is the story of two people who are so alone and yet who share an intense and visceral bond. Though it is the story of a 30 year relationship between a man and a woman, it is not the story of a romance. It is neither a failed romance nor does it have a happily ever after. It is something different… As we each go through our lives, we form relationships with ourselves and with the people in our lives. This play asks us to examine what these relationships mean to us, and how they affect us through out our lives. Those that are closest to us, with whom we are most intimate -whether sexually, romantically, platonically, intellectually, or spiritually – have the greatest ability to hurt us. And with whom are we more intimate than with ourselves?”
Note: This production may not be suitable for persons under 16.
When:
Friday, January 20th 8:00pm
Saturday, January 21st 8:00pm
Friday, January 27th 8:00pm
Saturday, January 28th 8:00pm
Sunday, January 29th 2:00pm
Where:
The Empress Theatre
535 Second Avenue
Events
Explore Alaska Lecture & Film Series @ MTCVC
Alaska Public Lands Information Center will host the first of four public lectures and videos showcasing activities and adventures available on Alaska’s Public Lands. Luc Mehl, professional remote wilderness racer, cutting edge whitewater rafter, and Alaska mountain climber, shares his personal videos and experiences about his adventures in Alaska’s backcountry. For more information call APLIC at 907-459-3730.
When:
Thursday, January 19th 7:00pm-8:00pm
Where:
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
101 Dunkel Street
Phone:
(907)459-3730
Events
A Taste of Arrrt 2012 @ Westmark Fairbanks
Chart Ye Course for Saturday, February 18th
Westmark Fairbanks Gold Room
Doors open at 6pm with a no-host bar
Grub and Grog will be served at 7pm
Our MC/DJ, Jim Matherly, and Auctioneer, Bob Gray of ATC Auctions will start the live and silent auctions at 8 pm
This year features a pirate theme. Guests are encouraged to dress in theme or semi-formal attire. Tickets are $65 in advance at (907) 456-4729 or toa@fcaalaska.org
2012 Featured Artists:
Matt Moberly
Voted as Artist of the Year
by the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce
Medium: Watercolor
Debbie Matthews
Owner of Expressions in Glass
Fairbanks, Alaska
Medium: Stained and Fused Glass
When:
Saturday, February 18th 6:00-10:00pm
Where:
Westmark Fairbanks
813 Noble Street
Phone:
(907) 456-4729
Events
CLOSET ARTISTS AT CO-OP ARTS
Co-Op Arts is opening its doors and walls to artists of all stripes and ages in preparation for the second annual “Closet Artists” show, debuting on First Friday.
“Closet Artists” is a chance for the gallery to bring in fresh, new pieces from a wide variety of community members, and for amateur artists to exhibit their work in a professional gallery, often for the first time. The idea began as a way to mix up the cooperatively-owned gallery’s composition during January when business is often slow, says Gallery Manager Ken Kokjer.
Last year’s rendition was tremendously successful, with 75 pieces exhibited from 20+ artists. The owners of Co-Op Arts (also on Facebook) decided to make it an annual event soon after.
Pieces have already begun pouring in for the First Friday show on January 6th, which owners expect to grow in size and submissions from last year.
Julene Lowdermilk submitted the above photograph, titled “Just Because,” for what will be her debut exhibit after years of taking photos as a hobby. She was coaxed into submitting four pieces by a close friend.
“I’ve taken photos for a long time and I usually think I’m the only one who likes them,” Julene admits. “I worked in the art department at UAF for eight years but didn’t take a single class,” because she fretted that her work wasn’t good enough.
Julene’s story of this photograph shows how creative and passionate Closet Artists can prove to be.
“I had received some flowers and to be honest, I don’t even remember why—if it was a special occasion or what—but I have a fetish for taking photos of flowers. I like to try different things, like taking photos of the inside or just part of the flower,” Julene describes. She says the black backdrop of this photo is a refrigerator that used to be in her home.
“I’m born and raised in Fairbanks and the Co-Op (Plaza) has been here as long as I have, so it’s pretty cool to have my first show there,” Julene adds.
Fairbanksans can submit up to five pieces of artwork in any medium and must include a $5 entry fee per submission along with the gallery’s online entry form. The final chance to submit work is today from noon- 5:30pm. All ages, experience levels, and mediums are welcome. Last year’s show featured acrylic, watercolor, ceramics, fused glass, wire form, photography, and a diorama made from found materials. Show-goers select a “People’s Choice” winner, whose work is showcased in the gallery for two weeks.
“We encourage people to bring all their cousins and family (to the show) and stuff the ballot box,” Ken jokes.
Closet Artists will be on display at Co-Op Arts for at least a week, but First Friday is the best time to check it out so that you can cast your vote, get first dibs on any piece you’d like to purchase, and hit other exhibits on the downtown art circuit. Not all pieces will be for sale (that decision is up to the artist), but Ken says several pieces did sell in last year’s show.
Ken also says the gallery is always looking for new talent, and the Closet Artists show might spark relationships that bring permanent new artists into the Co-Op Arts rotation.
When:
Friday, January 6th 5:00pm-8:00pm
Where:
Co-Op Arts
Co-Op Plaza
535 2nd Avenue, Suite 103
Phone:
(907)452-2787
