Gift Shop Artist of the Month

Olena Ellis

Featured: October 1-29, 2021

Gift Shop Hours: Monday–Saturday, noon–6 pm

Olena Ellis was born and raised in Maine where the ocean and forest were her places of solitude and regeneration. She is a ceramic sculptural artist living and working in Fairbanks and has been an Alaskan resident since 2007. Olena received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2018 and completed a Residency at the Beatrice Wood Center in Ojai, CA. She has been published in Ceramics Monthly and Mosaic Art Today.

Olena’s figurative sculptures are influenced by a combination of historical and contemporary forms exploring and portraying the strength, beauty, creativity and power which women bring to themselves, relationships and communities. The figurative sculptures refer to the internal landscape of individuals and connect the viewer through the emotional rich history we all possess. She draws inspiration from her own and other women’s journeys in life. Working intuitively and spontaneously, she explores the physical, spiritual, and emotional strategies used within relationships with self and our communities portraying vitality within her sculptures. She does not shy away from vulnerable or heartfelt topics, as they are usually the ones that most need conversation.

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Bear Gallery visitors please note:

COVID-19 mitigation measures: Fairbanks Arts’ board of directors has approved COVID-19 mitigation measures that include (but are not limited to):

• Masks are required and social distancing of no less than 6ft apart must be observed within the Bear Gallery.  
• The current limit of visitors in the gallery at one time is 15 individuals.
• Our COVID-19 mitigation plan involves the frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces to ensure the safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this effort to stay open while supporting artists and arts supporters safely and responsibly.