On View: August 2-August 31, 2024
First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, August 2, 5–7 p.m.
(Gallery opens at noon on First Fridays)
The Bear Gallery is located on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts building in Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Sami Ali, a modern representational artist born in Vietnam during the fall of Saigon in 1975, credits her passion for painting to her curious nature and love of challenges. After her family’s evacuation to America, she lived in five states while pursuing a medical degree before settling in Alaska. Her adaptable nature and quest for creative outlets led her to discover oil painting, which became her true expression. While primarily an oil painter, Sami embraces various media to weave color and texture into compelling narratives.
Starting each painting ‘plein air’ and never relying solely on photos for still life, Sami’s bold and whimsical approach defines her modern style. Her instinctive use of color and texture stems from a deep artistic heart. Alongside her artistry, Sami is board certified in Emergency Medicine and practices in Alaska’s busiest emergency room. Inspired by the ocean, she balances her passion for painting with homemade egg rolls from her kitchen and salmon fishing on the river. To learn more about Sami and her work, go to samialiart.com
“Flowers are not only inherently beautiful, but they can also be used as symbols of affection when given to others, and I have a special affection for Fairbanks, the first town I lived in when I moved to Alaska in 2003 when I learned that there was more to life than the rat race and that spectacular Nature was meant to be enjoyed, not just admired. When arranged and given as a bouquet, flowers can take on a greater meaning. Appreciation, sympathy, passion, and affection are just some of the emotions we express when we gift bouquets, but at the root of all these emotions is love. These paintings are, in a sense, one spectacular bouquet meant to show my affection for this wonderful town. Painted from unusual perspectives, these floral bouquets symbolize the uniqueness of Fairbanks and how a town taught me to see the world differently.”
-Sami Ali
Vladimir Zhikhartsev, a resident of Fairbanks, Alaska for 28 years, originally hails from Provideniya, Russia, where he began his artistic journey with formal training in sculpture and painting. He has been sharing his passion for art in Fairbanks for the past two decades, primarily from his home studio.
Vladimir’s influence extends statewide through educational outreach, including workshops at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival and contributions to the Machetanz Art Festival in Palmer. He has conducted watercolor workshops across Alaska and served as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
A decorated artist, Vladimir has earned numerous awards, including the Rasmuson Foundation Fellowship Award in 2008. His mastery spans over 20 solo exhibitions, showcasing his expertise in various mediums.
Beyond painting, Vladimir is renowned as an ice sculptor, competing worldwide since 1991 and garnering 15 gold medals and 3 silver medals, alongside multiple Artist’s and People’s Choice awards. His ice sculptures have been featured at Winter Olympic Art Festivals in Salt Lake City and Turin.
Recently, Vladimir has served as a lead judge at international competitions such as “Winterlude” in Ottawa, Canada, and “Lukomorie” in the Lake Baikal region of Russia. Inspired by Alaska’s landscapes, he particularly enjoys capturing mountains and nature in his paintings.
“As an artist, I find profound inspiration in the raw and majestic landscapes of Alaska. My upcoming watercolor show, “ALASKA EXPERIENCES,” is a visual journey through the diverse and breathtaking environments of this incredible region. Each piece in this collection captures a unique facet of Alaska’s natural beauty, from the tranquil serenity of its icy fjords to the rugged grandeur of its towering mountain ranges.
Watercolor, with its fluidity and translucence, is the perfect medium to convey the ethereal qualities of Alaska’s landscapes. Through delicate washes and bold strokes, I aim to evoke the sense of wonder and awe that Alaska instills in all who experience it. The interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant hues of the Northern Lights, and the subtle tones of the tundra are all rendered with a focus on capturing the essence of these scenes.
“ALASKA EXPERIENCES” is not just a showcase of natural beauty but a reflection of the emotional and spiritual impact these landscapes have on me as an artist. Each painting is a testament to the profound connection I feel with Alaska’s wilderness, a connection that I hope to share with my audience. I invite viewers to immerse themselves in these works, to feel the crisp air, hear the quiet rustle of the forest, and experience the solitude and peace that Alaska offers.
Join me on August 2nd, 2024, for the opening of “ALASKA EXPERIENCES.” Let these watercolors transport you to a place of untouched beauty and inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world.”
-Vladimir Zhikhartsev
To learn more about Vladimir and his work go to https://www.vladimir-zhikhartsev.com/
THESE EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS AND SPONSORS.
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