Two Yup’ ik artists have actually just recently been called beneficiaries of a program created to allow them to go to Alaska Native collections in museums and acquire a much deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
The program, called the “Alaska Native Museum Residency Program,” was produced by The Delta Discovery, Inc., a not-for-profit company based in Bethel, Alaska. It will supply 2 Yup’ ik artists with the chance to invest 2 weeks checking out museums throughout Alaska and analyzing their Alaska Native collections.
The 2 Yup’ ik artists picked as beneficiaries are Eliza Jones and Steve Wassillie. Jones, who is initially from Chevak, is a professional in standard Yup’ ik art, consisting of beadwork, sculpting, and sewing. Wassillie, who is initially from Hooper Bay, is a professional in Yup’ ik masks and standard Yup’ ik dances.
During their residencies, the 2 artists will check out museums in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and other cities in Alaska. They will have the chance to study the collections in the museums, discover more about their Yup’ ik culture, and get a much better understanding of the cultural artifacts on screen.
In addition to exploring the museums, the 2 artists will likewise be offered the chance to take part in instructional activities and consult with museum personnel and other Alaska Native artists. This will permit them to find out more about the artifacts and their cultural significance.
The residencies belong to The Delta Discovery’s objective of promoting Alaska Native culture. The company hopes that by permitting Yup’ ik artists to go to the collections in museums, they will have the ability to get a much deeper understanding of their culture and produce masterpieces that are real to their cultural customs.
The Delta Discovery is happy to supply this chance to Eliza Jones and Steve Wassillie, and anticipates seeing the outcomes of their residencies. It is positive that their time in the museums will assist them acquire a much better understanding of their cultural heritage and develop artworks that show their Yup’ ik culture.
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