October Happenings

For our featured artist in October we are proud to host a one-woman show of whimsical ceramic sculptures by longtime local artist Gina Hollomon. For the first time in many years Gina has been back working in her studio, and we're beyond delighted to show you her latest work!

Also new in the gallery this month is a fresh selection of clothing and accessories that are just right for the shifting seasons. We have coats, sweaters, layering pieces, scarves, and jewelry to help you greet the cooler weather in style.

Our non-profit for October is the Anchorage Concert Association. Founded in 1950 by a group of classical music enthusiasts, its goal was to bringing the finest classical musicians to perform for the people of Anchorage. Today, their purpose includes presenting internationally acclaimed artists from the entire spectrum of the performing arts in Alaska. The ACA's public performances and outreach activities entertain, uplift, educate and inspire audiences, students, and local artists. Please support the arts!

September First Friday

This First Friday, 2 Friends welcomes three new friends to the gallery! Join us on Friday, September 1, from 5 - 7 pm for First Friday, featuring artists Eleanor McMahon, Karmen Staveland, and Tamara Johannes.

Eleanor McMahon is best known for her oil landscapes of Day Harbor, a remote coastal wilderness in Kenai Fjords National Park. Eleanor's fascination with mountains, water, and the ever changing light has kept her out in the cold wind for many summers.

Karmen Staveland

Tamara Johannes

An oil painter from Eagle River, Karmen Staveland has been exploring abstract ideas this past year. This group of paintings developed out of an emotional experience, and Karmen uses expressive brushwork, a palette knife, and rich color to share her thoughts and feelings.

Tamara Johannes is a multi-media artist who focuses most of her time on glass fusing. Her most recent works are something she calls "Glass on Glass Painting." Her process involves the use of old masters' techniques, including staining, etching, and masking with glass enamels in multiple layers. Pieces are then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. The process of adding and removing glass creates interesting layers and depth.

Other gallery highlights this month include a fresh selection of ivory carvings, new clothing by Effie's Heart, summer sale items, and some new merchandise coming in for the fall season.

The non-profit of the month for September is Hospice of Anchorage. Founded in 1980, Hospice of Anchorage is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization and a partner agency of the United Way of Anchorage. They are a community agency comprised of an interdisciplinary team – volunteers, nurses, social service coordinators, bereavement coordinators and chaplains – who provide assistance to meet the transition from life through death and to cope with loss and grief. All services are provided at no cost.

Happy end of summer! We hope you stop in to celebrate, and look forward to seeing you in the gallery as the weather starts to turn.

August First Friday

Please join us Friday, August 4 from 5 - 7 pm for First Friday, featuring artists Rod Weagant and Marianne Wieland.

Rod Weagant, who is known as a "painter's painter" has spent the last four decades combining plein air and studio painting to explore his passion for wild landscapes. His work reflects both his formal training as a painter, and his raw, emotional response to his environment.

Marianne Wieland is an Alaska painter who is also known for her plein air landscapes. She enjoys the challenge of working outside, within the limitations of constantly changing light and weather. We are excited to feature new works in oil by both artists.

A percentage of this month's proceeds will go to our featured August non-profit, The Alaska Zoo. The Alaska Zoo has provided a home for orphaned, injured and captive-born animals for over four decades. It is dedicated to promoting conservation of Arctic, sub-Arctic and like climate species through education, research and community enrichment. Be sure to contribute to our donation jar, and stop by for First Friday, where rumor has it you may have an opportunity to say hello to a visiting zoo animal!

July News & Our 8th Anniversary!

This month we are proud to feature the works of long-time Alaska artist Susan Pennewell Ellis. We have some of her newest Alaska nature scenes on display, depicted on an intimate scale. Expressive acrylic paintings on canvas depict landscape elements close to home. Kincaid Park, the coastal trail and local gardens are favorite subjects. Original paintings and giclée prints are available.

Our July non-profit is Clare House. Clare House provides emergency shelter for homeless women with children. Residents receive meals, mental health and substance abuse assistance, and help with finding affordable housing and other resources.

We are also celebrating our 8th Anniversary this July. Many thanks to our wonderful community of artists and customers. We are so grateful to all of you!

June First Friday

Join us this Friday, June 2 from 5-7 pm as we celebrate the art of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints and vintage kimono fabrics. We'll be featuring beautiful new works by artists Guitta Corey and Polly Lewis, along with spring rolls, fortune cookies and tea for your enjoyment.

Paper artist Guitta Corey has long been infatuated with Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, a love she had in common with the late artist Byron Birdsall. For the past 8 years Guitta and Byron shared shows at the Artique Gallery featuring images created in their own mediums based on these Japanese master works.

For each show they would select one image that they would both recreate, producing 2 different interpretations of the original Japanese piece. Each of Byron's watercolors would have Denali lovingly painted into the Japanese landscape. It was always fun to see how their creative visions were informed by the materials they were using.

Having planned this show as their first together at 2 Friends Gallery, Byron had already painted several pieces before he passed away in December. His family allowed Guitta to select one of these last, treasured paintings in order to continue their practice of recreating the same piece. This year, Guitta strayed from tradition in one detail; she included Denali in her piece as a heartfelt homage to a great artist and wonderful friend. Their pieces were inspired by Navaro Rapids by Hiroshigi.  2 Friends Gallery truly hopes you enjoy this incredible show!

Polly Lewis is an Anchorage artist known for her beautiful fiber art. She designs and creates fabulous jewelry, purses and smart phone cases using vintage kimono fabrics.

Our non-profit this month is the Alaska Botanical Garden. Be sure to donate to this wonderful organization, and then take an afternoon to wander its paths and enjoy its diverse gardens, or take a workshop and hone your horticultural skills.

Thanks for visiting 2 Friends. We look forward to seeing you in June!

May First Friday

Please join us this Friday, May 5th for First Friday! Artist Barbara Lavallee will be on hand to personalize her new book and 2018 calendar, as well as showcase several new, original watercolor paintings. Other featured art includes glass gardens by Debora Deal, contemporary leather bracelets by Carol Degnan, and silver and precious stone jewelry by Kate Goodell. We also have a fresh supply of distinctive wearable art, and plenty of other great ideas for Mother's Day.

Our non-profit for the month of May is the Anchorage Park Foundation. Don't forget to put a few dollars in the donation jar on the counter to help support this great organization, which does so much for our community. Whether you walk or bike on the trails, enjoy picnics at your local park or take your kids to your neighborhood playground, you are touched by the work of the Anchorage Park Foundation.

Thanks again for all your support at our grand reopening last month. What fun! We look forward to seeing you in May!

First Friday & Our Grand Reopening!

We are so excited to announce the grand reopening of 2 Friends Gallery, featuring our new, expanded space. We are celebrating this First Friday, April 7, from 5-8 pm. Please join us for tapas from Aladdin's Mediterranean Restaurant, musical entertainment and tons of wonderful art, both old and new.