Artist Statement

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” As the highest federal protection of land, it preserves “outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.” It was our visit to Admiralty Island—the Kootznoowoo Wilderness—where we found inspiration for this show.

In early June the U.S. Forest Service partnered with REACH through The Canvas to support a four-day artist workshop at Admiralty’s Lake Alexander Cabin.  Barbara Lydon of The Canvas and Jenn Bellman of ORCA facilitated the workshop with two REACH clients, Evvanne Menefree and Andrea Short.

We arrived at the lake by float plane and spent our nights in the Forest Service cabin.  During the day, we hiked through the woods, rowed on the lake, and sat quietly listening to the sounds of the forest.  Our surroundings motivated the artwork we produced: paintings, drawings, rubbings, collages, natural materials pressed into clay.…..

Following the workshop, we let the experience grow in our hearts and guide a summer-long focus on nature-inspired artwork.  The REACH clients, consisting of over 30 individuals, were encouraged by our teachers, who brought the outdoors into our studio through many different multi-media classes.

The artwork presented here embodies the lasting inspiration we gained from Admiralty’s wilderness. We invite you to take your own trip to our public lands, whether it’s the wilds of Admiralty Island or the millions of acres of national forest surrounding Juneau. Let this wild land speak to you, grow in your hearts, and enrich your lives through discovery and creativity.