Art Walk takes trip down Iditarod Trail

PALMER — In honor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, dogs are the theme of this month’s Second Saturday Palmer Art Walk from 3 to 7 pm., March 9.

Visit all the stops on the map to have your name entered in a prize drawing at the Palmer Museum. If you see the museum’s leprechaun during your walk about, stop him and collect some of his special green coins for a second entry into the prize drawing.

Pick up a free Easter basket at the Palmer Museum before heading out on the art walk. Drop off completed maps — collect a stamp at all of the locations listed — at the museum to be entered into the prize drawing.

Below is a list of events happening along this month’s art walk:

1. Arkose Brewery

Stephen and June Gerteisen own this delicious local brewery. Stephen is an accomplished master brewer and June is an accomplished artist. They will host “Beer Meets Canvas” from 2 to 4 p.m., in which Arkose provides you with one pint or a flight of four tasters and art supplies you can use to create your own masterpiece. Beer Meets Canvas is only open to those age 21 or older and costs $30 per person. Space is limited to 10 people, so sign up early.

In addition, they will host a free drumming demonstration performed by members of the Community Drumming Workshop presented by Percussion in the Valley teaching studio. This hands-on performance will include opportunities for all attendees to experience drumming with the group. Children under 21 must be accompanied to the event by a parent or legal guardian.

2. Eagle Hotel

To be announced.

3. Cover Ups

This award-winning store will feature sketch artist and musician Penny Pines. When asked to describe herself, Penny has said, “Contours. All of them. One of them, later. A continual connection between this course and the next ... with music. I’m Penny from Palmer, I pick things — mostly pens and pendantics and guitars — oh my!”

4. Palmer Museum/Valley Arts Alliance

This month, the Palmer Museum will display the exhibit “From Trail to Canvas,” a collection of artwork created by Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle, who will be on hand to autograph copies of this year’s Iditarod poster. The museum also will host the Advocates for Puppy and Dog Wellness group, which will show visitors how to harness their dogs for the popular activity of skijoring. While you’re at the museum you can also decorate your own leprechaun hat and four-leaf clover ornament. All of the Museum events are free.

5. Nukreationz

This fun and creative art center will host “Fantasy Watercolors,” a watercolor texture project with young artist Samantha Paskvan, from 3 to 5 p.m. Supplies will be provided and creations can be taken home that day.

6. Garden Gate

This wonderful store has been in Palmer a while, but recently moved to its new location on Evergreen Avenue. In the spirit of this month’s Art Walk theme, Garden Gate is hosting a dog photo contest for the cutest or ugliest pooch. The winner will get a gift certificate to the store. Bring a photo of your furry friend to the art walk, or drop it off before then. Photos will be judged during the event and all customers get a vote. For more information on the contest, check out Garden Gate’s Facebook page.

7. Non Essentials

This delectable store will host a yummy food vendor who can provide more information on some of the items sold in the store.

8. Fireside Books

This favorite Palmer bookstore will host a meet and greet at 4 p.m. with author Caitlin Marine, who wrote “If You Call a Moose a Mouse: Life as an American Fulbrighter in Norway.”

9. Alaskan Artisans

& Crafters

This wonderful new addition to the art walk is comprised of several artists and will be stationed in the banquet room at Turkey Red. The group includes: By the Spirit Photography with Barbie Wagner, Alaska Spirit Crafts with Bonnie Brummett (who will also be demonstrating how to sew with fur), Scentsy with Jennifer Mistler, Far North Soaps with Judy Ehrlich (goat milk soaps), Semper Fab with Lisa Flanik Streicher (fabric aprons, bags and crocheted beaded necklaces), Blessings Unlimited with Mandy Lund, Glassworks by Margaret Spurlock, Gayle’s Gifts by Gayle Stanford White, Metal Art by Cara Cobb, AK Mama’s Kid Stuff by Kristina Gillen and Seanne Easter, and, of course, Girl Scout cookies will be available for sale with Alexis H.

10. Shane Lamb

Gallery

This favorite artistic venue will feature artwork by C. Ryan Pierce of Wasilla (cryanpierceartworks.com). His style of art has developed through the incorporation of his drawing techniques of how light plays with shadow. He works with acrylic and oil pastes on canvas, and charcoal and pastel on paper. Stop by to meet this exciting artist and view his work. While you’re there, you will also have the opportunity to meet Shane Lamb’s featured canine, KIA Camo.

KIA’s story started in a war zone half a world away in 2009. She was born on the U.S. air base surrounding the Kabul International Airport. KIA was rescued by Palmer resident LTC (ret.) Jim Kelley, who was stationed there during 2009 and 2010.

KIA’s rescue was facilitated by the Afghan Stray Animals League, (afganstrayanimals.org) which is a U.S. nonprofit organization that shelters and transports adoptees from Afghanistan to the U.S. and Europe. KIA will be at Shane Lamb Gallery throughout the Art Walk. Bring your camera and have your photo taken with KIA Camo, the lucky Afghanistan mutt.

11. Palmer Deli

This tasty deli will host artists Sandra Coo,k who is skilled both in pottery and fiber art, and Andy Meininger, who creates rock-inspired artwork. Both artists will be set up in the hallway outside the deli, so be sure to stop by on your way to the next venue in the mall.

12. Healing Path

Therapeutic Massage

While you are on your quest to collect coins, be sure to stop on by this relaxing venue where you can get a 10-minute massage for just $10! Owner, Pamela Stephen, has everything set up for you to drop in, get a quick 10-, 15-, or 20-minute rejuvenating massage, and be on your way to victory.

For this art walk, all of her massages will be discounted at $1 per minute from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pamela also will host handmade jewelry artist Judith Davidson of Crown Jewels of Denver, Colo. Crown Jewels are sold at juried art shows throughout the Southwest and will make their Alaska debut Saturday. Pieces on display will be available for purchase, or you may request pieces made to order.

13. Chickadee’s

This wonderful new store in Palmer just received a special shipment last month of Alaska-made knives that are to die for. They have also recently acquired an amazing collection of Colony-era tools and artifacts that are available for purchase.

14. Rusty’s

This delicious venue will serve up its regular scrumptious menu and offering you a taste of the artwork created by Valley artist Greg Gusse. Gusse has been a major contributor to the town of Palmer and Valley art scene for years. Here is your chance to take a look at his creative side.