Arts scene exploding in the Valley

Resslin' Around by Casey Ressler

Each week, in the course of putting together this section as well as Bullseye, I get to talk to a wide range of people who help shape the cultural core of the Valley. The thing I'm left amazed by is the fact there are so many creative and artistic people out there, doing big things on a seemingly small stage.

I don't remember talking to this many artists, this many authors, this many filmmakers, this many talented people 10 years ago. The exponential growth in the Valley has seemed to grow the cultural scene as well, which is a good thing for all.

Talkeetna has always been known as a cultural haven for artists, as many talented painters, photographers, singers and songwriters call the quaint town home. But for the most part, that was one pocket of the Valley that was recognized, much like Homer and Seward are recognized as the art centers of the Kenai Peninsula. Now, more and more people are working hard to establish a cultural boom around the Valley.

Take a look at downtown Palmer, for example. The Palmer Arts Council has done big things in a relatively short amount of time, and this is just the start. From plays to concerts, the group has made an impact on the town already.

The Palmer Museum of History and Art has featured not only artifacts from long-ago Palmer, but also art from current painters, as both the cultural past and present is celebrated.

In Wasilla, Valley Performing Arts has long been known as producing award-winning performances on stage, and nothing appears to be slowing down the group. A thriving summer camp for youngsters ensure the future stays bright as well. On Thursdays, the Music in the Park series has brought together musicians from a wide variety of genres for free concerts.

Even filmmakers are getting into the act now.

So what's causing this kind of a cultural boom? There are probably a number of factors, but for my money, it's the people. Spend a minute talking to Grant Olson, or Larry Bottjen, or Josh Fryfogle, or Tony Pippel - you'll find that they have creative visions, but you'll also find they work incredibly hard to make those visions become reality. We're lucky to have a lot of &#8220doers” instead of a lot of &#8220dreamers.” For every one of those names, however, there are 10 more that are doing big things as well.

The best way to keep the momentum going is by supporting the arts locally. Buy a painting from a local artist. Shell out a couple bucks for the CD from a local band or singer. Make sure you get a ticket for a long play, be it at VPA or over in Palmer.

If there are no consumers for the product, eventually the product will disappear. That's true no matter what you are talking about.

The Valley has worked hard to get an arts scene up and running, and we should all do our part to keep it going.

Casey Ressler (valleylife@

frontiersman.com) is the Valley Life editor. He has worn out his CD of Ken Peltier, a Palmer singer/songwriter.