Book details life of artist

Valley Life editor

In Curt W. Wagner Jr.'s paintings, old-time Alaska comes through -- and that's what drew historians Ken and Robin Marsh to tell his story.

Ken Marsh, a Trapper Creek resident, has written several books about the history of the Susitna Valley. He and his wife's latest is "Alaska Cache: The Work of Alaskan Artist Curt W. Wagner Jr." The book is self-published, with a limited edition of only 1,000.

"I had a friend who knew Curt pretty well, and I bought a painting of his and wanted to hear his story," Marsh said. "One painting of Shorty Bradley's cabin really drew me to his knowledge."

Bradley was the first homesteader in the Trapper Creek area. While the other pioneers of the area have passed away, Wagner has told their tales to others, passing the torch of history to another generation.

"Being around him and hearing his stories, I knew they had to be told," Marsh said. "Here's a guy who was around back then, and has pictures and sketches and paintings of the way it was. His story needed to be put down, needed to be shared. You could fill a couple volumes with his stories."

The book is filled with Wagner's art, from sketches and photographs to many of his paintings. Ken and Robin Marsh wrote the accompanying copy, which details Wagner's life.

"When it comes to the history of this area, he's got lots of knowledge," Ken Marsh said. "He's a secret to some people, but others know his importance and the beauty of his paintings."

"Alaska Cache" is available at Talkeetna Gifts and Collectibles, the Trapper Creek Museum (which the Marshes own and operate), The Other Place (in Trapper Creek), Cook Inlet Book Company and at the Web site www.trappercreekmuseum.com.