Chickaloonies creators enjoy first year at the Alaska State Fair

“Chickaloonies” creators Dimi Macheras and Casey Silver both said they had a great first year at the Alaska State Fair.

Macheras and Silver ran a booth at The Gathering Place, which they both felt was an ideal atmosphere to promote their books which center around Alaska Native themes. Macheras said it was great to spend time at the Fair and Mat-Su Valley which is where their stories take place in.

“It's been one of the funnest things I've ever done,” Macheras said.

The “Chickaloonies” booth was more than just a place to purchase copies of the books. It was a place to talk to the creators about their process and it was a destination for all ages to enjoy artistic activities such as creating their own emojis.

In addition to running their booth, Macheras and Silver showcased their live storytelling skills at The Gathering Place stage each day of the Fair. Macheras ran the audio and visual effects while Silver theatrically told stories adorned in Alaska Native inspired costumes.

Silver said they had a lot of positive interactions at the Fair and general interest garnered around their work. He said they plan to keep coming back.

“It was a huge success,” Silver said.

“Chickaloonies” is a comic book series Macheras and Silver started through their independently operated organization, 80% Studios. Chickaloonies takes inspiration from Ahtna/Athabascan culture and conveys original stories following “two Alaskan Native kids go on a quest to become the greatest storytellers the world has ever seen.”

Macheras said their characters’ mission reflects their personal journeys to bring people together through the power of storytelling.

“Stories truly connect all cultures," Macheras said.

Macheras grew up in the Valley and his childhood was immersed in his Ahtna/Athabascan heritage thanks to his family’s involvement in the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. He said that hearing stories about traditional folklore are some of his first memories. He said that alefforts serve as a tribute to his mother Patricia Wade, a beloved storyteller and activist; and grandmother Katherine Wade, a marvelous matriarch who helped establish the Ya Ne Dah Ah School which is the first tribally run K-12 school in Alaska. He said that he takes a lot of pride and inspiration from his heritage.

“We are a thriving culture,” Macheras said.

Macheras and Silver established 80% Studios in Seattle, Washington in 2010 just two years after meeting each other. They quickly formed a powerful friendship and symbiotic working relationship that has elevated them to new heights.

“There's nothing like seeing an idea through.. It's the most intoxicating thing ever," Macheras said.

Macheras and Silver share the workload of writing and illustrating. Silver said they have a unique partnership unlike most cases where it's typically a writer working with an illustrator or vice versa. He said their creative synergy and shared vision makes them a powerful team.

“We both believe in this with every ounce of our being," Silver said.

While Silver doesn't have Alaska Native heritage, he said that their ancient stories and cultural perseverance provide plenty of creative opportunities and he shares Macheras’ passion to bring that culture to the forefront of popular culture.

“This is how we culturally collaborate,” Silver said. “We all have stories to tell... We look to the past to look at the future.”

For more information about Chickaloonies and 80% Studios, visit eightypercentstudios.com.