Local artist featuring paintings at Wasilla Kaladi Brothers

WASILLA — Knik-Goose Bay resident Ken Olson's paintings are currently on display at the Kaladi Brothers Coffee in downtown Wasilla.

Kaladi Brothers feature different local artists each month at the cafe. Olson's various nature scenes can be viewed throughout the month of August. He said that he's showcased his paintings at Kaladi Brothers several times over the years, and he thinks it's a great opportunity for locals.

“I think that's great. I appreciate it. I'm sure it brings a few people in just to see what's on the walls. There's a lot of artists in Wasilla so there's a long list of people waiting to do this,” Olson said.

Olson said that he started painting two decades ago. He said that it’s an enjoyable pastime that helped him quit tobacco.

“It helps relax me and of course, it gets my imagination going," Olson said. “I really do enjoy it once I get started. I wish I could paint every day but I can't."

Olson's wife Myra runs the Fox Run Campground off the Glenn Highway. He said that he helps her maintain the campground all summer so he mostly paints during the winter months.

"I'm entitled to the toilet plunger. She's the wife so she's automatically the boss," Olson said with a laugh.

Olson predominantly paints landscapes and particularly enjoys conveying Alaskan winter skies and sunsets. He said that he was influenced a lot by painters like Bob Ross and Bill Alexander. He said that he graduated from Palmer High School in 1978, and he’s always loved hunting and fishing in the Mat-Su Valley. He said that he attended several art classes at the Mat-Su College and tried his hand at other creative endeavors such as carving and knife-making.

*I don't really consider myself an artist. I can put paint together and push it around," Olson said with a laugh.

Olson's work is featured in various medical facilities and other locations across the Valley. He said that he occasionally does commissions for his paintings.

"I'm glad I get to, and a few people that buy stuff say they're happy too. I get a sense of satisfaction that way," Olson said.

Olson said that one of his main goals for his paintings is learning how to illustrate animals into the scene. He said that he wants to improve his drawing skills before attempting to paint any animals.

"Now that I'm getting older. I might have more time, but probably not," Olson said with a laugh.

For more information, call 907-357-2590.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com