Palmer Buzz: Palmer Arts Council celebrates artistic efforts

It was a cold Saturday night in Palmer and it was the 2019 Annual Meeting at Turkey Red. Nice wines, good food, fun people, art on the walls, interesting speakers, and Palmer Hip Hop on the mic warmed up a full crowd of supporters. This is an organization which cheers, supports and applauds the many different artistic efforts in the Palmer area. Most folks recognize that the Palmer Arts Council is an ongoing organizer for Friday Fling musical assistance, Mid Summer Art Fair, Vagabond Blues and Palmer Depot musical events, along with the highly successful summer theater and band summer camps. In addition, Palmer Arts Council supports Palmer visual artists in a big way.

Palmer’s Annie Prevost

Annie is a self taught artist, who graduated from Palmer High School in 2005. She has joy in her life and she shares it with others through her art and her dance. It is for this reason that she was selected as the Palmer Arts Council guest artist. Her artwork will be shown this year all around town. Annie developed a bold style of painting hand-drawn mandalas which are both bold and colorful. Annie’s freeform style is reflected in her artwork and her dance and yoga combo known as Oula. Annie teaches and organizes events with joy in mind. Palmer is so lucky to have Annie. The cover art of this column is all Annie Prevost.

Palmer’s Kevin Brown

Kevin Brown is a businessman, lover of life and a friend of the arts. For these reasons he was recognized for the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Palmer Arts Council. Kevin is the owner of the Palmer Downtown Deli in the heart of Palmer. In addition to good food and terrific staff, the Downtown Deli has been the “hot” spot for a multitude of arts offerings, including visual art, photography, and music. It is the home of the Palmer Renaissance Painters, the Thursday Knitting Club, and the ongoing, year-round Community Art Show. He sponsors art events and encourages diversity and inclusion. Without Kevin Brown, Palmer would be a dull place.

Palmer’s Paul Morley

Paul Morley is the President of the Palmer Arts Council. He has been a champion for the arts for decades. He has a non-defeatist attitude and a positive vision ,which allows for and encourages any and all creative efforts. In addition to being a well-loved teacher, Paul is also known for his musical skills in the Braided River Band.

Josh Fryfogle

Josh Fryfogle has been on the local music scene for a long time. He crosses over and helps new groups, old groups, events and he is a wizard at sound engineering. Of course he also does the local Make A Scene paper which features arts of all stripes. He is a valued citizen and he is much appreciated by the Palmer Arts Council.

Palmer’s Howard Bess

Howard Bess is an ardent arts supporter in addition to being a wonderful writer, beautiful singer, and passionate theologian. His commitment to music, theater, art and life is second to none. Howard is the Secretary on the Palmer Arts Council. Also on the Palmer Arts Council Board is Susan Knight and Todd Whitehurst.

Monica Goyette

Dr. Monica Goyette is the Superintendent of Mat Su Schools. She was the keynote speaker and spoke about the importance of promoting the arts in both our schools and our community.

Devon Shaw

Devon Shaw is also known as “D The Lyricist.” He and his family live in Palmer and he has been on the state music scene for many years. He is a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer and promoter. He grew up in the Palmer Wasilla area. Devon counts former Palmer High School Music teacher Stan Harris with helping him to realize his dream. His brand of music is lyrical and fast and full of a melancholy and soulful passion.

Palmer Portrait Artists

The Palmer Renaissance painters meet at the Palmer Downtown Deli to paint on the last Sunday of every month. The models, over the last year, include Tirzah Bies, Maranatha Jubilee, Sabrena Combs, William Tull, Karla Kugzruk-Walluk Davis, Mark Anthony, Emily Gelino-Bequette and Melissa Eymann. These local painting events give opportunities for anyone to draw, sketch or photograph live models (with their clothes on.) Great local artists, including Maria McKiernan, Rod Rongstad, Ursula Zimmer, Mabel Wimmer, Maureen Campbell, Diane Paoletti and Judy Vars nearly always participate and are always offering advice and helping newcomers and beginners. This event is sponsored by the Palmer Arts Council. Palmer Arts Council Board member Barbara Hunt (that’s me!) organizes both the painting events and the year round shows at the Palmer Downtown Deli.

Music Events

A new Palmer monthly music series, entitled “Inside Out,” is kicking into gear. One national touring artist will be matched up with one of more local artists—to share the stage and showcase different genres of music bringing diverse, fresh and exciting talent to Palmer. starting up this year. Palmer Arts Council Board members Renee Dervaes and Mike Campbell are working with Anchorage’s Parlor in the Round to make this coolness happen. Additional excellent Palmer Arts Council Sponsors are Turkey Red, Palmer Downtown Deli, Vagabonds, Fireside Books, Mat Valley Federal Credit Union, Silva Insurance, Crowley Petroleum Distribution and Matanuska Telephone Association. Supporters include the City of Palmer and many citizens of the greater Palmer area. Palmer is richer because of community support. Thanks.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.