STATE FAIR: Artists aim for high exposure, lucrative sales at the state fair

Aug. 31, 2007

By J.J. Harrier/Frontiersman

PALMER - If you're in the market for new artwork, the Alaska State Fair showcases some of the finest around.

Most local artist vendors are along the Red Trail at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and Irwin Exhibit, showcasing artists in a variety of mediums.

A who's who of the Alaska art scene is at the fair, along with many new, up-and-coming artists.

Selling at the state fair can make an artist's year, with many newcomers pushing to be on the long vendor waiting list for up to three years hoping to be seen and sold.

Shané Lamb's &#8220Autumn Serenade,” a giclée depicting Hatcher's Pass up the Little Su River, recently sold for $2,095. Lamb has sold at 15 state fairs, holding his coveted spot along the Red Trail entrance for nine of those. He said most of the people stop by his tent to check out his famous landscape watercolors and acrylic paintings.

&#8220It has been my best year, due in part to the weather and bigger pieces,” Lamb said about this year's event.

Lamb has four new, larger wall pieces on display for sale at the Alaska State Fair, but they're selling fast as record numbers pour into the Red Trail for the latest in the art world.

Across the trail, the Valley Fine Arts Association tent is also doing well. In it's second year at the fair, Ilene Paulsen and three other artists displays her pieces for an art-hungry public.

&#8220Many want to know where the boats in my boat paintings came from,” Paulsen said. &#8220People really seem to enjoy it here. It's almost odd, people looking around in awe at all the Alaska subject matter.”

Paulsen, along with artists Karen Mattson, Dee Tunseth and photographer Laurie Green, have had huge response from fairgoers looking to alter the look and mood of their home or office.

Another artist getting exposure at the fair this year is Ralph Stover, aka The Bear Man. Stover's chain saw wood carvings have drawn a lot of attention. The large smiling moose outside his booth, along with the mischievous &#8220Moosequito,” have become photo opportunities for people passing by his Homer-based creations.

&#8220We drove up from Homer with the larger pieces in the back of my truck,” Stover said. &#8220We stopped traffic with people trying to get a look at [the] pieces.”

Each of Stover's carvings are cut by chain saw, sanded, treated and painted for a unique and animated finished product Stover said his customers find inviting.

Further down the trail are more art galleries nestled between gyro stands, antique shops and T-shirt huts.

Raven Moon Studios carries an extensive collection created by 17-year fair veteran Didier Lindsey, whose panoramic Alaska sunsets and Aurora Borealis prints have captivated many visitors over the years.

Sharing Lindsey's booth this year is collograph print and silk paper collage maker Laurel Carnahan. Carnahan's Alaska wildlife images are inviting and eye-catching to those considering an investment in new art from the fair.

&#8220We've gotten a lot of visitors from out of the country checking out our pieces this year,” Carnahan said. &#8220Of course, then there's the regulars. Everyone you've ever known shows up at the fair, so you run into people all the time. It's a fun atmosphere for everybody.”

Also raking in on original art creations this year is Mary Croxton Studios, the Myron Rosenberg Gallery and Birch and Grove Studios, an art booth where textured clay bowls and cups are displayed with unique Alaskana framed photographs.

Near the Purple Trail exit next to the stomach-turning ejector seat, Alaska Chain Saw Carving is producing more spruce carvings to a watchful crowd.

Owner and artist Tom Robertson is revving up his chain saw to carve the finishing touches on the first stages of his famous brown bear figures that have been sold at the fair for eight years. The fair, he said, is a steady pick-me-up from his day-to-day operation in Big Lake.

&#8220Every year gets better and better,” Robertson said. &#8220People want to know all kinds of things. What kind of wood I use, If I've ever cut myself on the saws, the burning process to create the hair-like appearance. I get all sorts.”

Robertson said he receives many kudos when he's outside his booth carving up a new creation. Old-timers pat him on the back, kids watch in awe and some even walk away with a beautiful new addition to their home decor.

&#8220Some women will nudge their husbands when they see me working, asking them, ‘Why can't you do that?' It cracks me up.”

For a full list of art galleries, vendor booths and exhibits at the Alaska State Fair, visit Alaskastatefair.org.

Contact J.J. Harrier at 352-2269 or valleylife@frontiersman.com.