Valley artist showcasing sculpture at International Gallery of Contemporary Art

WASILLA — The International Gallery of Contemporary Art in Anchorage is hosting Valley artist Rose Hendrickson’s exhibition, “Seasoned Soul” in their new annex space Friday, April 1 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Hendrickson’s art will be on display at the gallery throughout the month of April. She said that she was thankful to have the chance to debut her latest art piece to the public for the first time.

“I’ve had a lot of support from my family and my community to do this. I really am grateful for the opportunity to share this,” Hendrickson said.

The exhibit consists of four separate sculptures that combine into a larger, immersive piece. She said that she spent nine months working on the project and it’s the largest sculpture she’s ever created.

“I feel very connected to it. I feel very proud of it. It went in directions I never expected it to go… The way that I see myself in time and basically trying to capture a moment in the gigantic wheel that I see that is time,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson said that she was born and raised in Alaska and moved to the Valley in the early 1980s. She said this project is her interpretation of the Alaskan seasons.

“The life changes that come with time can sometimes seem harsh and difficult, but the Alaskan spirit of the seasoned soul knows that spring is just around the bend,” Hendrickson said. “Even the coldest depths of the whispering winter hold the promise of the coming spring.”

Hendrickson is 67 years old and she’s worked with a myriad of mediums over the years, including drawing, oil painting, pastels, sculpting, and even temporary tattoos. She said that she was the first vendor to offer henna tattoos at the Alaska State Fair.

“I’m an artist. I want to deliver the very best design,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson said that she’s followed her creativity all of her life and recently decided to take it to the next level by getting her Bachelor of Fine Arts from UAA of Anchorage.

“Never stop learning. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to, if there’s a direction that you’ve felt that you wanted to go, take a chance. Just do it,” Hendrickson said.

For more information, visit the Rose Hendrickson Fine Art page on Facebook.

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