Duke Russell
Anchorage
About the artist
Duke Russell has lived in Anchorage since he was 12 years old. He is a self-taught artist whose iconic illustrations and paintings reveal the characters and stories of Anchorage and beyond, offering a visual running commentary on Alaska life. His well-known urban scene paintings have been included in juried shows at the Anchorage Museum, as well as at solo shows at Decker/Morris Gallery and Subzero. He has worked as a scenic artist for various theaters around Alaska and for film productions, and his murals add vibrancy to Anchorage. He was the 2004 guest curator for the Anchorage Museum show, “Points of View.” Russell also teaches drawing to children at the Museum and was voted “Anchorage’s Best Artist” by the Anchorage Press. He currently lives and works in Anchorage.
Enjoy this short documentary about Duke, his art and his work preparing meals for those who are unhoused. It was created by Pat Race of Juneau and featured in the 2023 Anchorage International Film Festival:
2022 Presidents Award
Multiple solo exhibitions and juried Anchorage Museum shows have featured Russell’s work. He also is a community leader and activist and in 2022 brought his mobile kitchen to Centennial Park in Anchorage to provide hundreds of meals to displaced, unsheltered individuals. The recognition of Russell as an artist who gives back marks only the second President’s Award in the history of the Individual Artist Award program.
2004 Project Award
Russell will purchase digital camera equipment to advance painting technique and exhibit new work in November 2005.
Artwork by Duke Russell
This art was purchased through the Alaska Art Fund managed by Museums Alaska.
