Distinguished Artist Award
And the 2022 Distinguished Artist is …
Rasmuson Foundation has named documentary photographer James H. Barker of Fairbanks the 2022 Distinguished Artist. The award, which includes $40,000, honors a lifetime of creative excellence and outstanding contribution to the state’s arts and culture.
Who will be the next Distinguished Artist?
Do you know an outstanding Alaska creative individual? Help us find the next Distinguished Artist! Rasmuson Foundation offers one $40,000 award annually to a mature Alaska artist recognized as among the best in their field.
And the 2021 Distinguished Artist is …
Ernestine Saankaláxt’ Hayes of Juneau has received critical acclaim for writing that explores the complexities of Indigenous identity. She was named Rasmuson Foundation's 2021 Distinguished Artist.
A new honor for Tlingit master artist Nathan Jackson
Tlingit master artist Nathan Jackson of Ketchikan is among 60 artists across 10 creative disciplines who will receive unrestricted, $50,000 cash awards from United States Artists in 2021.
Tlingit master carver Price is 2020 Distinguished Artist
Wayne Price is renowned for the artistry and precision of his formline work. He has restored and duplicated historic totem poles and structures as well as created numerous original designs. He helped revive the knowledge and techniques required to carve traditional oceangoing canoes. Price also teaches traditional arts as a path to healing, sobriety and well-being.
Remembering a great artist, Ron Senungetuk
We are mourning the loss this week of Iñupiaq carver and metalsmith Ron Senungetuk, who founded the Native Art Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and was the Foundation's 2008 Distinguished Artist.
Remembering Richard Nelson: author, soundscape artist, cultural anthropologist
Richard Nelson's friends saw him as a rare soul, wise and joyful, full of light and as connected to the earth and sea as anyone could be. He died on Nov. 4, 2019.
Writer, researcher, soundscape artist Richard Nelson: Foundation’s 2019 Distinguished Artist
He's a writer and narrator, radio producer and researcher, soundscape artist and filmmaker. And now Richard Nelson is the Foundation's 2019 Distinguished Artist. Read why he was selected and about his life study of Alaska here.
Nominate A Distinguished Artist
Rasmuson Foundation is seeking public nominations for the 2017 Distinguished Artist Award. The Award recognizes the significant artistic accomplishments of one Alaskan and culminates in a $40,000 grant.Media Mentions
- The development of Nordic skiing in Anchorage is documented in new book ‘On Track!’ March 30
- Expanded Bean’s Café offering 10K daily meals March 22
- Juneau artist Crystal Worl takes Tlingit culture to the national level — through a postage stamp - Alaska Beacon March 22
- Juneau artist Crystal Worl takes Tlingit culture to the national level — through a postage stamp March 22