Alaska Sesquicentennial Commemorative Exhibit at Sitka National Historical Park

The Alaska Sesquicentennial Commemorative Exhibit will highlight and showcase Alaska Native perspectives on the Alaska Treaty of Cession and its long-term impacts. 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the treaty signed on March 30, 1867, and the ceremonial transfer that took place in Sitka on October 18, 1867. Art will be displayed throughout the exhibit period at Sitka National Historical Park, with work also featured on the park's website and social media.

Artists are invited to submit proposals reflecting on the Alaska Treaty of Cession and create art expressing the feelings, thoughts, and responses of Alaska Native cultures to the event and the subsequent 150 years. All visual arts media will be considered, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, carved/turned wood, glass, fiber arts, book arts, metal work, ceramics, and video. All artwork must be original and created by the artist; giclées will not be accepted. Two-dimensional artwork must not exceed 13' H x 5'10" L and cannot weigh more than 50 lbs. Artwork must be ready to install upon shipment, with framed work requiring hanging wire and two-dimensional works on paper requiring framing and Plexiglass protection. Temporary art performances or happenings may be proposed if clearly defined and limited to a specific time period. Artist eligibility is open to artists over 18 residing in the United States; proposals from Alaska Natives and other underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Submissions must include a current CV or resume, a written description of the proposed project, and 3-6 images of past work in the proposed medium, plus up to 3 additional images (sketches, studies, renderings, or project-related visuals). Entry is free. Selected artists are responsible for fabrication and production costs, but funds are available to assist with or cover shipping costs to and from Sitka. Selected artists' work must remain on display through November 1, 2017, and artwork will not be for sale during the exhibit. Funds are also available to assist with travel and lodging for artists wishing to attend the Opening Reception on March 29, 2017, or participate in artist talks, demonstrations, or workshops. Artwork arrives in Sitka by March 10, 2017, with exhibit installation March 20-24, opening March 29, and running through November 1, 2017.