ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A barbershop quartet filled the halls of the Anchorage Museum’s Atrium as crowds gathered for its monthly First Friday event.
This month featured the 53rd edition of “Healing through Color: Anchorage School District Youth Art Exhibition.” There were hundreds of pieces of artwork, all by students, showcasing their talents for members of the community to come and take a gander.
“There are very, very few places out there in the nation where a kid can say ‘I’ve had my art at a museum’, so it’s super special and it really not only showcases the kids talent and skills, their voice, their creativity,” Assistant Director of Fine Arts at Anchorage School District Leah Maltbie said.
One musical group had their voices heard throughout the halls of the Atrium as they performed songs for the community.
“We’re used to a concert setting, but it’s nice to kind of provide that ambience as people are enjoying the museum,” Member of The Zephyrs, a barbershop quartet at Anchorage School District, Teanekuma Pulini said.
The artists were supported by the community, friends, and family.
“I love to see every student’s creations, you know, all of their drawings and paintings and everything,” Gallery Attendee Ben Chizmar said.
Chizmar, like other attendees, was surprised by the music that was sung in the center and thought it added to the experience.
“I was a little taken aback, I didn’t know if there was music playing, but I looked over my shoulder and was like ‘oh they’re right there,’ it was beautiful,” he said.
Other attendees were too late to hear the first portion of the quartet’s music but found solace in looking at all the artwork.
“I really like the abstract art that’s up there, but I think it is kind of unique, which I like about all of them,” Gallery Attendee Lillian Kirth said.
“I think all the pieces are very unique and all likable in their own ways,” Gallery Attendee Alexis Eaton said.
Jessica Linquist is an art teacher with the Anchorage School District who attended the exhibition to support her students, and says there was talent from every class.
“I mean other than my own students’ artwork, I would say the mask that’s all around are absolutely phenomenal,” she said.
Anchorage Museum isn’t the only place where you can view the artwork — the MK Gallery also showcases artworks in the 5th Avenue Mall, as well as Loussac Library, Muldoon Library, the ASD Education Center, and Eagle River/Chugiak Library.
The exhibit lasts until April 6.
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