Introduction

I am Bethany Green. I am from Galena, Alaska. I am twenty three years old. I am currently enrolled in the ART 200 course at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I will hopefully graduate with my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in May 2020.

Art Experience

My only relationship to art right now is through beading projects. I have recently designed and beaded earrings, pop socket covers, and slippers. I haven’t engaged in many art activities in years. When I was little I really enjoyed drawing and painting, and I would like to begin doing this again as a stress reliever. Also, I would like to begin painting and drawing again because my house walls are very plain, and could use some decorating. I have looked through a few museums growing up, not many though, considering I was in the village most of my childhood. I do have experience with very old Koyukon Athabascan arts though. My grandmother and aunty’s households contain very old artifacts from our ancestors. My late great aunties art pieces were recently donated to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Native section for display. I enjoy looking at traditional art made by relatives, some of the work they’ve done is amazing. I have included a picture of traditional handmade boots. The boots have a beaded strap that goes all the way around the top, with a knitted cuff above it. The fur on the boots is beaver and calf skin. The link gives some more insight about the art of these traditional boots (Kaakina) and other Athabascan artwork.

Here is a link to help you get a better understanding of the background and culture behind these Kaakina: https://athabascancuture.weebly.com/about.html