One afternoon outing was to the Museum of the North. Located on the University of Alaska, Fairbanks campus, the Museum showcases a wide range of Alaskan art. Both natural displays (fossils, minerals, historical artifacts) and art displays (paintings, photography, sculpture, craftwork) are showcased. The exhibits exemplify the many facets of Alaska. One category cannot describe them all.

    Museum of the North
    Photo courtesy of ARCUS and Michael Wing, PolarTREC 2009

    One display area in particular caught my attention. A large case on the left showed clothing and drums made from various items, including animal guts. In a land where resources are limited, sustainable practices are required. No material is wasted. I was reminded of the Saami people and how all parts of a reindeer are respectfully used.

    Art display
    Nothing is wasted. The parka and drum are made from animal gut.

    On the next wall, intricate carvings of traditional tools are on display.

    In between the two cases, near the line where the two walls meet, is a series of four photos. The images show modern day Alaskans, including a young guitar player. Notice the contrast of the young rocker and the traditional carvings in the picture below.

    The old and the new
    Photo is by Alex Harris, 1977.

    Outside the museum, an ice carving is lit by the setting sun.

    Ice carving
    An ice statue is backlit by the setting sun.

    Date
    Location
    Museum of the North, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
    Weather Summary
    Clear skies and sunny.
    Temperature
    -12
    Wind Speed
    0

    Comments

    Regina Brinker

    Hi, Alex. Thank you for reading the journal. The parka is incredible! Working with this material must not be easy.

    Regina

    Regina Brinker

    Thank you! That's quite a complement.
    I can't wait to be in the field to add photos!

    Regina

    John Wood

    Regina,It's so nice to have you here and share the experience. Your journals are looking great and it looks like you are ready to get started. Have a fantastic time!
    John

    Guest

    Wow this looks so cool mrs. Brinker!

    Guest

    Wow this looks so cool mrs. Brinker!

    Guest

    Wow this looks so cool mrs. Brinker!

    Guest

    Woruw this looks so cool mrs. Brinker!

    Guest

    How very cool to see the ice scuplture. that is certainly something we never see in our warmer climes. :)

    Guest

    Last comment posted by Teresa ZM too. :)
    Enjoying the small tidbits fo your adventure. The camera just can't do some of it justice, I know.

    Guest

    I am enjoying reading your journal. you are a very descriptive writer! Keep up the great work and post post your pics. Even the airplane shot over the snow covered mountains is amazing! Stay safe!

    Guest

    I am enjoying reading your journal. you are a very descriptive writer! Keep up the great work and post post your pics. Even the airplane shot over the snow covered mountains is amazing! Stay safe!

    Regina Brinker

    Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! I appreciate this.
    I am looking forward to soon writing more entries. I want a bit of time
    to reflect and gather my thoughts and will soon have more posts up.

    Regina Brinker

    You are right, an ice sculpture would not last long outside in northern California.

    Regina Brinker

    Thank you! I'm happy that you are reading my posts. Please write a first name or initials next time so I will know who the mysterious guest is.
    Thanks.

    Alex Eilers

    Hi Regina!

    I posted a pic of that parka in one of my journals! Enjoy orientation!

    Alex Eilers
    PolarTREC Teacher - 2012 and 2014

    Regina Brinker

    Thank you for the kind comments, John, and the encouragement and advice given this week.

    Michelle Brown

    Great journal Regina! I love your photographs--especially the last one of the ice sculptures in the sunset. I can't wait to see the photos you take out in the field!