The museum is the mainstay for exhibiting fine arts in Valdez, offering the only dedicated gallery for that purpose. Four new shows scheduled annually, feature both local talent and Alaskan artists of note. These spawn public art history lessons and art-making, taught by visiting artists and museum staff, all of whom hold fine arts or art education degrees.
Art students gather at the museum to create wood block prints and watercolors. Some participate in “Visual Thinking Strategies” workshops while others create self-portraits after closely examining photographs of historic figures on display. Area college students learn about the well-known Alaskan painter Sydney Laurence and then leave to paint en plein air. Click here to see future exhibitions.