Daily Sitka Sentinel

February 9, 2018, Community Happenings

SFS, Coliseum

Continues Series

Of Oscar Nominees

The Sitka Film Society and Coliseum Theater continue its series of Oscar nominees with “The Darkest Hour,” noon Saturday at the Coliseum.

In the story, set in the early days of World War II, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms and the fall of France is imminent.

Gary Oldman (“Harry Potter” series) received the Best Actor Golden Globe award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill, and is a frontrunner in the race for the Best Actor Academy Award. The film received 84 percent positive reviews from top critics.

The film is rated PG-13. Tickets are $8 at Old Harbor Books. Those with questions may call 738-0602.

Annual Meeting, Opening

Reception for SJ Museum

The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum will host June L. Hall as the guest speaker for its annual meeting Saturday, Feb. 10, at the museum.

The meeting will coincide with the opening reception of the new temporary exhibition, ‘‘Drawn in Silver.’’ Hall’s presentation is titled, “Objects of Silver: The Creation of a New Alaska Native Tradition.”

For centuries the Northwest Coast Natives of Alaska have had a strong artistic tradition that flourished because of an abundance of local materials. In the early 18th century, silver was introduced by outside traders and became an appealing new material for the creation of Native cultural objects.

A century later, intense cross-cultural changes were taking place in Alaska and they helped determine the type of silver objects made by Alaskan Natives. Not only were these silver objects quickly integrated into Native culture but they also became a major fixture of the tourist trade.

The early context, style and use of silver (and gold) objects in Alaska Native culture will be explored as well as the influences that determined their form. A rare gathering of silver examples, including bracelets, spoons and pins, accompanied by historical images will illuminate the story of the new tradition. Several Sitka Native silversmiths will be among those included.

For more than 30 years, Hall has collected and researched early Alaska silver souvenir spoons. She received her master’s degree in art history from the University of Colorado and taught at Idaho State University before moving to Alaska in 1974.

In Juneau, she continued to teach at the University of Alaska Southeast. Her lifelong interest in art and antiques led her to direct an extensive survey of Alaska quilts and edit the project’s book, ‘‘Quilts of Alaska: A Textile Album of the Last Frontier.’’ In 2001, Hall served as guest curator for the Alaska State Museum’s major exhibit on Alaska quilts.

In her 2004 book, ‘‘Alaska Souvenir Spoons and the Early Curio Trade,’’ published by the Gastineau Channel Historical Society of Juneau, the author re-created the historic context of early Alaska souvenir spoon collecting by using numerous vintage photographs and examples from the golden age of souvenir spoon production, 1880-1915.

She curated and wrote the catalog for the exhibit, “The Lure of Alaska, A History of Tourism in the Great Land,” organized by the Alaska State Museum in 2007.

On Feb. 10, in addition to the meeting, lecture, and the exhibit opening, the Friends will host the annual silent auction of Native art to support the Native Artist Residency Program.

The public is invited to attend the silent auction, beginning at 1 p.m., the Friends’ business meeting at 3:30 p.m., lecture at 4 p.m., reception and auction, ending at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served and admission waived.

Fiddle Grind

Set Saturday

The Greater Sitka Arts Council and the Monthly Grind will present the Fiddle Grind 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Old Harbor Books. The price of admission will be refunded at the door for those taking a plate of homemade dessert.

This month’s program of family-oriented entertainment features the fiddle and showcases Sitka’s young musicians, as well as more established players. The show will end with a set of waltzes for dancing played by Fishing For Cats. For more information, call Ted at 747-5482.

Artist Bauscher

At Island Gallery

The Island Artist Gallery invites the public to view new works by  guest artist Heather Bauscher at a reception 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9.

New works from the gallery’s artists will be featured as they prepare for the upcoming summer season. The gallery is at 205 B Lincoln Street.

DDF Showcase

Set for Saturday

The Sitka High School championship drama, debate and forensics team will showcase pieces they will be taking to the state meet in Anchorage later this month 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the performing arts center.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and  the event will include beverages, hors d’oeuvres and desserts available for donation. Laura Schmidt’s bread also will be for sale.

Kaagwaantaan 

Dancers to Meet

Sitka Kaagwaantaan Dancers will meet 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Blatchley Middle School. For more information call Roby at 738-4004.

Free Regalia,

Robe Classes Set

Sitka National Historical Park, in partnership with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, is offering two free workshops on regalia and robe making.

Artist Mark Sixbey will lead a weekkly open studio for anyone interested in working on their regalia 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays beginning Feb. 10 at Sitka National Historical Park visitor center.

Artist Judy Brady will lead another workshop to design and create robes 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 10 and 17.

For information call 747-0110.

Woman’s Club Meets

The Sitka Woman’s Club will hold its monthly meeting noon Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Pioneers Home chapel. A light lunch will be served.

Robin McNeilley, president of the nonprofit service organization, invited all to “Come help us help our community thrive.” Those with questions can call McNeilley at 752-8575.

Story Time On

The next Preschool Story Time at Sitka Public Library will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.

‘‘Pass It On’’ by Sophy Henn will be one of the readings. The program includes rhymes, songs and a craft project. 

Unitarians Meet

Unitarian Fellowship begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with the program at 10:45 a.m. A lunch of dal and naan will follow the program at noon.

All are invited to attend the program committee meeting directly after fellowship.

The Fellowship Hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street.

White E Board

Meets Feb. 14

The White Elephant Shop monthly meeting will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Swan Lake Senior Center. Meetings are open to the public. 

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Supper On

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will hold its annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper 5:30-7 p.m.  Feb. 13.

The community is invited to the celebration in the See House behind the church, 611 Lincoln Street. For more information, call 747-3977.

Youths Sought

To Join Group

The Sitka Youth Leadership Committee is seeking new members.

The group of about a dozen local youths passionate about promoting a healthy and respectful community meets weekly to work on projects aimed at building bridges across community groups, celebrating diversity, and promoting respect and nonviolence.

‘‘We are especially excited about having members from all three local high schools in order to better bridge the social divides between the schools,’’ Sitkans Against Family Violence said. ‘‘We are looking for applicants from Sitka High and Pacific High in particular, but welcome any applicants who are passionate about improving the Sitka community and being leaders.’’

Teens can visit www.sitkayouthleadership.com to apply to join. 

Teen Dating

Violence Awareness

Month Supported

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and local teens are  working on projects to educate local youths about the warning signs of dating violence and to promote healthy relationships.

‘‘We want local youth to know that love shouldn’t hurt,’’ a press release from Sitkans Against Family Violence said. ‘‘In healthy relationships, people nurture and care for each other. In unhealthy relationships, people might use power and trickery to control each other. Some warning signs of unhealthy relationships to be aware of include isolation, invasion of privacy, name-calling, threats, and manipulation.’’

Youths who are worried about being in an unhealthy relationship are being encouraged to seek advice from a trusted adult or friend.

‘‘You can also help promote healthy relationships by supporting friends who may be in unhealthy relationships,’’ organizers said. ‘‘If you are not sure how to go forward, know that you can talk to a counselor at your school, a parent or family member, and staff at SAFV. You deserve to be healthy and to be loved.’’