June Director’s Journal

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of attending the Bonnie Bronson Visual Arts Fellowship ceremony—an evening that left me deeply moved. The celebration recognized Oregon artists Brenda Mallory and Heather Watkins for their exceptional contributions to the field. Both have participated in Sitka’s printmaking residency in years past and were introduced by fellow Bronson honoree Marie Watt and artist Michelle Ross who also share deep ties to Sitka and to one another as past printmaking residents.The feeling of creative kinship was powerful and has stayed with me. While Sitka is only one small part of Oregon’s broader arts ecosystem, we are part of something living and growing. Like tree rings, this community expands outward—layer by layer—each generation shaped by those who came before, and by the connections and new growth we choose to nourish now. “I’m always applying for things,” Mallory said in her remarks—a candid nod to the reality most artists face: the unrelenting need to compete, to pitch, to prove. The Bronson Fellowship does not accept applications or nominations. It is awarded unexpectedly, as an affirmation. As Mallory spoke, I found myself reflecting on how rarely artists—and arts organizations—are invited into spaces of pure recognition. In a field where competition for funding can so often eclipse connection and collaboration, this event was something different. Something needed. That same spirit of restoration and reconnection is present at Sitka this summer, as our workshops get underway. “Just valuing nature and respite as part of the creative process is refreshing,” reflects Alicia, who is returning to Sitka after 15 years to take a workshop. “In between, I started a nonprofit, raised a kid—it’s time to nourish my soul so I can keep going.” Amid climate instability, political polarization and the accelerating pace of change, the value of creative community feels especially vital. There is deep nourishment in being in nature. In being with one another. In stepping into something slower, quieter and more sustaining. As someone who writes a lot of grants, I witness how much time and energy goes into securing the resources that make creative work possible. I also witness what gets left behind. What if even a portion of that effort could be redirected—toward collaboration, toward creation, toward deeper community care? As essential sources of support like the National Endowment for the Arts face uncertain futures, we’re being called to reimagine what it means to care for the creative spirit of this country. For a long time, many of us assumed institutions like the NEA would carry the lion’s share of that responsibility, but if we believe the arts matter, it’s up to all of us to show it. At Sitka, our belief is undaunted. A recent example: a matching challenge grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund. Their generous gift invites those who value Sitka’s youth outreach work—but haven’t yet made a donation—to take that first step. It’s also a call to longtime supporters to consider a special, above-and-beyond gift this year in support of K–8  Create, our program bringing high-quality arts education to more than 5,000 students in rural Oregon. In a sector where nonprofits are often left to compete for limited resources, this is a tangible opportunity to build together. To choose connection over competition. To break the fourth wall and clap our hands—like Peter Pan urges us to—because belief only works when we participate. If we want the arts to thrive, we have to believe out loud. This fall, we’ll gather again at the 31st annual Sitka Art Invitational. Gillian Freney, Sitka’s Exhibits Coordinator, is finalizing the artist roster now. It will be another circle—of celebration, reflection, and connection—widening still. What does it mean to be a creative community in troubled times? I think it means making space—for art, for nature, for one another. It means choosing connection over competition. It means continuing to ask: What is needed now—and how can we serve, together? With special gratitude to Julia D’Amario, Director of Sitka’s Jordan Schnitzer Printmaking Residency, whose steady vision has expanded Sitka’s circle of artists, including Brenda, Heather, Marie and Michelle, tree ring by tree ring.