At the Alaska Juneau Public Market

MaskClarissaPaints

Clarissa paints the last of 12 masks she had for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market

I remember when Peter Metcalfe, the producer/director of the Alaska-Juneau Public Market first started this venue for artists and craftspeople back in the early 80’s.  The Public Market replaced the Juneau Arts Council’s “Holiday Fair and Market” started back in 1978 where I used to sell hand-made hats, hand-made kid’s clothing and hand-made masks.  A few artists like John and Sharon Svenson (Haines), or Linda Fordham (Gustavus), came in from out of town.

Now, the Public Market has at least 250 local artists/crafts people from all over Southeast Alaska.  Held during Thanksgiving Day weekend at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska, it feels like a “family reunion” of sorts because many of the artists only see one another once a year at this time.

SueIsraelClarissa

Sue and Israel Shotridge hang out with Clarissa on “her side” of their shared booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market – November 28, 2014

1989 was my first year at the Juneau Public Market.  I had a booth smack daeb in the middle of the lobby just outside the “great room” at Centennial Hall.  I sold about 100 “dream catchers” traditionally made of branches and “sinew.”  I think dream catchers made their debut in Juneau, Alaska (or maybe all of Southeast) that Thanksgiving Day weekend.  They were an unknown thing back then.  I learned how to make them in early ’89 from a Huron Native woman who was visiting the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.  I taught a couple of friends (one in Santa Fe and one in Juneau) how to make dream catchers of silver and crystal beads; I know the single mother supported herself and her two daughters for a number of years making the silver dream catcher earrings, pendants and hair barrettes.

MaskJessicaIsturis

Jessica Isturis models the mask she purchased from Clarissa

2010 was my second year at the Juneau Public Market.  (My father had passed away a couple of years prior, so I moved in with Mom.   After about 6 months of living with Mom, she wondered why I was still around, like when was I going home? I paused before I answered her with this statement:  “I will go home whenever….uh,…you “go home.”)

For two months before the market, I painted one of my largest called “Frog Speaks” along with about 7 smaller paintings. I also printed my own fabric and made 10 dolls with “Chilkat warp” hair (leftover “thrums” trimmed from Chilkat robes I had made in the past).    The night before the opening of the market I got cold feet!    Like I have spent 2 months working away on these things and I have not a penny to my name and what makes me think that anyone is going to buy this stuff….!?!?!?!

I sold all the paintings, sold 7 of the 10 dolls (the remaining 3 I gave to each of my children’s first born), and I sold a few prints!  I made enough income to pay 5 months’ bills!

MaskNancyBarnes

Nancy Barnes models the mask she purchased from Clarissa during the market

2014 was my third year at the Juneau Public Market.   I had on display, my “Chilkat Child” woven ensemble and my daughter Lily’s “Little Watchman” Ravenstail ensemble, along with my tall charcoal on canvas “Totemic Theories.”  I sold a few of my button blanket greeting cards, my hand-painted masks, limited edition prints, beaded hats, paper feathers, the children’s book I co-illustrated, but not one item of the Chilkat/Ravenstail spinning and weaving supplies sold.  I now know that the Public Market is NOT the right venue for selling those supplies!

Masks

A couple of hand-painted masks finish drying on a piece of plastic

My oldest grandchild, Elizabeth Hope (I affectionately call her “SikiKwaan”), helped me sew spinning pads for those weavers who don’t mind spinning their own warp.  She is shown here sewing on my 1974 “Genie” Singer sewing machine my mother bought me when I graduated from high school.  This machine has “seen it all…!”

SewingSpinPads

Grand-daughter “Sikikwaan” helps Grandma Rissy sew the spinning pads for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market

The Shotridges and I shared this booth at the Juneau Public Market this year.  It was quite cozy and full…!  Between us, we had a variety of things for sale.  You would think that we looked like we were having fun!—Little do people know that I was a bitch while setting up the booth that first morning!  For three months prior, I had worked my fingers to the bone preparing a variety of items for sale and I was plum exhausted by the time we set up this cozy “gallery” that I didn’t FEEL like setting up, but who else is going to do it!?

So you folks out there who wear rosy-colored glasses thinking that artists “have a grand life” – go think again!  Sure we set our own hours, HOWEVER, most of us work around the clock; we never leave our work!  And do we really want to?  Do we really want to leave our work?   Hmmm…very good question!  I have to ponder that one.

SueClarissa

Sue Shotridge and Clarissa Rizal on “their side” of the shared booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market

Sue and I are like two peas in a pod.  I don’t know if I have ever met anyone else who reminds me of me when it comes to how we operate.  High energy, we are consistently on the go.  And somehow we don’t “bump into one another!”  Woe be to us if THAT ever happened!  We’d blow one another out of the water!

Sue and Israel Shotridge hang with Clarissa on "her side" of their shared booth

Clarissa finishes painting masks and trimming out the child-size dance apron with .22 bullet shells in Clarissa’s “borrowed” studio overlooking a typical Alaskan waterfront home…!

 

Juneau Public Market: Buttonblanket Greeting Cards

GreetingCards

6 of 9 Button blanket robe designs by Clarissa Rizal on greeting cards

The greeting cards above will be some of the items available for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market held Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska.

I invite you to visit my Booth #‎P-15  right across the isle from Tony Tengs “Chilkat Cones” in the main hall of Centennial Hall.  And please note:  I will be sharing the booth with Tlingit carving artist & silversmith, Israel and Sue Shotridge (www.shotridgestudios.com).

The following is an inventory of items for sale; they include (but are not limited to):

A limited supply of Chilkat weaving and spinning supplies:  Cedar bark without the sap (both whole and split), Chilkat warp, Chilkat weft yarns in golden yellow, turquoise, black and cream, spinning pads, etc.

Books for sale that I wrote, made or co-illustrated include:  “Chilkat Pattern Templates”, the “Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook”; Juneauite author Hannah Lindoff children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” — and books that I highly recommend:  “The Intenders” by Tony Burroughs and “Go Pro – Becoming A Network Marketing Professional” by Eric Worre.

Miscellaneous items include:  hand-caste paper feathers, limited edition Giclee prints, hand-sewn, beaded, felt Russian Sailor hats,  and gumboot shell earrings made by daughter Lily and sister Dee Lampe.

Come check out my latest 5-piece Chilkat woven ensemble called “Chilkat Child” which will be on display next to my daughter Lily’s 4-piece Ravenstail woven ensemble “Little Watchman.”

We’ll see you in a couple of weeks during the weekend of Thanksgiving at the Public Market in Juneau (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)!

Clarissa’s Winter Schedule: Art Markets, Presentations, Demos, Classes

Charcoal by Clarissa Rizal

Charcoal by Clarissa Rizal

Here’s my Winter Schedule for upcoming Art Markets, presentations, classes and demonstrations.  If you are in any of these locations, come by and visit; I’d love to see you!

1) One-day Chilkat/Ravenstail Weaving Class, Juneau, Alaska, Sunday November 23rd, 10am-4pm with potluck lunch — this class is for experienced weavers who have a project on their loom and need assistance, comraderie, support and a feast!  Class is limited to just 10.  The Northwest Coast Weavers’ Supply will have weaving/spinning items available for sale BEFORE the Public Market sales; so you will have the privilege to be the first to purchase your supplies for your next weaving project  —   Interested?  Give me a call at 970-903-8386 or email me at:  clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com

2)  Alaska-Juneau Public Market, Thanksgiving weekend Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 28-30th, Booth #P-15 in the main room of Centennial Hall on Willoughby Avenue in Juneau, Alaska – Click here to see the list of some of the items I will have available for sale

3)  Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon Presentation of “The Making of Resilience Chilkat Robe”, Friday, December 5th; I will also have Chilkat-related items available for sale AND I will have two woven ensembles on display only during this presentation

4)  Evergreen Longhouse, Olympia, WA,  — The Holiday Market is open Friday and Saturday, December 12 & 13; I will only be selling on Saturday! —  Click here to see a list of some of the items I will have for sale.

5)  “Raven’s Nest” Gallery (owned by Sue and Israel Shotridge), Vashon Island, WA — I will be demonstrating Chilkat weaving on a child-size robe; I will also have on display two child-size woven ensembles, “Little Watchman” a 4-piece Ravenstail outfit woven by my daughter Lily Hope, and my 6-pience ensemble  “Chilkat Child.”  I will also have items for sale as well; click list here to see list of some items.

6)  Chilkat Weaving Class, Corvallis, OR – December 15-19th; for experienced weavers with a project on their loom. — This class is currently full.

7)  Heard Museum Juried Indian Art Market & Fair, Phoenix, AZ – March 7-9, 2015

Check Out My Products for Sale at the Public Market

Prints

A few prints by Clarissa available for sale at the Juneau Public Market Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska – Back to Front: “Red Salmon” (2005), “Shaax’saaniKeek’ Weavers’ Circle” (2001), and “Old Timers’ Basketball Tournament” (1981)

I invite you to visit my Booth ‪#‎P‬-15 at Alaska-Juneau Public Market booth during Thanksgiving weekend at Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska!  The booth is right across the isle from Tony Tengs “Chilkat Cones” in the main hall of Centennial Hall.  And please note:  I will be sharing the booth with Tlingit carving artist & silversmith, Israel and Sue Shotridge (www.shotridgestudios.com).

The following is an inventory of items for sale; they include (but are not limited to):

A limited supply of Chilkat weaving and spinning supplies:  Cedar bark without the sap (both whole and split), Chilkat warp, Chilkat weft yarns in golden yellow, turquoise, black and cream, spinning pads, etc.

Books for sale that I wrote, made or co-illustrated include:  “Chilkat Pattern Templates”, the “Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook”; Juneauite author Hannah Lindoff children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” — and books that I highly recommend:  “The Intenders” by Tony Burroughs and “Go Pro – Becoming A Network Marketing Professional” by Eric Worre.

Miscellaneous items include:  my button blanket greeting cards, hand-caste paper feathers, limited edition Giclee prints, hand-sewn, beaded, felt Russian Sailor hats,  and gumboot shell earrings made by daughter Lily and sister Dee Lampe.

Come check out my latest 5-piece Chilkat woven ensemble called “Chilkat Child” which will be on display next to my daughter Lily’s 4-piece Ravenstail woven ensemble “Little Watchman.”

We’ll see you in a few weeks during the weekend of Thanksgiving at the Public Market in Juneau (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)!

Undoubtedly Under the Influence

Pasting pages with matte medium onto old recycled cabinet doors

Back in March I cleaned out the attic; 18 years of accumulated family, personal, business and theatre stuff were set in the driveway.  I let go of lots of stuff, however, I hung onto other things I felt I would use later.  About 10 years ago, I had saved three, wooden cabinet doors from a remodel.  I told myself that I would use them someday whenever I got into doing paintings for a living.  Although I began painting about 10 years ago, I never really took it seriously until lately when a number of things accumulated this past year one of them being the return of my friends Cecil and Rosalia Touchon.  Undoubtedly my contemporary works in paintings, collage and charcoals are influenced by Touchon.  Check out their work at Cecil Touchon.com

Once all three panels were covered with pages and were given a couple coats of matte medium over the entire surface, Clarissa sketches shadows here and there to give a 3-D appearance

Rummaging through my box of collage-making papers, I came across a book of international poetry published in 1961.  The pages were weathered; I liked the look – pasted them onto the gesso-ed cabinet doors which I will from now on will refer to as my “canvas.”  I then pasted a cut up paper print of my Chilkat robe design pattern called “Jennie Weaves An Apprentice.”  I edged each strip with a bit of golden yellow acrylic paint.  I am having fun.

I order most of my acrylic paints, canvas, matte medium, brushes, etc. from Artist Supply Warehouse (ASW); as far as I know, they have good quality products at the lowest prices.  If you find anything better, would you mind letting the rest of us know?  Thank you!

A better view of the 3_D shading example

After a bit of shading with a soft lead drawing pencil, I stood back and liked the effect; like wow, now I am really having fun! –  If I am not mistaken, this is my very first mixed-media collage on wooden cabinets done with this type of effect.  If you want to see more of this effect, make sure you visit Cecil Touchon’s website.  He’s an expert at this!

So far, so good, but not quite finished with this triptych

Each panel measures about 40″ high and about 20″ wide.  They are available for sale as a unit at the Alaska Juneau Public Market during Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau.

Winners of the Tlingit Art Acquisition Opportunity Fundraiser

Juneauite Connie Hamann won 1st Place: the Chilkat "Ghost Face" leather bag

Thank you to all who donated towards the cancer fundraiser for my brother, Robert Lampe!  The winners are as follows:

1st Place:  Connie Hamann, Juneau — 2nd Place:  Eileen McDargh, Dana Pt., CA —  3rd Place:  Atricia Makaily, Juneau —   4th Place:  Jan Parrish, Juneau

The drawing was held at 4pm, Sunday, November 28th at Clarissa Rizal’s Public Market booth at Centennial Hall in Juneau.  10 minutes before the drawing, silversmith and friend, Ria (Swanson) Larson donated a pair of her silver “Forget-me-not” earrings; thank you Ria!  You may visit Ria’s website at www.riaswanson.com

2nd Place winner, Eileen McDargh lives in Dana Point, California – I am sorry I cannot provide a photo of her being thrilled at accepting her gift.  However, you may enjoy the smiling faces of Atricia and Jan.

Juneauite Trisha Makaily won 3rd Place of "Gray Wolves" Limited Edition Giclee reproduction

Juneauite Jan Parrish won a pair of "Forget-Me-Not" silver earrings donated and made by Ria (Swanson) Larson

We raised a total of $1375.00.  Robert (Bunny) and his wife, Sarah arrived from Anchorage yesterday from  his first round of chemotherapy.  Perfect timing – just 15 minutes after Clarissa walked in the door from closing at the Public Market, Bunny and Sarah arrived.  They were quite surprised, honored and humbled to receive this kind of support from (most of the) folks they don’t even know.

As many of us know, there are all kinds of “hidden” expenses for families undergoing cancer treatments (i.e. travel, food, household bills, etc.).  Any funds a family receives is always a blessing.  Again, thank you very much to all of you who contributed towards this fundraiser.  In our Tlingit language:  Gunalcheesh!

‘Bout Time She Showed Her Stuff in Her Own Hometown

Clarissa's Booth C-4 at Alaska-Juneau's Public Market displays her recent acrylics on canvas, Limited Edition Giclee reproductions, hand-made dolls, last of her greeting cards and hand-silkscreened prints, and a few copies of her Chilkat Weaver's Handbook

The last time Clarissa did the Public Market was back in 1989 where after her move back to Alaska from New Mexico; she had a booth in the center of the lobby and introduced the then intriguing dream catcher to Juneau. The Market was fun back then as it is even now!

Limited Edition Giclee prints and original paintings include "Rain", "Tlingit Jedi", "Totemic Theories", "Good Thing I'm Crazy Else I'd Go Insane", "Gray Wolves", "Frog Speaks" and prints of her "Tlingit World Series" collages

Clarissa's mother, Irene Lampe and brother, Rick Lampe pay a visit to the booth

“Across the street” is Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring Native drums, moccasins, carvings, rugs, jewelry and the best collection of antique shell buttons I’ve ever seen!  He’s turning 49 today – we’re just gonna have to beat those drums, sing Happy Birthday Tlingit style and shake a leg!

Mt. Juneau Trading Post's booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market "across the street" from Clarissa Rizal's

Fabulous Northwest Coast Native art (and regalia-making supplies) at the Mt. Juneau Trading Post

Jack Tripp, Jr.'s fabulous display of Tlingit art - check out the Chilkat wool rug handwoven in Nepal (no, it's not a traditional ceremonial robe - it's a rug!)

Alaskana Botannicals at Public Market

Juneauites cheer the sampling of Devil's Club Chai tea created by Ryder Radcliffe, son of Jan Parrish, accupuncturist and owner of Alaskana Botannicals

Handmade wreaths, healing salves, Devil’s Club Chai  and walking sticks, applie and rhubarb/strawberry pie, and essential oil spray mists are (all hand-crafted) items you will discover at Alaskana Botannical’s booth C-3 at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market held this weekend at the Centennial Hall in Juneau.  Visiting with Jan Parrish and her son, Ryder Radcliffe is an educational experience.  I’ve learned many healthier ways of living as I’ve heard them speak with customers because my booth is right next door to theirs.  We did not put up a dividing wall between us, and I’m glad we didn’t; it’s great to have “real neighbors!”   Visit  Alaskan Botannical’s website at:  www.alaskanabotannicals.com

Jan Parrish and Ryder Radcliffe at their Alaska-Juneau Public Market Booth #C-3

We’ve got one more day of the Public Market – tomorrow from 10am until 5pm – musician friend Lis Saya is talking about bringing her fiddle to accompany the possibility of a Native drummer at Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring traditional Native arts which is “across the street” from Clarissa Rizal’s contemporary Native paintings and Alaskana Botannicals…maybe there will even be a “street” dance! – Come join us for our last day at the Market!

Devil's Club walking and stirring sticks available for sale at Alaskana Botannical's booth C-3

Alaskan wild-harvested healing salves include Devil's Club, Comfrey and Spruce sap

jams and jellies include wild-harvested Alaskan berries

Ryder's special unique blend of Devil's Club Chai tea

Two "Medicine Women" customer Susan Clark and Jan Parrish, owner of Alaskana Botannicals

Family support for Alaskana Botanicals!

Spray mists include Jan's unique blends, artfully named "Glacier Mist", "Raven Woman" and Clarissa's favorite "Eagle's Feather"

What's a market without Alaskan rhubarb and strawberry pies!?

Clarissa Will Display Her Latest Work For First Time in Juneau

A portion of Clarissa Rizal's "Frog Speaks" acrylic painting on canvas - In this photo, the painting is not quite finished but it will be finished by the Public Market opening Friday, November 26th at noon - it measures approximately 40"w x 52"h

A few places I’ve exhibited my work are in Banff and Vancouver Canada, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Seattle, Washington; and have done demonstrations at the Smithsonian in New York and Washington D.C.  I do not recall exhibiting my work in my own home town! Like, what’s up, huh? Am I just too good for Juneau?  NOT!

During this 3-day weekend, at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market in Centennial Hall, I will show some of my latest contemporary, acrylic paintings on canvas amongst a few of my favorite Giclee reproduction limited edition of prints on canvas, and a Collector’s Edition of handmade dolls.  I will also have a few copies of my Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook available for sale.

Come visit and check out my work at Booth C-4 in the main hall of Centennial Hall.  And while visiting me at my booth, you may still make a donation towards the fundraiser for my brother Robert Lampe, who is presently undergoing chemotherapy in Anchorage.  All three of the gift items will be available for viewing at my booth.   You don’t remember what those gift items were?  Check out my entry here on this blog under the “Health and Wellness” section; click “Tlingit Art Fundraiser Opportunity for Robert Lampe.”  The drawing will be held the last day of the Market on Sunday, November 28 at 4pm.

Limited Edition of 8 Tlingit-design dolls entitled "An Ocean Runs Through Us"

Juneau Public Market hours are Friday, noon to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm.   I look forward to seeing you at the Market!

Clarissa’s Latest Contemporary Paintings on Canvas

"Tlingit Jed-i" acrylic on canvas - 16" W x 20"H - by Clarissa Rizal - November 2010

These are my latest paintings on canvas.  They will be available for sale at my booth in the main hall at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market opening the Friday after Thanksgiving, running the weekend through Sunday at the Centennial Hall in Juneau.  I started these paintings this past Spring while living in Santa Fe; but with the major move back to Juneau in May, and the time getting back onto my feet, I am now settled long enough to complete the set of five (and then some)!  Come visit and see other new items of interest.  My booth  is C-4 (How do you remember?  Think “C” for Clarissa)

"Good Thing I'm Crazy Else I'd Go Insane!" acrylic on canvas - 16"W x 20"H - by Clarissa Rizal - November 2010

"Ravens Prepare For Next Ice Age" acrylic on canvas - 16"W x 20"H - by Clarissa Rizal - November 2010