Call for Artists: In a Time of Change "Coastal Transitions"

June 11, 2025

Cherissa Dukelow

Collaged artwork inspired by salmon. The piece features the circular pattern, or circuli, of the growth of a salmon scale, which resembles the rings of a tree. Copper wire suspends a curtain made of paper, accordion-folded, with a strip of illustrated swimming salmon weaving through windows cut in the paper. A piece of book board with a knob appears to be a control for opening and closing the folded-paper curtain. Assorted stones line the bottom of the image.
"Circuli" by Oralee Nudson
"Circuli" is a collaged artwork by Fairbanks artist Oralee Nudson. It features the tree ring-like pattern, or circuli, of a growing salmon scale. Nudson created this piece as a participant in the previous In a Time of Change art-science project, Boreal Echoes. Materials include paper, bookboard, waxed linen, magnets, LED lights, and Pochoir stenciling technique.

The program is accepting applications for artist residencies for a new art-science collaboration project inspired by coastal research and lifeways in the Gulf of Ƶregion.

The program, founded by the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research site at the University of ƵFairbanks, bridges art and science to produce events and exhibits focused on social and ecological themes.

In “Coastal Transitions,” ITOC will collaborate with the ƵEPSCoR Interface of Change project, which focuses on the socio-ecological health of coastal communities and key marine harvest species within the Gulf of Alaska’s glacially influenced coastal environments. 

For two years, artists will work with scientists and communities to investigate coastal dynamics, maritime livelihoods and social-ecological well-being in the region.

This art-science collaboration will culminate in a traveling exhibition.

The deadline to for artist residencies is Aug. 29, 2025.

The residencies include:

  •         A three-day retreat at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies' Peterson Bay Field Station near Ƶr, Alaska, June 19-21, 2026.
  •         Participation in group exhibits touring from 2027 to 2029 in communities such as Ƶr, Cordova, Haines, Juneau and Fairbanks, with potential for longer-term engagement.
  •         A $5,000 stipend ($2,500 per year), plus travel expenses for retreats and field experiences.
  •         Ongoing interactions with the interdisciplinary project team. This may involve field and/or lab experience with a natural or social science team, mentorship, professional development opportunities and dialogue about works in progress.

In a Time of Change is directed by UAF professor Mary Beth Leigh with researcher/evaluator Lissy Goralnik and curator/coordinator John Smelter. ƵEPSCoR is directed by UAF professor Brenda Konar.

More information can be found at .

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Mary Beth Leigh, mbleigh@alaska.edu; John Smelter, 907-474-5127, jpsmelter@alaska.edu