New library mural celebrates diversity, cultures

September 12, 2019

A new mural will be unveiled Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 4:30 p.m., on the main floor of the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library. UAF selected �Ӱ�ԭ�� Native artist Percy Avugiak to create a mural for installation at the UAF Troth Yeddha’ campus. The mural reflects diversity, cultural celebration and success, and represents the past, present and future of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Native peoples. The diversity of �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Indigenous cultures from across the state is captured in the design as well as UAF’s inclusivity that brings together all �Ӱ�ԭ��ns.

The mural also provides an opportunity to highlight the significant contributions of Indigenous knowledge at the university. Elders and Indigenous knowledge bearers inform and help shape effective research and academic learning. They carry the history, stories, skills and knowledge that are important to local and global knowledge.

The artist, , is Iñupiaq and Yup’ik. He was born in Bethel, grew up in Chefornak and currently lives in Eagle River. He graduated from UAF with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Native arts and painting. Avugiak enjoys painting scenes from �Ӱ�ԭ��. His early paintings are whimsical �Ӱ�ԭ�� animals enjoying different scenes. Other works depict abstract �Ӱ�ԭ�� lifestyles, activities, and Native dancing and singing. He also specializes in traditional Yup’ik mask making, wood carvings, ivory carvings, acrylic paintings, drawing and jewelry making.

“Often referencing �Ӱ�ԭ�� Native history, my works explore the changing relationships between traditional art and contemporary art. My works re-introduce the art of �Ӱ�ԭ��n Native ancestors, and educate people about our fascinating views and explore the diversity of �Ӱ�ԭ��.” Avugiak said.

The mural is housed in the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, �Ӱ�ԭ��’s largest library, with more than 1.7 million items, including books, periodicals, films, sound recordings, microforms, government documents, maps, manuscripts and archival materials, as well as electronic access to more than 20 million titles worldwide.

The Rasmuson Library has one of the world’s finest collections of �Ӱ�ԭ�� and polar regions materials including books, periodicals, photography, manuscripts, films, oral histories, rare books and maps. The collections are centered on �Ӱ�ԭ�� but include many items about the circumpolar North and Antarctica.

Elmer E. Rasmuson was born in Yakutat, �Ӱ�ԭ��, in 1909. He graduated from Harvard University in 1930. Rasmuson returned to �Ӱ�ԭ�� in 1943 as president of the National Bank of �Ӱ�ԭ��, the first statewide banking system in �Ӱ�ԭ��. Active in public affairs, Rasmuson was mayor of Anchorage, chairman of the �Ӱ�ԭ�� Permanent Fund Corp. and a member of the University of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Board of Regents from 1950-1969.

For more information contact Sandra Kowalski at sjkowalski@alaska.edu or 474-7089.