PRATT MUSEUM

Pratt Museum to Host Book Release Event, Portraying the Wide, Open Spaces, with author Michael Engelhard

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Pratt Museum to Host Book Release Event, Portraying the Wide, Open Spaces, with author Michael Engelhard

Homer, Alaska (May 4, 2024) – Pratt Museum

On the First Friday of June, the Pratt Museum will Host Author Michael Engelhard as he Presents His New Release, “What the River Knows: Essays from the Heart of Alaska”

The Pratt Museum is proud to host Portraying the Wide, Open Spaces as a free First Friday event on June 7th. Longtime wilderness guide, anthropologist, and Fairbanks author Michael Engelhard will be presenting Arctic Travers: A Thousand-Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range and What the River Knows: Essays from the Heart of Alaska, which is a new release. Readings and video clips will be followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing. Engelhard’s books will be available for purchase at the event, which begins at 4pm at the Pratt Museum.

Local artist and longtime Pratt Museum Patron Rika Mouw will also present some of her wilderness-centered artworks during the event.

About Michael Engelhard A cultural anthropologist and longtime outdoor instructor, Engelhard specialized in land use, subsistence, and symbolic aspects of landscapes. He is the recipient of several literary awards, including a Rasmuson Individual Artist Award and three Alaska Press Club Awards. His writing has been featured in Outside magazine, Alaska magazine, and Earth Island Journal.  He is the author of over six books, including No Walk in the Park, Ice Bear, and American Wild. More information and contact information is available at https://michaelengelhard.com.

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open daily from 10am – 6pm during the summer months. Visit the Pratt Museum at 379 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at https://www.prattmuseum.org/.

Contact Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager tel (907) 435-3328, email wharness@prattmuseum.org

Download PDF of this press release here.

Pratt Museum Receives General Operations Grant from the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation

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Pratt Museum Receives General Operations Grant from The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation

Homer, Alaska (April 8, 2024)

The Pratt Museum, which is governed by The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc., is the recipient of a $10,000 General Operating Grant from The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation

The Pratt Museum is extremely grateful to be the recipient of a $10,000 General Operations Grant from The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation. This contribution will allow the Pratt Museum to engage visitors with dynamic exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities from the very beginning of each visitors experience at our facility. Operation expenses are a large part of our overall budget, and this contribution will bolster our ability to ensure customer satisfaction for continued support of program of work.

About The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation Founded in 1987, The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation is a family foundation that supports nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. The Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of nature, including wildlife and their required habitats. It also supports the institutions that present nature and our rich cultural heritage to the public. More information is available at https://hughandjanefergusonfoundation.org/.

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open daily from 10am-6pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm the rest of the year. Visit the Pratt Museum at 3779 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at http://www.prattmuseum.org/.

Contact Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager, tel (907) 435-3328, email wharness@prattmuseum.org

Download PDF of this press release, here.

The Pratt Museum Announces Upcoming Exhibit: Inner Stellar by Marjorie Scholl

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The Pratt Museum Announces Upcoming Exhibit: Inner Stellar by Marjorie Scholl

Homer, Alaska (April 8, 2024) – Pratt Museum

The Pratt Museum is excited to announce our summer exhibition, Inner Stellar, featuring the work of American painter Marjorie Scholl. This exhibition will be on display from May 17 through September 20 in the Main Gallery at the Pratt Museum.

Inner Stellar is a series of painted portraits that honors the experience of reacquainting with one’s ‘inner child.’ Marjorie Scholl has painted people in her community and co-created story-like text to accompany each piece. Each portrait illustrates someone in their bright essence, holding the weight of their unique ancestry – hardships, healing, and all – with an authentically determined outlook. The figure’s posture and gaze convey their true history and committed future and suggests the intergenerational whisperings that lead to insight and strength. Each painting is set in a forest of birch trees, using light and shadow to allude to the adversities and resilience, as well as the loneliness and triumph, that comes from developing the whole self.

Each subject has actively participated in the creation of their portrait and the related personal anecdotes. As part of the series, Scholl includes a self-portrait to share her own journey that continues to reckon with generational trauma while reconnecting with her inner child.

Marjorie Scholl is an American painter interested in depicting human relationships to our changing Earth. Through engaged portraiture and visual storytelling, she examines complex social issues and shifting landscapes to challenge systemic inequalities and explore experiences of belonging.

Marjorie’s work has been exhibited throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. She has created murals in public and private settings. She also teaches dance and has organized numerous performances with the youth of her community. Originating from the San Francisco Bay Area, she now lives in Homer, Alaska, with her husband and has three wonderful children.

A Opening Exhibition will be held Friday, May 17th beginning at 5pm. The artist will be in attendance, and celebratory refreshments will be served.

Digital Gallery Guide available here.

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Visit the Pratt Museum at 379 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at www.prattmuseum.org/.

CONTACT Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager. (907) 235-8635 or wharness@prattmuseum.org

The Pratt Museum to Host Exhibit, “Celebrating Our Sister City: 40 Years of Gifts From Teshio, Japan”

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The Pratt Museum to Host Exhibit, “Celebrating Our Sister City: 40 Years of Gifts From Teshio, Japan”

Homer, Alaska (April 6, 2024) – Pratt Museum

In May, the Pratt Museum will host an exhibit featuring works from the City of Homer’s Municipal Art Collection. 2024 marks the City of Homer’s 40th anniversary as a Sister City with Teshio, Hokkaido, Japan. Established April 7, 1984, Teshio and Homer have enjoyed a profound camaraderie and sharing of families, student exchanges, ideals, and memorabilia. This exhibit provides an opportunity to learn more about our Sister City, foster a stronger connection with Teshio, and view these cherished pieces that are part of the City of Homer’s Municipal Art Collection.

As part of our communities 40-year celebration, eighteen pieces of art that Teshio has generously gifted the City over the years will be on display in the Main Lobby of the Pratt Museum from May 1 to September 7.

A First Friday Exhibition will be held Friday, May 3rd beginning at 4pm and will be free to the public.

More information on the Sister City Program and the Municipal Art Collection can be found on the City of Homer website.

About the City of Homer Long known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”, Homer is also nicknamed “the end of the road”, and more recently, “the cosmic hamlet by the sea”.  Homer was incorporated in 1964 as a first-class city and is located four hours south of Anchorage. A popular destination for tourists, Alaskans and folks from the “lower 48” alike enjoy being surrounded by the majesty of beautiful mountains, volcanoes, the ocean, and a bustling harbor along with all there is to offer. Homer City Hall is located at 491 E Pioneer Avenue in Homer and is open Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm. Tel (907) 235-8121. More information is available at https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/.

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Visit the Pratt Museum at 379 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at www.prattmuseum.org/.

CONTACT Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager. (907) 235-8635 or wharness@prattmuseum.org

Pratt Museum Receives Homer Foundation Opportunity Fund Grant

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Pratt Museum Receives Homer Foundation Opportunity Fund Grant

Homer, Alaska (April 5, 2024) – Pratt Museum

The Pratt Museum, which is governed by The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc., is the Recipient of a $5,000 Homer Foundation Opportunity Fund Grant

The Pratt Museum is incredibly grateful to be the recipient of a $5,000 Homer Foundation Opportunity Fund Grant. This contribution will support History + Nature Come Alive!, an expanded offering of art, culture, and science based educational programming including exciting new curricula led by experienced, highly-qualified instructors, all of whom are active members of the Homer community. Support from the Homer Foundation will also allow the Museum to recruit a summer intern, an opportunity that will encourage a lifelong understanding and exploration of the natural environment and place-based human experience, and provide the intern with exposure to impactful engagement with Pratt Museum patrons and the many facets of museum work.

“We truly appreciate the continued support of the Homer Foundation as we strive to make measurable change in the community through our program of work,” said Pratt Museum Executive Director Patricia Relay

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Beginning May 5, 2024, the Museum will be open daily from 10am – 6pm. Visit the Pratt Museum at 379 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at https://www.prattmuseum.org/.

Contact Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager tel (907) 435-3328, email wharness@prattmuseum.org

Download PDF of this press release here.

Donation Honors Steven Ross Gibson

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Steve Gibson, photo courtesy Homer News

 

The Board and Staff of The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. and the Pratt Museum are grateful to Nina Faust for her $1,000 contribution in honor of longtime Homer resident, Steven Ross Gibson, who died January 29, 2024. After fifty years in Homer…Gibson left this world as he lived – in good cheer, thinking about others and their circumstances, and with a characteristic pragmatic optimism.

Donor Nina Faust expressed these sentiments describing her decision to contribute in Gibson’s honor:

Steve’s family asked me to choose something I thought Steve would support. Given his practical nature, philosophical bent, and his care about the community and its residents, I think protecting our historical records and artifacts from water damage would be high on his list.

Thank you to Nina Faust and the Gibson family.

The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. Hosts Annual Business Meeting/Announces New Board of Directors

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The Homer Society of Natural History Inc. Hosts Annual Business Meeting/Announces New Board of Directors

Homer, Alaska (February 7, 2024) – Pratt Museum

Former Board President Linda Rowell and Pratt Museum Executive Director Patricia Relay Addressed Members, Expressed Gratitude for Contributions Made by Outgoing Director

Jennifer Bartolowits, Savanna Bradley, Sue Fallon, Clark Fair, Tim Hatfield, Milli Martin, and Mel Strydom to Join the Board of Directors

The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. hosted its Annual Business Meeting Tuesday and certified election results, successfully adding seven new members to its board of directors. The meeting was well-attended, with a presentation led by Board President Linda Rowell and Pratt Museum Executive Director Patricia Relay. During the comment period, multiple members stood up to share resolute and often poignant statements in support of the Pratt Museum and its importance to the community.

“The Annual meeting was more than a business meeting. It was a time to gather and engage with our members and the community. At the heart of the Pratt Museum is our members,” said Executive Director Patricia Relay. “I was delighted to see a room full of members and am very grateful for their continued support.”

The ballot counting committee presented election results at 6:17pm, which were certified and made effective as of February 6, 2024 with the following appointments:

  • Milli Martin elected Board President
  • Mel Strydom elected Vice President
  • Jennifer Bartolowits elected Treasurer
  • Savanna Bradley elected Secretary
  • Clark Fair elected director
  • Tim Hatfield elected director
  • Sue Fallon elected director

See the full list of The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. Board of Directors. The HSNH is grateful to Linda Rowell, Former Board President, whose service ends this year.

About The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. Founded in 1955, The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. serves as the governing body for the Pratt Museum, and provides vital advocacy and fundraising support for the Museum.

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Visit the Pratt Museum at 379 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at www.prattmuseum.org/.

CONTACT Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager | tel (907) 435-3328, email wharness@prattmuseum.org.

Download PDF of this press release here.

Next Generation Fund of the Roy A. Hunt Foundation Grant Award Appreciation

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Homer, Alaska (January 23, 2024) – The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. DBA Pratt Museum is incredibly grateful to be the recipient of a $5,000 Next Generation Fund of the Roy A. Hunt Foundation Grant. This contribution will allow for the repair of museum display cases in the permanent exhibits of the Pratt Museum, including the case of drawers relating to the popular “Gull Cam” exhibit in the Marine Gallery. Each drawer in the case pulls out to reveal specimens from the Museums extensive collection, including feet, wings and eggs of various species of local shorebirds. The Gull Cam itself allows visitors to the Museum to observe life on Gull Island in Kachemak Bay, with a limitless view of glaucous-winged gulls, kittiwakes, cormorants, and more. Gull Island is owned and managed by Seldovia Native Association, Inc. The Pratt Museum is granted a conditional use permit to place camera equipment on the island for educational and scientific purposes.

About the Pratt Museum The Pratt Museum was founded by The Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. in 1968. The mission of the Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Visit the Pratt Museum at 3779 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel. (907) 235-8635. More information is available at www.prattmuseum.org

 

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The Pratt Museum Announces Exhibit Opening: LIGHT IN BLOOM by Faith Revell

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The Pratt Museum Announces Exhibit Opening: Light in Bloom

 

Homer, Alaska (January 16, 2024) – Pratt Museum

The Pratt Museum is excited to announce our Spring exhibition, Light in Bloom. This exhibition features the works of Valdez artist Faith Revell, who was inspired by changing light and ensuing form when creating this group of oil paintings.

Revell is an East Coast transplant and painter who has lived in Valdez, Alaska, for the past twelve years. Valdez is a remote and remarkably beautiful place situated between the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound in South Central Alaska. Wind, weather and snow dominate there. Seismic shifts occur often. As a result, Revell studies natural phenomena and human geography; observes and documents light changing and life unfolding; immerses herself in remarkable experiences and navigates an environment of extremes. Then, she offers up a visceral, lively painted expression and work that embodies movement and the play of elemental forces.

Twenty-six pieces of her work will be on display in the Main Gallery of the Pratt Museum from February 9 to May 12.

A First Friday Exhibition of the show will take place on March 1 beginning at 4pm and will be free to the public.

Stay tuned for more information about a possible workshop.

About the Pratt Museum The mission of the Pratt Museum is to strengthen relationships between people and place through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. It fulfills its mission by facilitating engagement between community members and strengthening understandings of our shared place. Through these activities, the unique relationship between the people and places of Kachemak Bay will be sustained far into the future. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Visit the Pratt Museum at 379 Bartlett Street in Homer. Tel (907) 235-8635. More information is available at www.prattmuseum.org/.

CONTACT Whitney Harness, Visitor Services, Store and Communications Manager. (907) 235-8635 or wharness@prattmuseum.org

 

Homer Society of Natural History Board of Directors Elections

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The Homer Society of Natural History is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Please see our Prospective Board Member Letter and Application for more information and to apply.

Applications are due by January 10, 2024.

If you have any questions, please call Pratt Museum Executive Director Patricia Relay at 907-435-3333 or Homer Society of Natural History Board of Directors President Linda Rowell at 309-885-2734.