by Reyne Athanas
Photos courtesy of SWAAG
This is the Steel Salmon and Raven Auction’s twentieth year of creating fabulous art pieces by local artists, enthusiasts and friends for the arts.
The first auction was held outside in September of 2003 on the steps of the then Art Guild of the YK gift shop. It was located in the old Moravian residence next to the Moravian bookstore. And it was cold and windy with only 10 steel salmon and maybe 20 people bidding on them. The auction lasted for just 10 minutes.
Steadfast supporter: Shorty Salzbrun of Bethel (at left) has donated 400 steel salmon and ravens in the 20 years of the auction.
In the 20 years since the first auction, Shorty Salzbrun has donated 400 steel salmon and ravens. Mr. Salzbrun has been our steadfast and longest supporter. Each piece has been designed, decorated, created by generous artists, crafts persons, beginners, masters, and friends of the arts, to be auctioned in support of the arts in the YK region.
The funds raised have paid for the gift shop rent, staff, adult artist scholarships, summer youth art camps, Bethel bowls clay, donations to art students and classes, and the continued support of local artists and crafts persons as needed.
Beautiful and lifelike – a steel salmon art creation. In the background is a raven art piece.
Originally only an auction, the Kuskokwim Art Guild decided to add a dinner to make it a festive event and even more fun to attend. Chef Tiffany Tony created the fabulous dinners for about the first 10 years and then other local chefs stepped in to continue the tradition. In 2019, beer, wine and extra desserts were added to the evening. It has grown to be the kick off extravaganza event each fall.
In 2021 the Kuskokwim Art Guild and Bethel Council on the Arts merged to become SouthWest Alaska Arts Group, (SWAAG). Our vision is to bring artistic inspiration and inclusiveness to every person in Southwest Alaska.
This year’s Steel Salmon and Raven event will carry on the tradition of great food, outrageous and amazing artwork, both live and silent auctions, tasty drinks and time to catch up with friends and family while supporting the arts in Bethel.
Chef Lailtrice Graham will provide the dinner menu with beef brisket or roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, toasted salad, rolls and a variety of desserts. Shane Iverson will be the charismatic host and auctioneer again, and the wrestling club will provide the dinner waiters.
Volunteers will include the Jesuit Volunteers, YK Optometrists interns, and friends of SWAAG. The goal is to raise $20,000 to celebrate our first 20 years. This year saw the first sold out dinner a week before the event, the auction is free to everyone, starting at 7:00 pm at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center on October 14, 2023. Join us for our 20th anniversary event.
