by SWAAG
On October 5th, 2024, community arts supporters in Bethel turned out in droves to attend the annual Steel Salmon/Raven Auction hosted by the SouthWest Alaska Arts Group (SWAAG).
The cultural center was packed full to the tune of 146 people — the largest turnout in the 21 year history of the event. The outstanding generosity of those in attendance raised an astounding $34,428 for SWAAG arts programs!
This year, there were 22 steel salmon and ravens up for the live auction, with 10 of those artists being first time submissions to the event. The fabulous, Sundi Scott, was also new to the event this year as our amazing auctioneer, and kept the bidding on track and headed up, up, up!
Tore Singstad’s stunning raven titled Eye of the Kuskokwim depicted a bird’s eye view of the Kuskokwim River (made from wood and resin) and raised the highest bid of $6,750!
Other amazing artists included: Kelsie Ford, Penny Panlener, MaryCait Dolan, Theresa Markham, John Oscar, Moses Tulim, Susan Jones, John Lloyd, Victoria Sosa, April Fernandez, Reyne Athanas, Jimmy Riordan, Margaret Ferguson Hannah, Anne Kosacheff, William Crane, Alyssa Leary, Tish Guinn, Kylee Henderson, Jackie Klejka, Essie Bean-Ingvalson, and Mikayla Miller.
In addition to the live auction, the silent auction had its own, somewhat quieter, bidding wars playing out. Standout silent auction donations included a vibrant, color-block raven made by the 6-12 year olds from the SWAAG summer arts camp. And, a beautiful Foxy Malaggaayaq made by Grace David.
SWAAG would like to thank all of those who came out to volunteer. Time is a precious commodity, and this year’s event was made more vibrant with music by Bryant Julstrom and William Guerin, event photos by Diane McEachern and Mark Brew, and food service by the BHS Wrestling Club.
For the last 20 years Shorty’s Shop has been cutting out and donating the steel piece each artist reimagines, and we are so thankful for his support.
This event showed that Bethel is leading the way in fostering spaces for people to live creative, art-filled lives. We know the arts support so many other disciplines and play an important role in supporting health, wellness, community development, and education.
SWAAG is so grateful to work alongside other partners and artists to ensure traditional arts and contemporary expressions thrive for future generations. Thank you for sharing our belief that the arts make Bethel more connected, more inclusive, and a more vibrant place to live.
*SWAAG recruits artists each June to participate in the annual auction. Interested artists should contact [email protected] for more information. We encourage both emerging AND mature artists to participate.
Connect with us again for Bethel Bowls on Nov 1st @ 6:00 pm, and for Taste of Bethel on Nov 9th @ 4:00 pm.
