Arctic Entries

Leanna embodies the dichotomy of order and structure mixed with a good dose of free-spiritedness. Basically, she likes to straddle boundaries, build bridges, move between worlds, and sample everything at the salad bar. Leanna has a Ph.D. in oceanography and works on climate change issues by helping to build coalitions of people who work in science, policy, design, communications, conservation, art, and engineering, etc. Ten years ago she met the most delightful, amazing, inspiring, and one-of-a-kind man, who—as her husband and partner—has been her greatest teacher in life.

Phillip comes from Yup’ik and Quebecois families found on the lower Kuskokwim River and Valleyfield, Canada, respectively. He is a life-long artist, educator, musician, playwright, and storyteller currently working at the Alaska Native Heritage Center as a Cultural Arts Specialist. Recently, he had work accessioned into the French National Museum. At the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, he led 800+ statewide community members on an art project now on display above the Norton Sound Seafood House.

For Annie, her grandmother’s sudden death at her grandfather’s wake would remain the most compelling story of her youth—a story her mother would retell at holiday gatherings so often because it drew folks in. Tonight’s story came from a text Annie sent a friend in the middle of the night after she realized that she couldn’t do what she promised she would. She credits her Forrest Yoga practice axiom: always speak your truth.

Candace lives with her wife, Jen Novobilski, and their two cats, Oliver and Ipa. Before they were married, Jen told her that the cats were part of the package and that she would always have two cats. Despite the sneezing and feline hair everywhere, Candace has grown to love the cats, and has recently taken on such domestic duties as grooming and feeding the cats. She has come to the realization that the cats will always win.

Don Lee - Smell of Fear! by Arctic Entries

Wendy Battino - Taking a Stand by Arctic Entries

Peter Mathiesen - My Move to Alaska by Arctic Entries

Larry Rivers - Hunting Trip by Arctic Entries

Chrissy Sloan - Go Get Mr. Jones! by Arctic Entries

Robin Rivers - Lift, Mold, Correct, & Hold by Arctic Entries

Will Peterson - Thanksgiving Traditions by Arctic Entries

Cierra grew up just north of normal in Eagle River. She is the youngest of five children, and in case you were wondering, yes, she is the favorite. While she is a lifelong Alaskan, Cierra has managed to never set foot in the great outdoors. Her likes: travel, food, and friends. Dislikes: people who don’t like Breaking Bad.

Stephanie was born and raised in Fairbanks, but when she left Alaska for college out-of-state, she thought she’d never look back. Well, after many adventures throughout the country and around the world for both school and work, she did look back and has recently chosen to make Alaska home once again.

Kristin is a high school English teacher, printmaker and third generation fisherwoman. She has spent the last 12 summers commercial fishing with her family out of Naknek. Growing up in Homer, her parents helped to cultivate a deep love of traveling and adventure. Kristin’s roommate helped her write this bio while she was away on a climbing trip in Tucson.

Jim made a career as an attorney in Alaska before moving into nonprofit work in California and dirt work in Oregon. He spends his metal energy contemplating Citizen’s United and organic compost (not together), and all his airline miles flying back and forth to visit his grown kids. When he doesn’t answer the phone on the first ring, it’s probably because he’s in his truck-tent camped out along a riverbank.

Anonymous - High-Seas by Arctic Entries

Stephanie hails from the tropical suburbs of Florida. She came to Alaska for the first time in 2011 to lead land tours for a cruise line. The following year, she surprised her family and friends by claiming, “I was born for the tundra,” throwing caution to the wind, and driving the 6,500 miles up in her tender little Diesel Bug. Today she is no longer a guide, but still loves to tell stories about Alaska to anyone who will listen—especially the tourists who annually migrate here.

Brooke likes to dabble in all things wilderness while tickling her creative poetic muse. That’s a cute way of saying, she makes her living as a seasonal guide and educator in Alaska, because we all know poetry doesn’t pay. She has a penchant for dirty jokes, dancing on the bar, powder in the face, and glitter—copious amounts of glitter. Apologies ahead of time for inappropriate language, as that is this storyteller’s learning style.

Wendy has done many different things in her life: British Army Officer, Outward Bound Instructor, Mountain Guide, Musher, Aid Worker, Travel Guide, Silk Shibori Artist. She has travelled to many of the remotest places in the world, and is now happily settled with her husband Richard and their husky Nick at their homestead on Sheep Mountain. In the summer, they operate Little Bear Guest Cabins, and she does silk classes and retreats, occasionally guiding on the Matanuska Glacier. In the winter, she leads trips for Alaskans to Britain, France, and Morocco.

Oscar is an immigrant from Colombia who grew up riding bikes throughout Anchorage. A recent father of two, he is exploring what he wants to do for the next phase of his life. Oscar often wonders how his life experiences differ from those of others and translates what he learns into visual narratives as a photographer.