Ahtna Madonna

Oil on panel, 30” x 30”, Private Collection

The Ahtna are Alaska Native people of Southcentral Alaska. This portrait is inspired by an Ahtna woman who is an artist, culture bearer of the Caribou clan, and friend. The halo is embellished with silverberry seeds and dentalium shells used in traditional clothing and jewelry. This painting is currently in the exhibition, Extra Tough, at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, featuring the work of Alaska women.