The Portrait Society of America is a non profit organization whose purpose is “to foster and enhance the understanding of the practice, techniques, and applications of traditional fine art portraiture and figurative works.” As Alaskan Ambassador for the organization my job is to disseminate information throughout the state, facilitate opportunities, and promote the organization.

When I started to make plans to curate a third Portrait Society show of Alaska members, it was suggested to me that I include Hawaii. Why not? On most maps we are both out on the edge of the page, in boxes ‘the outliers’. Six Alaskans and two Hawaiians agreed to send their work.

I have included a prize-winning signature member of the portrait society, Kerry Dunn, one of the lead teachers at Studio Incamminati of Philadelphia, who is in Haines in June teaching an oil painting portrait workshop. He will give a free public portrait demonstration with a live model on June 20 from 6-9pm at the Haines Sheldon Museum. Yuko Hays and I will do a portrait demo at the museum on May 31st, from 5-8pm. Please join us for any or all of each demo. Bring your sketchbook.

Due to the non-profit status of PSoA, the museum will not be making sales. All inquiries about purchase should be directed to the individual artist whose contact information is provided on the wall by their work.

I hope you enjoy the show!

Donna Cattoti