Page 296 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

EXPLORING THE VIBRANT
EXPLORING THE VIBRANT

Aristotle once said that “art takes nature as a wellspring of inspiration for artists across with the profound mysteries of existence.
as its model.” That has never been more true varied disciplines. The landscape’s ever- “Life is different in Haines,” says Tourism
than in Haines, said to be the most scenic changing hues, textures, and forms provide an Director Rebecca Hylton. “It’s slower paced.
place in all of Alaska. It is an area with towering endless array of design and themes. From the People live with intention here. You re-
snow-capped mountains that stand watch majestic sweep of mountains to the delicate connect with mother nature and yourself.”
over forested valleys and glacier-fed streams intricacy of a flower petal, from the drumbeat For gallery owner Fred Shield of the Wild
teaming with fish that tumble into salt water of ancient tribal motifs to frozen crystals that Iris, Haines has been home since the late
fjords. A place where even the heavens seem sparkle like shards of glass, nature offers 1970s. In 1974, Fred waved goodbye to
to look down and proclaim “it is good”. Haines artists a symphony of beauty that captivates corporate America, packed his car with family
has the usual boundless outdoor activities such the senses and stirs the imagination. Whether and belongings and traveled North America
as fishing, hiking, kayaking and skiing, but it is through paintbrush strokes on canvas, beaded for three years, “In Montana, we pointed the
the local artists that make Haines stand out jewelry or sculpted forms in wood, the car north and headed toward Alaska and have
from other towns. With more artists per capita influence of nature infuses Haines’ art with a been here ever since,” says Shield. When they
than anywhere else in southeast Alaska, it is sense of wonder, awe, and harmony, inviting arrived in Haines, it was as if destiny whispered
nature in this Alaskan community that serves viewers to pause, contemplate, and connect to their heart, “We knew we wanted to

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