My First Blog Post

Hello!

My name is Bambi Nelson. I'm a non-traditional student and I've worked for UAF for a combined 14 years. I currently work for the Rural Alaska Honors Institute, an amazing program that hosts high school juniors and seniors on campus every summer to give them a positive introduction to life as a UAF student. 

My family includes my husband Richard, our 11-year-old son Miles and our rescue Chiweenie, Gizmo. Richard and I first came to UAF as students in fall 1999 and it became a second home to us. We're both originally from Tok. We just returned to Fairbanks after 6 years in Houston, Texas (I know, what were we thinking?!) and are so glad to be home. 

While in Texas, I worked in a children's library, which was truly fun and meaningful work. Our family is embarking on a homeschool journey for the first time this year so if anyone has any tips, I'm all ears. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing and watching British TV. I'm also a regular contributor to Houston MomsLinks to an external site., where I create and share parenting-related content. 

This is a painting titled Starlight and Darkness by Chugiak-based artist Karla Morreira. Trust me, this photo does it no justice at all! I own this painting but mine has a different painted border around it. I would have taken a pic but it's currently covered with bubble wrap! I'll update this post with a better photo once it's uncovered. It has found the perfect wall in 3 different homes and one office. I'm moving to a new office this week and I suspect it will find the new perfect home there, as well! 

I waited many years to purchase this painting, as it was well beyond my budget. One year, Karla displayed her work at the Tanana Valley State Fair and I finally went for it. It's brought me lots of happiness over the years and I've bought a couple of her smaller pieces, as well. 

My relationship to art is primarily as an appreciator and a patron. I own several original paintings, sculptures and ceramics. I always enjoy going to the UAF student art sale each year and loading up on amazing pieces for very affordable prices. I work on campus so I also enjoy visiting the gallery throughout the semester and seeing the students' work on display.

From 2015-2017, I worked for a grant funded program that's purpose was to support the passing of indigenous art knowledge from Elder artisans to younger generations. I worked with UAF's rural campuses to identify what communities were most interested in sharing and then helped coordinate instructors, locations and supplies. Over the years, communities hosted workshops in parka making, kuspuk sewing, fish skin moccasin making, fur hat sewing, beading and so much more. It was a thoroughly rewarding program and I wish the grant would have been renewed!

If you're interested in connecting with the local art community, First Friday - Fairbanks celebrates artists and informs the public about upcoming shows and other ways to support Fairbanks and Interior artists.