I feel immense pride for my nephew, Golga Oscar, who is now giving instructions at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kukokwim Campus in Bethel, Alaska. His parents, David and Molly Oscar, are so very proud of Golga. May all your dedicated efforts contribute to the preservation of our rich history. Quyana Golga for dedicating yourself to this noble and just cause! Does this mean I start calling you "Professor Oscar"?
Story and links below.
By Suzi Tanski
Dec. 7, 2023
Acclaimed Yup’ik artist Golga Oscar is the new Native arts coordinator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel, Alaska.
Oscar, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts, creates modern textiles that reflect his cultural identity and ancestry. He explores mediums ranging from leather and skin sewing to grass weaving and walrus ivory and wood carving.
Through Oscar’s knowledge of traditional art forms and sewing skills, he also creates cultural attire. These pieces are a vital visual element in his photographic imagery. His portraits of Indigenous people seek to show the importance of Native heritage and the validity of their existence. He is striving to bring Indigenous ideas and traditions to the Western educational environment.
Oscar’s work is permanently in collections across the United States, including at The Anchorage Museum, the Burke Museum of National History and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. His work also has been featured in Vogue magazine several times.In his new position, Oscar will coordinate and lead community workshops, which allow the community and campus to learn and explore Native art mediums. These new workshops will include sewing piluguqs, weaving grass baskets and sewing qaspeqs.
The Kuskokwim Campus is part of UAF’s College of Rural and Community Development, located in Bethel, Alaska.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Haley Hanson, KuC assistant campus director, hhanson9@alaska.edu, 907-543-4587
Click to read the full story with UAF - KuC link in the photo or link below.
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