HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2017-030 Sponsored by: Casagranda, Slater
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-030
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS TO HELP CELEBRATE THE
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF WILDERNESS BY
ARTIST ROCKWELL KENT WHO PAINTED RESURRECTION BAY AND
WHAT LATER BECAME KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK DURING
1918-1919
WHEREAS,American artist Rockwell Kent and his 9-year-old son came to Seward to paint
in August 1918 and settled on Fox Island in Resurrection Bay on a fox farm financed by Thomas
Brown of Brown and Hawkins and operated by Alaska pioneer, Lars Matt Olson; and
WHEREAS,Kent painted Resurrection Bay and is considered to be the first noted painter to
depict what later became Kenai Fjords National Park; and
WHEREAS,before leaving Alaska in the spring of 1919,he became embroiled in Seward
with significant controversy in the context of his politics and the post-war patriotism of the period;
and
•
WHEREAS,after leaving Alaska in March 1919,he lived in Vermont where he finished his
Alaska paintings and put his letters and journals together into the book Wilderness: A Journal of
Quiet Adventure in Alaska; and
WHEREAS,the book was published in 1920 to coincide with a successful New York exhibit
of his Alaska paintings which began Kent's rise to fame and his ability to finally earn a living as an
artist known as one of the most famous and controversial artists in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS,in addition to telling the story of his life on Fox Island his book, Wilderness,
presents a vivid picture of the Seward of 1918-19. It is illustrated with many of Kent's pen and ink
drawings. Wilderness is listed in Alaska 67:A Guide to Alaska's Best History Books published in
2006 by the Alaska Historical Society; and
WHEREAS,the year 2020 will be the 100th anniversary of the publication of Wilderness;
and .
WHEREAS, local historian, Doug Capra, who wrote the forward to the 1996 edition
of Wilderness has written a book called That Infinite and Unfathomable Thing: Rockwell Kent's
Alaska Wilderness to be published in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Rockwell Kent has an international reputation as an artist with the best
depictions of The North and his connection to Seward and his book Wilderness represents an
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-030
important asset in attracting tourism to Seward from all over the world.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City of Seward supports the celebration of Rockwell Kent's publication
"Wilderness",deeply appreciates the recognition it brings to Seward,and lends the City's support to
any grant applications furthering the promotion thereof.
Section 2. The City encourages other local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce,
Resurrection Bay Historical Society, Seward Arts Council, Rotary and others to join in the
celebration of this important work.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska,this 22nd day of
May, 2017.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
i • 1
•an Bardarson,Mayor
AYES: Casagranda,Keil, Squires,McClure, Slater,Altermatt, Bardarson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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