In Anchorage, the International Gallery of Contemporary Art, which had its inception in the early 1980s, at about the same time I arrived to Alaska, remains sui generis in its commitment to experimental and explorative art. For a half-dozen years now, I have spent most Wednesdays as a volunteer gallery-sitter in this exhibition space dedicated to provocative ideas and diverse art forms. Poems have been pondered and prodded in this art space where experimentation and risk hold premium value. Without the IGCA, the poetry collection Be-hooved would not have been realized in its present form. A couple of poems in the collection even hung for a month on the gallery walls as part of a poetry and photography show. In addition to acknowledging my indebtedness to IGCA for dedicated writing time and space (and wall space), I want to acknowledge how privileged I am to have my upcoming collected works feature ICGA-shown artists for both the cover and interior art. All this is to say why my February 17 (4p-7p) book launch will be held at the IGCA, at 427 D Street, in downtown Anchorage. February 17 is a Sunday, so downtown parking will be free. Enjoy music and munchies and mots at the gallery. Come celebrate this seminal book release with me, and bring all your poetry-loving friends.
