The Award for Excellence in the Field was presented to Alexandra Painter, Exhibits Manager at the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository in Kodiak.
For the past four years, Painter has led the development of the Alutiiq Museum’s new 2,000-square-foot exhibit hall and the Canasqat—Things That Matter project. The project transformed the museum’s expanded gallery space into a comprehensive exploration of Alutiiq culture and history.
Painter oversaw an extensive process involving exhibit design, fabrication, installation, contractors, vendors, supplies, budgets, and community review. The completed exhibit hall includes five thematic galleries, 20 custom cases, more than 600 objects, approximately 200 panels and murals, audio and video features, a replica sod house children’s area, and an interactive creation station.
This project was larger than anything she had previously undertaken and she led it with extraordinary skill, creativity, patience, and determination.
The project also provided an opportunity for Painter to mentor a young Alutiiq woman who worked alongside her for nine months and subsequently pursued a career in heritage preservation and the museum field.
The Award for Excellence in the Field recognizes Alexandra Painter’s leadership, creativity, perseverance, collaboration, and commitment to both the Alutiiq community and the museum profession.