Five of the 16 dolls on display at the Nolan Center, forming part of a new museum exhibit which highlights the work of Wrangell artist Marlieta Wallace.
A new display was set out in the lobby of the Nolan Center last week, featuring the artwork of the late Marlieta Wallace, a Wrangell artist.
The exhibit features some of the Mardina dolls Wallace made during the 1980s, created by the hundreds in her home. Constructed from a variety of leathers, furs, feathers, felts and beads, 16 of the dolls are on display in a case outside the Wrangell Museum gift shop.
The larger dolls are unique, part of Wallace's Grand'Mere doll series. Each of these came with its own name and backstory. Smaller dolls in the display were called "Eskies," with each
portraying a mother with a tiny baby over her right shoulder.
"She was quite the seamstress," recalled Carol Snoddy, a family friend.
In addition to her dolls, Wallace made fur parkas, jewelry and crafts in other mediums. Her dolls' display is a first for the museum, an idea Nolan director Terri Henson explained was encouraged by resident Cindy Kilpatrick.
"This is something that was kind of in the works," Henson said. The exhibit started early last week, replacing
the "Japan and Wrangell" display up since last year. She explained the museum will be rotating more of its collection for public view, as well as featuring works on loan from local artists.
Some of the Mardinas are recent donations to the museum's collection, while others have been loaned for the display by Kathy Hayes. With them are some of Wallace's crafting tools and handmade patterns, as well as a photo and short biography.
Born in 1908, Wallace was one of Wrangell's more multitalented residents. Earlier in her life she had been a stage actress, participating in a traveling ensemble in New York during the 1930s, and later entertained troops for the United Service Organization during the Second World War.
Wallace was also politically active, involving herself in issues concerning Alaska Natives. In 1939 she testified before Congress regarding land settlement policies, and served on several Presidential Task Forces.
Active at home as well, she served in a number of community organizations and became a Tlingit elder. She remained an esteemed member of her community until her death in 2001.
"She was just a fixture in Wrangell," said Snoddy.
Fourteen years on, her memory hasn't diminished. On the museum's Facebook page, people who knew Wallace have shared memories of her and details of her work.
"It's been kind of fun to see some of these things come up," Henson said.
In a few weeks Wallace's dolls will not be the only plush figures on display. In preparation for next month's sixth annual Alaska Bearfest, the museum will be holding a "Best-Dressed Bear Contest." Residents are invited to create a costume for their teddies, which can be submitted until June 26 for the contest. The bears will then be displayed at the Nolan Center through the month of July, each with its name and that of its owner.
Submissions will then be judged during this year's festival, which runs from July 22 to 26. A bear-related prize will be awarded to two winners of the adult and under-16 categories.
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