PRESS RELEASE
DATE: August 19, 2015
CONTACT: Shannon Daut, Executive Director, 1-907-269-6610
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Governor Announces New Board Appointments to the Alaska State Council on the Arts
Governor Walker appointed Patrick Race and Jeffry Silverman,and reappointed Adelheid “Micky” Beckerand Josie Stiles to the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA). The council‘s mission is to enrich the cultural life of the state by encouraging and supporting excellence in the arts; provide opportunities for every Alaskan to experience the arts; promote the practice and enjoyment of the arts in Alaska; and guide the development of the arts throughout the state. The council also provides technical assistance and services to artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters in Alaska.
“As ASCA completes its newest strategic plan and works to re-envision the scope and role of the agency, we are delighted to work with Pat and Jeffry in their new role on the Council. Their fresh perspectives from a variety of artistic, business and organizational roles will be a valuable asset in our work,” said ASCA Executive Director Shannon Daut.
Patrick Race, of Juneau, is a filmmaker, illustrator and small business owner who holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In 2012, Race served as the filmmaker-in-residence for the Alaska State Council on the Arts’ biennial statewide arts conference, titled Latitude: 2014 Alaska Arts Convergence. The film he created during the convening can be found at:
Jeffry Silverman, of Anchorage, works for the Alaska Federation of Natives as Deputy Director, Communications. He has also worked in management public relations, marketing and development for a number of arts organizations, including the Anchorage Concert Association, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the Anchorage Arts Council and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. He currently serves as an associate editor of the Alaska Quarterly Review (AQR). As an Alaskan independent filmmaker since 1983, he has produced a number of notable feature and short documentary films about Alaska, with an emphasis on Native history and culture.
Josie Stiles, of Nome, is the president of the Nome Arts Council, serving her fifth term. She has been a member since 2003. A former board president of the Bering Sea Women’s Group, Stiles has served on the council since 2012 and is reappointed to a public seat.
Micky Becker, of Anchorage, is a public relations consultant to Shell Oil Company. She has 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and has served more than 30 years volunteering and advocating for the arts in Alaska. Becker has served on the council since 2006 and is reappointed to a public seat.