You may not recognize her name but you will know her work, Brenda Schwartz-Yeager is one of the most prominent artists in Alaska today.  Her images of iconic landmarks in Southeast Alaska rendered on navigational charts evoke the essence of The Great Land. For the past twenty years her work has been featured in the best galleries and museums throughout the state; her cards and gift ware grace the best shops. A busy woman, Brenda wears many hats; in addition to running her gallery she fishes commercially, skippers her own jet-boat and maintains an active family. A year-round resident of Wrangell, Alaska, when not on her boat, Brenda can be found in her gallery effortlessly producing breath-taking watercolors. It was after a recent visit that a guest commented to me that she would love to spend more time with Brenda and watch her work, the idea came to me; a workshop! With the backdrop of the Stikine River and the snow-capped Coast Mountains, Brenda’s quiet little home-town of Wrangell would be the perfect place to learn from her and share in her inspiration.

The details of the workshop are not yet ironed-out, we just started to talk about this a few days ago. We do know that it will be in the off-season, most probably next September. Currently I am thinking of combining the workshop with nature walks and museums visits in Wrangell followed by a jet-boat adventure up the Stikine River to the historic gold-rush town of Telegraph Creek.  Not only is Telegraph Creek rustic and romantic, the hills will be awash in fall colors making it perfect for artists and photographers. In addition to spending time working with Brenda, members of the community from the Nolan Museum to local Tlingit elders will share insights into the archaeological significance of Petroglyph Beach, Prince of Wales excavations and Tlingit culture.

You need not be an artist to come along - there is something for everyone from kayaking to golf at Muskeg Meadows! If you are interested please do contact me directly (storyteller@cruisefriendly.com) and let me know. I would like to make this a six-star, tailor-made, Alaskan experience. Let me know.