Programs

Green Light Circus stands as Denali Arts Council’s longest-running program, cherished for its fusion of art and sport, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines from juggling to trapeze, acrobatics to prop balancing. Not only does it welcome participants of varying skills and abilities, but it thrives on this diversity. Circus arts foster trust, coordination, and communication skills, allowing for safe exploration of risk and curiosity. Its non-competitive, yet physically engaging nature provides a unique and valuable outlet for all ages. Our students continually hone and acquire new skills, enhancing their abilities minute by minute, every day. Our Green Light Circus program offers a variety of workshops, classes, and camps throughout the year.

Denali Drama, a program of the Denali Arts Council since our inception, offers a community theater experience, including multiple theatrical events and assistance for local playwrights. We also host training seminars for performers and stage professionals. Additionally, our after-school program, “Made for the Stage,” caters to the youth of the Upper Susitna Valley. We warmly welcome anyone interested in joining Denali Drama to contact the Denali Arts Council.

The Music Academy proudly hosts the “Rhythm and Red Shoes Orchestra,” a diverse ensemble open to musicians of all levels, regardless of how long it’s been since they played. We partner with the Sitka Music Festival to showcase exceptional classical performances at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Additionally, we offer instrument lessons with dedicated instructors when available. To join the Rhythm and Red Shoes Orchestra or inquire about lesson availability, please contact the Denali Arts Council.

Hangar Door Cinema showcases movies and film festivals, emphasizing Alaskan-created films. Additionally, we provide professional filmmaking workshops, with a strong focus on inspiring and mentoring youth creators.

North Wall Gallery, situated within the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, provides a platform for local and guest artists to exhibit their artwork. The Denali Arts Council hosts a Second Saturday art openings, showcasing both individual artists and collaborative themed exhibitions.

Join us for free, family-friendly concerts every Friday from 5-7 pm at the Talkeetna Village Park. Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy the music of talented performers from Alaska and the lower 48. This program, known as “Live at Five,” is made possible by the sponsorship of the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and the Denali Arts Council, running throughout the summer, from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

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In addition to our ongoing programs, Denali Arts Council has initiated a Performing Arts Season, bringing nationally touring shows to the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in Talkeetna from September to April. Our selection spans a wide range of acts, encompassing jazz, performance comedy, indigenous folk, island soul, historical theater, and guitar powerhouses. We’re dedicated to introducing diverse performers to Talkeetna, nurturing emerging talents, and contributing to a more inclusive music industry that supports women and people of color.

The Talkeetna Art Festival is a vibrant celebration of diverse art forms! Hosted by Denali Arts Council every Memorial Weekend, the festival features live music, art vendors, interactive demonstrations, poetry, and more. Notably, we’ve introduced a chainsaw carving competition to add an exciting element to the festivities.

The Denali Arts Council Raising Spirits Festival is an annual fundraising event that supports DAC and the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Held on the last Saturday in February, it offers a sophisticated afternoon featuring exquisite cocktails, artisanal snacks, and live music. The event includes an art auction showcasing iconic Alaskan artists, acrobatic performances, and an outdoor spirits’ garden illuminated with ice luminaries, Nordic candles, and cozy fires.

Denali Arts Council, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Talkeetna Historical Society, and Denali Education Center, proudly hosts the annual Talkeetna Ice Festival, a highly anticipated winter event taking place during the first week of February. The festival features various exciting events, including an Ice Carving Competition presented by Denali Arts Council at the Talkeetna Village Park. We also organize a First Friday Art Walk, involving more than 12 local businesses in Talkeetna, culminating in Denali Arts Council’s unique Fire and Ice Show, which ends with mesmerizing Fire Dancers and a house concert. During the festival, be on the lookout for additional family friendly activities such as ski races, curling workshops, and scavenger hunts and Souper Skates!

The Upper Susitna Fine Art Camp is a prestigious summer camp for youth, running for two one-week sessions. It offers professional teaching artists who lead students through a diverse range of art activities in various styles and genres. Denali Arts Council is committed to enhancing our community’s access to affordable art-based opportunities and nurturing a lifelong passion for art among our youth.