Opening reception July 7, 2006, from 5-7pm.

Diane Burton has lived in Alaska her entire life.  Having been born and raised in Ketchikan, Diane has done many things in her lifetie including marry, raise a family, live in several of Alaska's communities, and has now settled back into Ketchikan.  One thing Diane has only recently tried her hand at is painting.

Lost Hope. Oil on canvas.

Diane has been sketching and drawing all her life and on a whim took an oil painting class with Mary Ida Henrikson. The experience was awakening, and now a mere 3 years later, Diane continues to paint with amazing proliferation and dedication.

Diane’s exhibit celebrates and beauty and diversity of Alaska’s outdoor scenes as Diane has experienced throughout her life. “I would spend hours all by myself as a young girl…would take the skiff out and explore the islands around Ketchikan,” says Diane of her youth. “I’m painting from 50 years ago.” Diane has witnessed many changes in the people and buildings in Ketchikan and Alaska but a true love of the area remains. “I like the small town atmosphere…it has changed a lot, but I still like this place better than anywhere else.”

While Diane paints many of her scenes from memory, she also paints several from old photographs and even sends her husband out on photographic missions. “I’m always trying to find just the right picture…I start with someone’s photo and then it will become by own- a starting point. I don’t try to replicate the photo.” Rather, Diane interprets these scenes with a lifetime of memories and experiences. 

Diane paints for several hours each day and often attempts to capture a scene through multiple tries, displaying her dedication and perfectionist nature. From the Tongass to the Articic in Oil displays some of Alaska’s finest areas. From snow-capped mountains to coastal areas and back to the icy north, Diane Burton’s exhibit is moreover a testament to a lifelong commitment to learning, exploration, and Alaska.