JoAnn George, Alaskan Artist, Art Shop Gallery, Homer Alaska

JoAnn George's artwork reflects her life in the Tlingit Indian village of Angoon,

Alaska, where she has lived since 1967. Born and raised in New Hampshire, she earned a degree in earth science before moving to Angoon to teach school. In this remote village, she met and married Gabriel George, a fish biologist and sport fishing guide.

JoAnn was introduced into Tlingit culture through her marriage and subsequent life in Angoon, interpreting this knowledge through her artwork. Her original colored-ink drawings, paintings, collages, etchings, and reproductions depict the richness of Tlingit life and legend, as well as views of Southeast Alaska and its abundant wildlife. Parents of two grown children, JoAnn and her husband live in the Killerwhale Clan House on Angoon waterfront.

As a professional artist, JoAnn has received recognition and awards, including an award for excellence from the National Parks and Monuments Association for illustrations in Carved History. Her work was included in the "1984 Calendar of Women Artists" and she received a commission from Sea World of San Diego to produce limited edition prints dedicated for the new killer whale stadium in 1987. She was selected "1990 Artist of the Year" by Who's Who in Alaska Arts and Crafts.