The Juneau Community Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s Individual Artist Awards. Through the Foundation’s Arts Vibrancy Endowment, the Individual Artist Award program fosters local artists and supports them in creating original works. The following four applicants are receiving 2024 awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.
Rachael Juzeler is a multifaceted artist with a practice rooted in craft and kiln-worked glass, mosaic, public art & creative reuse. By attending the Pilchuck Glass School, studying hot glass sand casting with architectural application, Rachael says she “found her calling.” Her project involves building a custom waste fry oil glass furnace to conduct casting workshops, which will engage our community in transforming waste materials into illuminating works of art.
Lanie McCarry is a painter and illustrator who is excited to begin working on an ambitious project—a series of over 90 small oil paintings inspired by her husband, Eli’s New Year’s resolution to hike all the trails in Mary Lou King’s book, 90 Plus Short Walks Around Juneau within the year. Lanie joined Eli on many of these hikes and will document the journey through her art. Many of the trails in the book are lesser-known, leading to hidden gems and quiet, scenic spots that Juneauites may not be familiar with. Lanie plans to unveil this collection in a solo exhibition at Devils Club Brewing Company in February 2026.
Frank Henry Kaash Katasse is an actor, writer, and producer whose award will assist in the expansion of his short play Reeling into a full-length production – delving deeper into the characters and the world he’s created. This expansion will provide the opportunity to fully explore the complexities of the narrative, allowing for a more comprehensive and immersive storytelling experience. By developing the themes and relationships introduced in the original piece, Frank aims to create a compelling and enriching theatrical experience for the audience and the performers. Reeling is scheduled to be produced in October 2025 as a part of the Theater Alaska 2025-2026 Season where Frank is a founding company member.
Michael Bucy is a jazz musician and former music educator. Juneau’s Jazzfest 2025 will bring together professional musicians from around the country, amateur musicians from Juneau, and high school and middle school musicians from around the state to create a collaborative performance and educational experience. His grant will support bringing a musician from the Kyle Athayde Dance Party to Jazzfest to conduct a free clinic and jam session for local musicians.
Art brings people together and these artists and their respective projects will provide something exceptional for everyone in our community to be a part of.
This is the Foundation’s fifth year of providing these grants. Thanks to generous local individuals and businesses, the Arts Vibrancy Endowment continues to grow ensuring the Foundation can continue to address the changing needs and opportunities of artists, and arts and culture projects, organizations, and programs in our town.
Photo: Rachael Juzeler in action.
