Economics and the arts in Alaska: The art industry does contribute to the state's economy. Nationally, the nonprofit arts segment generates 4.9 million jobs.

• Author: Williams, Colleen M.
• Position: Industry Overview

Willa Cather once wrote, "Religion and art spring from the same root and are close kin. Economics and art are strangers." Is this really so? Isn't it possible for the world of art and the world of business to play yin and yang to one another? Many Alaskans believe it is possible. These artsy businessmen and women are investing a great deal of time and energy to prove that business and the arts can be mixed to create a balanced, economically attractive product that not only generates financial benefits, but also emotional, spiritual and cultural benefits.

In Soldotna, businesswomen Chris Meehan and Mary Wyne, owners of the Kenai River Raven Bed and Breakfast, have worked quite hard to establish an atmosphere that combines the arts of fine dining, performance and pageantry, as well as Alaska architecture. Their Friday night theme dinners have been pleasing customers from around the world for over a year now. Chris Meehan remarks, "We try to put a little magic in our visitors' lives. They come to Alaska not just to fish, but for the experience of a lifetime. A Friday night dinner that allows everyone to dress up as pirates or sourdoughs or detectives, you name it, allows everyone to really escape and enjoy an evening of fine dining, a bit of performing arts on behalf of the staff, and immersion into a world of make believe that leaves a very special memory in the minds of our visitors."

Marty Hapeman, owner of Soldotna's artworks, has been promoting the arts her entire adult life. Currently, she not only owns and manages the gallery, artworks, but also coordinates the area's First Thursday events, which are endorsed by the Kenai River Council on the Arts. The first Thursday of each month, Hapeman and other area artists and business owners showcase local artists of all types. The evenings allow local artists to gain exposure and to reap financial rewards for their work/works. Hapeman has sold 17 original pieces in the last year, some as a direct result of the First Thursday showings.

Participants in the area's First Thursday events include Mykel's restaurant, which hosts an open microphone event and provides exhibit space for local artists, River City Books, Charlottes Antiques and Collectibles and the Christ Lutheran Church, which holds bluegrass jams. Malfunction Junction and Magic Moments have participated in the past and Jersey Subs often donates edibles for the artworks receptions. What can one expect to be happening on a First Thursday? Anything from Dada parties to book signings, and from artistry demonstrations to local musicians.

Hapeman feels strongly about the importance of her role as a gallery owner and her duty to use her business to weave art into the local community. "In order for a community to be culturally viable for a wide range of...