JUSTINE PECHUZAL - Seward, Aaska

Murals:   Statehood - 2009
              Seaward Bound - collaboration with Liza McElroy - 
                       2011
              Friendship Across Water - 2013

 Justine grew up in the arid desert country of Arizona surrounded by spiny cacti and rugged mountains.  Early exposure to art, travel and a love of story inspired a BA in Art History, Creative Writing and Studio Art at the University of Arizona.  College weekends were spent exploring the backyard of the southwest by boat, foot, or bike as an outdoor guide for the school.  Positive experiences working with a youth in public arts program led to a Master's Degree and teacher’s certification in Art Education, with an emphasis in environmental and community art from the University of Arizona.

 

Justine caught the Alaska bug in 2005 after working for a summer as a sea kayak guide in Seward, and now calls the town of 3,500 home year round.  Be it a mural, pastel drawing, or painting, Justine’s artwork reflects her intimate and playful relationship with wilderness.  She continues to involve the local community in her work through public art projects, exhibits, and teaching.