Graham Dane says creating with children is “always a surprise.”

“Beautifully complicated” is how Indra Arriaga describes Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. A traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones, Día de Muertos is observed Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 and is one of Mexico’s most important celebrations.

As a child, Anchorage artist RJ Fontaine McHendry’s primary reading material was a camouflage Bible inscribed with “Army of God.” Isolated from other kids her age and permitted only to wear long dresses, McHendry lived at Mile 13.5 Knik Goose Bay Road in Wasilla with her abusive and religious extremist father and Russian immigrant mother who came to this country looking for a better life.

Griechen is a multidisciplinary artist heavily inspired by Bristol Bay and stories from her culture. She recently designed part of the theme logo artwork this year for the Alaska State Fair, featuring a Sugpiaq mask representing the sun.