Meet our 2023 Theme Artist

“Being born and raised in Palmer, I have loved seeing the state fair posters come and go as the years go by. It has been my dream to create an Alaska State Fair poster that all Alaskans can see themselves in. Inspired by the dramatic landscapes and art nouveau style, I wanted to include indigenous joy by highlighting Yupik and Alaska Native heritage in the 2023 poster and logo. I had the pleasure to collaborate with indigenous artist Courtney Tatellgaq Rose Griechen. Courtney designed the sun in the logo as a Sugpiaq style Giinaruaq (mask) representing her heritage. The sun’s rays are displayed as feathers to symbolize the influence and powerful reach the sun has in everything.

In the poster you will find a Yupik woman and child playfully riding a moose wearing dancing nasqerrun headdress (inspired by the craftsmanship of Agnes Shales), qaspeq (kuspuk) and mukluks. With this opportunity to create the 2023 Alaska State Fair poster, I want to pay respects to the original stewards of our beautiful state by including significant imagery from all over Alaska. I feel like all of us can enjoy and see ourselves in this year’s artwork.”

— Lindra Paradise

Courtney Tatellgaq Rose Griechen is a mixed Sugpiaq and Yupik multidisciplinary artist from Pilot Point,  Alaska, currently living and working in Anchorage, AK. Courtney focuses on whimsical illustration, animation, oil painting and beading, with her work heavily inspired by Bristol Bay and the stories from her culture. Courtney is also the frontman of the band, Murmur, so you’ll often see her at arts or music events around the state.