Painter Gail Priday and potter Jeff Szarzi exhibit at Bunnell Street Arts Center from July 4 – July 30, 2025. The exhibit opening is First Friday, July 4, 5-7pm with artist talks at 6pm, accompanied by live ASL translation.

“My paintings of the Alaskan landscape acknowledge the quiet, unpretentious beauty of a land revered for its grandeur. Rather than seeking out awe-inspiring vistas and dramatic scenery, I choose to represent the ever-changing treasures up close and underfoot. The blooming and decaying forest floor, lichen, and berries consistently capture my attention. These easily overlooked features of the landscape suggest an extraordinary and active world that exists quietly beside my own.” – Gail Priday

Gail Priday Bio

Gail Priday is a visual artist living in Fairbanks, Alaska. She holds an MFA in painting and printmaking from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, an MEd in art education from Towson University, and a BA in art from James Madison University. Her work has been featured in exhibits, public spaces, and private collections throughout Alaska and beyond. She enjoys working in the studio, long walks in the woods, and spending time with her husband of 25 years, their two children, and their sweet Boston Terrier.

“My pottery is made to be used and enjoyed in the home, and each piece is deeply inspired by the natural world. My love for nature began in my adolescence, working at a local Michigan nature preserve—a formative experience that continues to shape my creative vision. To this day, I spend countless hours observing animals, studying plants, and exploring geology, drawing endless inspiration from the living landscapes around me. Using my passion for carving and drawing, I strive to capture the essence of these natural inspirations in my surface decorations. Every image is hand-carved, then thoughtfully combined with glazes chosen to complement and enhance the carving. The result is pottery that not only serves a functional purpose but also tells a visual story of the places I live and explore.” – Jeff Szarzi

Jeff Szarzi Bio

With a diverse background as a field biologist, carpenter, and science teacher, I bring a spirit of curiosity and exploration to my ceramic work. My journey with clay began 14 years ago, sparked by a simple curiosity that led me to enroll in ceramics classes at my local college. After retiring from teaching, I deepened my commitment to the craft by attending the Penland School of Craft, where I studied under potter Cynthia Bringle. I continue to expand my skills and artistic vision by participating in workshops and engaging with the broader ceramics community.”

Many thanks to Creative West for a mini-grant to provide live, in-person American Sign Language (ASL) translation for summer artist talks, as well as closed captioning for the talks once posted and archived online, to ensure everyone can connect with these artistic conversations. ⁠

Bunnell Street Arts Center’s Visual Arts Exhibit program is funded by membership and business donations, and supported by collectors from Homer, greater Alaska, and beyond. Visit Bunnell’s online store at www.bunnellarts.org. The Visual Arts Exhibit program promotes community engagement and education about Alaska’s diverse artistic heritage while elevating Alaska’s artists and culture bearers with opportunities to explore their craft, culture and artistic innovations.