Collaborations Honoring Mary Kaye Denkewalter

In 2021 we lost a gifted metalsmith, good friend, fabulous teacher, and witty woman, Mary Kaye Denkewalter, known as Mkaye by many. An art teacher with the Anchorage School District for many years, she influenced hundreds of lucky students in their artmaking.

A staunch Alaska Metal Arts Guild supporter, she was a board member, and attended our workshops, in Fairbanks and Anchorage. It was always such fun to take classes with her because her enthusiasm for our art form was contagious, her commentary spoton, and her artwork inspiring. We miss her deeply.

MKaye left a collection of unfinished pieces behind. Family & friends were at a loss on what to do with them, they knew the pieces were worth more than scrap. AMAG members and metals students have volunteered to finish a collection of these pieces, and a collaboration of sorts!

The collection will feature work started by Mary Kay and finished by AMAG Members and UAF Metals students. It will be presented at Two Street Gallery, in Fairbanks this March AND at Georgia Blue Gallery, in Anchorage this April. The pieces will be available for purchase. Funds generated from these sales will be donated to AMAG Grant Funds, benefiting jewelry & metals students in the future.