Valdez History Through A Fabric Lens
Rebecca Knight’s signed rain jacket from cleanup efforts during the Valdez Oil Spill. Photo by Allison Sayer, rain jacket property of Valdez Museum and Historical Archive.
Allison Sayer - CRR Staff
On Friday, October 28, the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive hosted an opening for its current exhibit: 300 Inches of Fashion: Clothing and the Story of Valdez. New curator Caren Oberg created the exhibit, selecting pieces from the museum’s archival collection.
According to Dr. Oberg, the genesis of the exhibit was her job interview with the museum. Her interviewers asked about an exhibit she would put together if hired, but of course she did not know the collection. She imagined that, even without knowing exactly what was in there, she would be able to tell a good story using apparel.
Two pieces in particular were right on target for telling the story of a particular moment through a garment. Rebecca Knight was a wildlife clean up worker during the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. When she left, she asked coworkers to sign her yellow rubber rain jacket.
The jacket is covered with good wishes, signatures, and a hand-drawn sharpie illustration of an otter.
Another unique piece is a tee shirt that reads: “Valdez Alaska- 1964 Good Friday, largest U.S.A. earthquake. Largest U.S.A. oil spill, Good Friday 1989 - And still kicking”
Other notable pieces exhibited include a contemporary Aluutiq beaded headdress, an antique doll with handmade clothes including tiny gloves, and arctic wear issued to an Alyeska Pipeline worker.
The exhibit will be on display through January 8.
Disclosure: The Valdez Museum is a Copper River Record advertiser.
A tee shirt that reads “Valdez Alaska - 1964 Good Friday, largest U.S.A earthquake. Largest U.S.A oil spill, Good Friday 1989 - And still kicking.” Photo by Allison Sayer, tee shirt property of Valdez Museum and Historical Archive.
A section of the exhibit encouraged participants to describe their own apparel. Photos by Allison Sayer.
Mukluks and coat with associated placard with some slightly scanty information regarding both. Photos by Allison Sayer.
Museum doll with placard. Photos by Allison Sayer
Alutiiq headdress, 2003. Beads. Leather. Metal. Photo by Allison Sayer.
