FRIENDS, GAMBELL

One of Alaska's most celebrated artists, Rie Munoz was born in Van Nuys, California in 1921. While living in California in 1950, she decided to plan a trip. She looked at a map, drew a line to the farthest point and most interesting place she could afford on her shoestring budget. Rie chose Alaska, traveling up the inside passage by steamship. She immediately fell in love with Juneau and gave herself one day-until the ship was scheduled to depart- to find a job and a place to live. Rie found both and Alaska became her home.

Rie’s work and world of art is one of animated movement. You’ll find ducks bobbing on water, boats tied up at docks or on Alaskan rivers, fishermen tending to their nets, children at play, villagers picking berries, village life, and dogs. Rie once said she never met a dog she didn’t like. Her work is suggestive of actual life and her colors are bright, bringing the viewer much delight.