Gertrude Svarny grew up in Unalaska, until she was evacuated and interned during World War II, along with nearly 900 Unangax (Aleut) people of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Their internment lasted years and those who survived and returned home, found their communities ransacked and burned. Svarny was featured in the documentary film, The Aleut Story. In it she comments, “We lost lots of elders. I think that’s why our culture just stood still for a long time.” In her younger years, Svarny painted but it wasn’t until the age of 51 that she dedicated her life to her art. Although she is well-known primarily for her intricate ivory and soapstone sculptures, Svarny is also a well-respected bentwood artist and weaver.
Svarny’s work is housed in numerous permanent collections. She has perpetuated Unangan art and culture through her work and teachings. In 2008, she received the Governor’s Award for Native Arts. She has been a director of the Institute of Alaska Native Arts, a member of the Board of Regents of the Institute of American Indian Arts, and served for many years on the Aleutian Arts Council. She was instrumental in preserving Unangan culture classes in the Unalaska schools. She was also a culture bearer for Camp Qungaayux, Unalaska’s annual culture camp, where she taught classes in Unangan weaving and design. In 2017 she was honored with a Distinguished Artist Award from the Rasmuson Foundation and received an Alaska Federation of Native President’s award for her involvement in the arts. Today, Svarny lives in Unalaska, where she makes her artwork. Svarny’s artwork will be on display at the Anchorage Museum from September 7, 2018 through January 20, 2019.
Portions of this article are reprinted with permission by Jeff Baird.