A Week in Denali: Forging Silver, Sharing Stories, and Finding Connection
I just spent a week up in Denali National Park as the Artist in Residence in Denali Square, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’m so grateful for the chance to share my work in such a breathtaking place.
“My Artist in Residence studio at Denali, the space where I spent a week creating, connecting, and sharing silver and stone with visitors from around the world.”
Most of my days were spent in the Artist in Residence studio, where I had the joy of connecting with people from all over, from Idaho and Maine to Australia and the Philippines. We chatted about hand‑forged jewelry, Alaska, and the beauty of natural stones — three of my favorite things! I loved every minute of talking jewelry and adventure with people who were just as excited about it as me.
While I was there, I completed two new hand-forged silver pieces and also started two projects inspired by the land itself. One was a naturally textured silver band that I hammered on a rock down by the Nenana River. The Nenana River flows through Denali National Park, originating from the Nenana Glacier. It winds northward, forming the park’s eastern boundary before eventually joining the Tanana River. Standing beside it, listening to the rush of glacial water, was the perfect place to begin shaping a piece of jewelry that will forever hold that memory.
Now that I’m home, I’m searching for the perfect stone, the one that feels just right.
“A silver band, textured on a rock by the Nenana River, waiting for the perfect stone.”
The other project is part of my water cast collection. I collected water from the Nenana River, which I’ll use to create new one-of-a-kind earrings. I’m excited to see what beautiful, organic forms come from these castings, each a little piece of Denali to carry with you wherever you go.
Of course, the weather played its part, too. It rained a couple of days, but if there’s one thing about Alaskans and Alaska travelers, it’s that a little rain doesn’t stop anyone. Folks still came by the studio, explored the park, and soaked in the live music drifting through Denali Square. Then we got a rare gift, a crystal-clear day when Denali itself, “The Great One,” revealed its full, snow-capped glory.
Only about 10% of visitors ever get to see a perfectly clear view of the mountain, and that day my studio was full of travelers sharing their excitement. Many told me how lucky they felt to be among the ones who had seen Denali in all its brilliance. Standing there in its presence felt like the kind of moment you carry with you long after you’ve left.
One of the best things about visiting Alaska is catching sight of Denali, “the Great One,” the tallest peak in North America and one of the largest massifs in the world. The 20,310-foot mountain dominates the horizon like nothing else, a dazzling, white behemoth that can be seen from all over Southcentral and Central Alaska. – Alaska.org
If you’re ever in Alaska and want a chance to see Denali on a clear day, even if you can’t make it into the park, here are some great viewpoints.
This week reminded me why I love what I do, forging connections, sharing stories, and creating jewelry that’s as rooted in place as it is in intention. Hearing visitors talk about how lucky they felt to witness Denali so clearly only added to the magic of the week. Their excitement matched my own, and it felt like we were all carrying a piece of The Great One home with us, whether in memory, in story, or in silver.
⛰️ Stay Tuned
Stay tuned for part two of this blog post, where I’ll share the finished projects that started in Denali. Want to be the first to know when it’s live, along with updates on new pieces and upcoming events? Join my VIP Family here — just scroll down below the blog posts to sign up, and you’ll never miss a thing.
🌿 A Note on Giving Back
I’m proud to share that through my partnership with One Tree Planted, $1 from every sale goes directly toward planting a tree. One Tree Planted focuses on global reforestation, restoring forests after wildfires, creating habitats for biodiversity, and making a positive social impact around the world.
It’s my way of giving back to the earth that inspires so much of my work, and together, we’re helping forests grow, one piece of jewelry at a time.
A Special Thanks
A special thanks to Holland America for inviting me to be part of their Artist-in-Residence program at the Denali Lodge. It was such an honor to connect with guests at Denali Square and share the creative process behind each piece. Holland America’s program brings local artists into the lodge space, offering visitors a meaningful way to experience Alaskan art alongside the park’s stunning beauty.