Two Wrangell residents have been named to a statewide cohort of 12 Arts Ambassadors, an initiative supporting artists, culture bearers and educators who integrate creative traditions into public education and community life. 

Laura Davies, a middle school teacher, and Vivian Faith Prescott, an author and mosaic artist, received the honor through a partnership between the statewide nonprofit How Are You Creative? initiative and the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

The award provides financial and institutional support for creative, community-based projects across Alaska. Both women were awarded $5,000 to support their projects.

The Arts Ambassadors program highlights individuals who maintain artistic practices alongside other careers. Cohort members serve as regional leaders, connecting artists and expanding access to creative resources throughout rural and urban Alaska. 

Davies plans to use the ambassadorship to establish a sustainable annual youth film festival. She launched a place-based documentary program in 2023 following training with the educational organization See Stories. Since 2024, her middle school and high school students have produced more than 45 films, with several screenings at international festivals in the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Banff. 

The student film initiative debuted its first festival showcase in Wrangell in May during the Milk Run Music Festival. She aims to expand the project into a broader Southeast Alaska festival, bringing guest filmmakers and industry experts to lead educational workshops for students and residents. 

“I want to make things like this more accessible in the Southeast,” she said, noting that collaboration with visiting professionals helps keep students motivated. 

Prescott is utilizing her award to reestablish an active arts council in Wrangell. The author of 14 books also creates multimedia mosaic art to support the community food pantry. 

She said she originally conceived the idea to revive the arts council before moving back to Wrangell in 2020. Working alongside collaborator Brooke Leslie, she plans to study successful models in nearby communities and hold public meetings to rebuild the organization.

Prescott currently facilitates two regional writing groups focused on poetry and general creative prose. She views the ambassadorship as an opportunity to unify creative individuals across disciplines. 

“There are numerous artists of various types here,” she said. “Wrangell is the perfect community where, if there isn’t something already in place, you can go ahead and create it. I like the idea of using this to bring people together.”

Anyone who wants to assist with reestablishing a Wrangell Arts Council can contact Prescott via Facebook Messenger, email doctorviv@hotmail.com, or phone or text 907-738-0083.