Alaskans and Salmon

Alaskans and Salmon is an exhibition that examines Alaska’s relationship with salmon, revealing complex and personal connections to an important natural resource. The multi-media experience offers a contemporary reflection on the ways salmon is embedded in local culture—from subsistence and sport fishing to processing, preserving and food.

The design approach is accessible, reflecting the outdoor lifestyle of fishing and reminiscent of fishing gear, nets, and lures. The exhibition uses design to emphasize the voices of individual perspectives and experiences while delivering distinct visuals to describe the vast impact salmon has on Alaskans and as a primary export. The design concept diverges from traditional and ubiquitous Alaskan seafood branding to evoke a fresh, relevant and inviting tone. This approach targets an audience of locals who are all too familiar with the historical narrative and a large contingent of visiting tourists who will be bombarded with salmon references but for which the lifeway narrative and perspectives will be brand newThe exhibition’s experiential design makes efficient use of a small and segmented gallery by delivering bold and impactful environmental graphics that serve as the connection between the ‘harvest’ gallery with the ‘process’ gallery.