Homer Alaska - News -

In a letter she wrote shortly before her death, Parsons said, "When I arrived in Homer 30 years ago, I was swept away by the beauty of the place and a man whose humor, love and friendship helped to make my life a cherished adventure. The other people in my life will continue to be the source of good and positive energy that make the Kachemak Bay the light, love and peace she is. Thank you all for sharing your hearts, beautiful time and energy to make my life incredibly full."

A Pratt employee since 1995 and a volunteer for 15 years before that, Parsons is best known for seeking out and listening to Native Alaskans in Seldovia, Port Graham and Nanwalek, and bringing their knowledge to Pratt programs. Most important of these projects was Tamanta Katurlluta, the biennial Gathering of Native Tradition. She helped make the gathering happen after Nick Tanape of Nanwalek said he wanted to paddle traditional kayaks to Homer and land them on the beach. The gathering grew into a weekend-long celebration of Kachemak Bay's Alutiiq cultures, with dancing, singing, drumming and potlucks.

"She opened the door for the world to see who the real people are from here," Tanape said.

"That's probably the most profound impact she had on the community just being a sensitive and kind listener, developing the patience to work with groups across the bay and making sure we have a voice," said Pratt director Heather Beggs.

Held in even-numbered years, this fall's Native Gathering will be dedicated to Parsons, Beggs said. Parsons was diagnosed with cancer before the 2006 gathering, and was honored with gifts and appreciation that year.

"This experience has been one of the most joyful and rewarding challenges of my life," Parsons wrote in a letter to the Homer News in September 2006. "All these years I have been one thread in what I hope will be the weaving of an unending tapestry of culture and friendship."

Parsons was born Feb. 16, 1942, and grew up in the northeast, graduating from high school in Mountain Lakes, N.J. She earned a bachelor of science from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and a masters of education from the University of Hartford, Conn. She came to Homer in 1980, where she met her life partner, Mike Swan, a charter fisherman.

"She loved her garden. She loved walks on the beach. She was extremely sensitive to things around her senses, sounds," Swan said. "She added great support, an incredible amount of support."

"The thing that always stays in my mind is that she was just the most graceful person I know in every way she handled life," said her friend, Gerri Martin. "She was gracious, loving, giving and just a beautiful person."

Before starting in 1995 on the Pratt staff, Parsons volunteered for 15 years, Beggs said. She worked as director of education, director of exhibits and cultural liaison. Even when she quit working full time because of her illness, Parson helped lay a foundation for Holly Cusack-McVeigh, the curator of exhibits, to carry on her work, Beggs said.

"Gale always gives so much. I just feel like she gave her heart to the museum," Beggs said.

Many people who knew Parson noted her attention to detail and persistence in getting projects finished.

"She was more of a worrier, making sure everything got done the right way," Tanape said. "She wanted it done, she got it done. ... That was what was so good about her."

Parsons also worked as a naturalist for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and as an adjunct instructor of art and art history at the Kachemak Bay Campus. A painter, she has several 1-percent-for art works in Alaska. That background made her sympathetic to artists' concerns, Beggs said. She involved artists in exhibiting shows, whether in the Facing the Elements show or the annual juried art show. Arts education also was a passion, and she had a gift for turning art controversy into teaching moments, Beggs said.

In one instance, second-grade teachers from McNeil Canyon Elementary School raised questions about a work at the Pratt, "Sedna, Inuit Goddess of the Sea," an ivory sculpture by Susie Silook. Some teachers said the work appeared to have visible breasts. They asked Parsons to cover up "Sedna" for a planned student tour. She refused, but as a compromise allowed teachers to place a drape over the exhibit case but only if Parsons could discuss censorship issues with the class.

"She never shied away from a good art controversy. She was always able to turn any work into a good teaching tool," Beggs said. "There was a challenge game: Can Gale Parsons make this appropriate for a third-grade audience? Yes, she can."

Parsons could do that because she looked at her work with the wonder of a child, Beggs said.

"Her work at the Pratt was really her life. She was just so dedicated," she said. "Nature and education were her passion. She always approached it with the wonder of a kid. That's why she was connected with everyone, everyone who knew her."

Parsons is survived by Swann, a brother, two nephews and their children. A memorial fund in Parson's name is being set up at the Pratt to support Native Alaskan youth involvement in the arts, archeology and culture.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.