Art Koeninger

In 1993, when Art Koeninger was interviewed, he lived in a small apartment above his store, Spirit Mountain Artworks in Chitina, Alaska. The art store, which features primarily work by Alaskan artists, is in a restored building that was once a tinsmith's shop. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and Art has received federal grant support for its preservation. Art was active with Chitina's Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services. After 25 years in Chitina, Art moved to Homer, Alaska in 2003. He continues to manage the business end of the gallery from Homer, and to maintain and improve the building in Chitina during his seasonal visits there. In Homer, Art has a studio near the beach at Kachemak Bay, within walking distance of the many cultural and social venues that Homer has to offer, and where he is able to focus on his own art work for the gallery. He continues to find ways to contribute to the community's spiritual and social well-being, both locally and globally.