Karen was integral in the creation of the wall mosaic in the outdoor theatre.  Karen is a thirty year Denali resident and owns and operates the Northern Lights  and Summit Gift shops outside Denali National Park. Karen and Donna designed and created this 5' by 10' piece in one week.

Read and see more at:  http://www.tonglenlake.com/journal

Toni Kaufman arrived in Denali in 1966 and began work as a potter in 1980.  Toni’s work is unique in its earthy qualities and creative designs.  She works extensively with both hand-building and wheel-throwing pieces and has experience in a wide variety of firing techniques.  She is an experienced instructor of Pottery and Yoga.

Long time Denali neighbor, Ken Wilbert, is widely known for his artistic craftsmanship in wood and this wonderfully unique style of using old, fire-killed spruce from our area as accents in his rustic furniture design.  Ken’s handcrafted furniture and cabinets adorn many Alaskan homes.  Known for his precise attention to detail and respect for the wood, it is an honor to feature Ken’s work at Tonglen Lake.  You may meet Ken as your bus driver while on your tour of the Park Road.  Ken has been driving the road for over 30 years.

Lodge owner and host, Donna Gates, graduated from the University of Illinois Medical Center in 1980 with a Masters degree in Medical Art.  After working as a staff illustrator in the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Donna settled in Denali and began her fine art career.  Donna has produced over 80 limited edition, fine art prints most of which are now sold out.  She primarily works in watercolor, oils, and pencil.

California Metal Artist, Rudi Santana, spends his summers in Denali working for the National Park Service.  In 2012, he assisted and trained Donna in use of a plasma cutter for creating all of the metal art you see here at Tonglen Lake.  Donna’s designs were used for the railings and many of the area sculptures.

Michelle experienced her introduction to stained glass in 2002.  After her talent and dedication to her art bloomed, she opened her own studio in Denali in 2004, Denali Arts & Glass Studio.  Michelle's focus is on stained glass, fused glass and mosiacs and art that is wearable, useable and functional.  She will be teaching a mosaic class during the Tonglen Folk School week in August.