About SFAC
The mission of the Sitka Fine Arts Camp is to build community in Alaska by providing opportunities in arts, culture and recreation in an inclusive, educational and inspirational environment.
Our Story
The Sitka Fine Arts Camp was founded in 1973 to provide isolated Alaskan communities with exposure and training in the arts. Because of remoteness and low population density, Alaskan youth are at a severe disadvantage in access to high quality arts. For the majority of our students, SFAC continues to be the only opportunity they have in the state to work with and learn from professional artists. Building from its original mission, SFAC has become a nationally acclaimed program. We serve approximately 1,000 students annually from Alaska and throughout the world.
SFAC has received state and national recognition for its importance in providing access to high quality arts education to Alaskan youth including receiving the 2008 presidential Coming Up Taller Award and the 2015 Alaska Governor’s Award for Arts Organization of the Year.
In 2011, SFAC was gifted the historic Sheldon Jackson College Campus. This college campus had been closed for four years and was in a state of complete disrepair. SFAC has since overseen one of the most extraordinary grassroots volunteer stories in our country: the revitalization of this National Historic Landmark. Between 2011 and 2015 one thousand volunteers (one ninth of Sitka’s population) logged over 45,000 volunteer hours rebuilding the campus, demonstrating unprecedented community support and giving the Sitka Fine Arts Camp a permanent home. Strong volunteerism and donor support continue, demonstrating the value that Sitka Fine Arts Camp holds for our state. To learn more about the historical school please visit Voices of Sheldon Jackson School and College.
Having a permanent home has allowed SFAC to grow to serve more Alaskan youth. Each summer, SFAC provides over 160 classes in music, visual arts, digital arts, dance, creative writing, theater, and Alaska Native Art. Nationally recognized artist faculty come from throughout the country to teach. In addition, we have expanded to provide year-round arts programs including a Young Performers Theater and performing arts series. The campus has become a valuable community resource and a statewide location for arts and education.
"For myself and many of Alaska’s youth, this camp is truly a life-changing experience. SFAC provides solutions to many of the challenges talented young people in Alaska face trying to pursue their passion for the arts." – Student
The Sitka Fine Arts Camp Team
Our leadership team has over 75 years of collective camp experience and in the 50+ years camp has been operating, Roger Schmidt has served as Camp Director for 25 of them (he was even a camper himself)!
Our team has dedicated their careers to serving youth in an accepting and inspiring community that leads to creativity and self-discovery.
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Roger Schmidt
Executive Director
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Kenley Jackson
Program Director
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Rhiannon Guevin
Operations Director
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Drew Sherman
Business Director
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Zeke Blackwell
Theater Director
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Rach Roach
Technical Theater Manager
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Charlie Bloede
Office Manager
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Danny Ryan
Event Manager
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Harold Abellera
Custodial Manager
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Paige Craig
Hames Center Manager
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Dylan Dumag
Hames Center Assistant Manager
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Doug Comstock
Head Chef
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Marty Emerson
Sous Chef
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Bryce Shivers
Maintenance Staff
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Eric Dow
Carpenter
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Dhariel Rodrigo
Housekeeping
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Gail Ferris
Grounds
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Elris Edwards
Costume Manager & Event Staff
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The Sitka Fine Arts Camp Board of Directors
The Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Through leadership, governance, and advocacy, board members help ensure SFAC remains a thriving, mission-driven organization for future generations.
The Sitka Fine Arts Endowment Board
The Sitka Fine Arts Camp Endowment exists to protect and sustain the heart of SFAC for generations to come. By supporting long-term financial stability, the endowment helps preserve our programs, campus, and commitment to immersive arts education—now and into the future.
