Return to the River Art Card — Jessalyn Ward Designs

Salmon move through the deep blue-green water as a quiet human presence watches alongside them, capturing the timeless connection between Alaska’s people, rivers, and returning wild salmon. Created from original artwork by lifelong Alaskan artist and Taku Glacier Lodge family member Jessalyn Ward, this striking card reflects the mystery, movement, and enduring rhythms of Alaska’s wild places.

~The Taku Glacier Lodge is more than an inspiration for lifelong Alaskan artist Jessalyn Ward—it is part of her family's story and a treasured part of her life between Juneau and the Taku River. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Jessalyn grew up dog sledding and exploring Alaska's wild places. She now lives in Juneau with her husband, Mike, and their three young sons. As members of the Ward family, Mike and Jessalyn represent the next generation of caretakers of the historic Taku Glacier Lodge. 

Jessalyn spends her summers surrounded by the extraordinary landscape of the Taku River: glacier-carved mountains, passing wildlife, colorful seaplanes, and the ever-changing view of the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier. These scenes—and the quiet, everyday moments of wilderness life—have become a constant source of inspiration for her work. A multidisciplinary artist, Jessalyn works in acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal pencil. Her artwork brings a touch of whimsy to the animals, people, aircraft, and wild places that make Alaska feel like home.

We are especially proud to share Jessalyn's paintings and stickers here in the Alcove—not only because she is a talented Alaska artist, but because she is truly one of our own.