Meet The Panelists


John Hagen is the Curator of Indigenous Art and Initiatives at the Anchorage Museum, where he leads work connecting Alaska's living cultures with broader audiences. An Iñupiaq, Unangax̂, Irish, and Danish artist, Hagen brings to the panel his expertise in Indigenous art, community engagement, and curation that bridges local and global perspectives.​

Tak Weber is a communications and design professional from Anaktuvuk Pass, living in Anchorage, Alaska. As Communications Manager at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, she uses visual storytelling and creative strategy to strengthen connection, culture, and belonging within her community. Marrero's work bridges design and purpose, highlighting the impact of visual art in community health and engagement.

Patti Oksoktaruk Lillie is the Indigenous Arts and Culture Program Director at the Alaska State Council on the Arts, where she supports and promotes individual and indigenous artists across Alaska. Born in the Inupiat village of White Mountain, Patti later lived in Duncan, Oklahoma and Fairbanks, Alaska, where she graduated from high school in 1991. With a Master of Arts degree in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University, and a B.A. in English from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, she brings to the panel a deep appreciation for community-based arts, perpetuation of cultural values and artistic practices, and creative community development rooted in Alaska's traditions, landscapes, and lifeways.

Angie Demma is the Director of Collections and Exhibits at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and has more than 20 years of experience in Alaska's cultural nonprofit sector. She brings to the panel deep expertise in curation, cultural preservation and community collaboration through her work supporting Alaska Native artists and organizations.

Drew Michael is a Yup'ik and Iñupiaq mask carver and contemporary artist based in Eagle River. He began carving as a teenager in Bethel and has developed a body of work that blends traditional Yup'ik healing practices with modern influences, exploring identity, spirituality, and balance. Michael brings to the panel a deep understanding of Alaska Native art traditions and contemporary expression.​​