ABOUT
In 2018, a family partnership established the KANTISHNA GALLERY in Denali, Alaska. Co-owner Connie Engelbrecht had been running a home-based craft business for several decades while raising a family of four. Her family members were all exposed to the challenges and rewards of art, design, and business.
One of Connie's sons, Justin Frechione, gradually developed an interest in art and marketing opportunities, starting with street fairs and eventually joining the gallery as a co-owner. Today, the gallery operates seasonally in Denali and features artwork from Brecht Studio and Justin's emerging wildlife photography. In addition, the gallery supports many other local artists by selling and promoting their work.
Justin is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the gallery and takes great pride in connecting visitors with the art and wilderness of Alaska. Whether you're an experienced art collector or simply looking for a unique souvenir to take home, Kantishna Gallery offers a wide selection of Alaskan art that is carefully curated by Justin.
Photographer
Justin Frechione
Growing up in Alaska provided Justin with countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. He's an experienced hiker and camper who thrives in the vast wilderness of Chugach Mountains and Denali. Although he started his college degree /career in construction and oil, Justin found his true calling in art and has since become obsessed with capturing epic scenery and observing animal behavior through his camera lens. He's continually improving his skills and strives to showcase his passion for photography, often sharing his stories of close encounters with those unfamiliar with the Alaskan wilderness.
Brecht Studio
Connie Engelbrecht
With over 36 years of experience in her craft, Connie is a highly skilled artist and entrepreneur. She is the owner of Brecht Studio, located in Eagle River, Alaska, where she specializes in glass, ceramic, and printmaking. Connie's expertise lies in sandcarving unique designs into glassware and stoneware mugs, as well as hand-glazing porcelain tiles with beautifully carved nature motifs. Her inspiration comes from a lifetime spent working and playing in multiple wild landscapes of Alaska.
Before starting her own business, Connie pursued her education in Fairbanks, Alaska, earning degrees in Geography (BS) and Natural Resources Management (MS). She worked for several years on land use plans and environmental studies for a state resource agency in Alaska.
One of Connie's most memorable life and work experiences was living for three years on a remote island off the Aleutian Peninsula. Her experiences living in Alaska's cold interior and windswept coast, as well as her exposure to both urban and bush lifestyles, have left an indelible impression on her views of nature and conservation.
BRECHTSTUDIO.COM is currently being revised and will be linked later this spring.