History of the Academy: It is impossible to talk about the beginnings of the Alaska Fine Arts Academy without also talking about the lives of its two founders, Art and Eleanor Braendel. In 1947, shortly after graduating from Cornell University, Art and Eleanor moved to Alaska and homesteaded part of what is now Eagle River. Even then, in the days of rough, or impassable roads, Art and Eleanor were heavily involved in music instruction and performance. This can be best seen through their long-standing involvement with the Anchorage Symphony. In addition to being involved in the very first beginnings of the symphony, Art has played in each of the past 58 seasons and Eleanor all except for a year absence on occasion for family responsibilities. It was not until 1984, however, that Art and Eleanor formally established a center for the instruction of music and other art forms. They originally called it the Eagle River Fine Arts Academy and only later (in the 1990's) was the name was changed to the Alaska Fine Arts Academy. From the very beginnings the Academy intended to teach more than just music. The Academy envisioned itself as a community arts center where music, visual, and moving arts would be available to everyone in the community, both as participants and as patrons. The fact that the Academy is still an important part of the Eagle River community 20 years later attests to the hard work and dedication of both the Braendels and others in the Eagle River, Anchorage, and Palmer/Wasilla communities.

Stated Objectives: The purposes for which the non-profit organization is for are: To establish and maintain, in the Eagle River/Chugiak community, a center for the teaching for the fine arts, including but not limited to music, dance, drama, painting, drawing, sculpture, and other visual arts. To provide at such center opportunities for community experience of the fine arts, including but not limited to attendance at dramatic productions, musical performances, and exhibitions of paintings, drawings, sculpture, and other visual arts. To own and operate any facilities incident to the carrying out of these objectives under the provisions of the Alaska laws governing non-profit organizations. Sponsors: The Alaska Fine Arts Academy is grateful to its many supporters, including: Rasmuson Foundation Municipality of Anchorage Arts Council Anchorage Arts Council Foundation Computer Medics of Alaska My Favorite Preschool Eagle River Parks and Recreation Exxon Inc. ConocoPhillips Inc. Chugiak Area Business Association American Legion Spenard Builders and to the many individual community volunteers!!