2024 ~ Art Print and Poster

Women on the Railroad is the Alaska Railroad's 2024 art print program release. The artwork is based on an original dry pastel, pencil and acrylic painting by artist and ARRC conductor Riana Sather of Anchorage. The artwork celebrates the all-women, Athabascan crew of section hands who worked the rail line near Cantwell in 1945. Originally hired on a 'trial basis' after the 714th Railway Battalion left Cantwell, the women left an enduring legacy of grit and determination and for their meticulous maintenance of the section. 

Determination and resilience is a sentiment shared by Sather, as the women’s legacy was an inspiration for this piece. Working as a conductor for the railroad, Sather related to the demanding nature of the work, writing "I was inspired by these women. Creating this artwork with dry pastel and acrylic paint helped solidify a connection with them. It filled a part of my soul as I considered their grit and bravery." 

Sather was born and raised as a "fiery and ambitious Texas gal" and has loved doing art for as long as she can remember. When she was seventeen and still in high school, she had an opportunity to move to Alaska. A move she made on her own. She began preliminary studies in college with her first two years paid through art scholarships. In 2021, Sather graduated with honors from the University of Alaska Anchorage and acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Sather worked on the railroad for five years as a cook, server and bartender. It was during this time that she developed a heartfelt sentiment for trains. She found herself star struck by the inspirational train conductors, so much so that she decided to work towards her very own license and hat. Sather's love for art and the railroad has led her on incredible journeys all around the state. Inspired by its beauty and rail that runs through its core, Sather made submissions to the Alaska Railroad's art competition and was selected as the winning artist for 2024.

You can see more of Sather's work online at:
https://www.instagram.com/artsyrere/ 
https://www.artsyrere.com/

The Alaska Railroad releases Women on the Railroad prints, posters and lapel pins in mid-January 2024. 
Sather will be available at two sign-and-sale events scheduled for January 2024.

The public can reserve a limited edition art print by completing this form.

CANTWELL: Saturday, Mar. 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
at Cantwell Community Center 

See and share Cantwell Event Flyer

FAIRBANKS: RESCHEDULED NOW ON Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
at the Fairbanks Depot (1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Road)

• See and share Fairbanks Event Flyer

ANCHORAGE: Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Anchorage Historic Depot (411 W. 1st Avenue)

• See and share Anchorage Event Flyer

During the Anchorage and Fairbanks events, the depot gift shops will be open to offer other items that feature the 2024 artwork along with other ARRC gifts and apparel. Following the signing events, prints, posters and pins will remain on sale at the Anchorage Historic Depot and the Fairbanks Depot, and may also be purchased online via the Alaska Railroad Gift Shop website at www.AlaskaRailroadGiftShop.com. Signed and numbered prints cost $60, posters cost $35 and pins cost $7.95.

Renowned artist John Van Zyle produced the first official Alaska Railroad painting in 1979. Since then, the annual tradition has evolved into a popular collector’s item. A catalog of the railroad's annual artwork can be found here.