Artifact of the Month: June 2016

"June's Cafe"

For artist Anna Hess inspiration comes from her everyday surroundings, "My paintings are a reflection of the place and environment where I live. The watery climate of Southeast Alaska compels me to capture many local subjects through paintings...I want people to think about their place in the universe, to learn to visualize, be more tolerant, less plastic and to celebrate all the ordinary things."

In 1990, Hess created an oil painting of June's Cafe, celebrating this long-time Ketchikan eatery. Located at 203 Stedman Street at the edge of historic Creek Street, it is one of the oldest structures in the red light district, built in 1903. Like its notorious neighbors, the building served as a house of prostitution with retail shops on the ground floor during the early years. By the 1930s, June's Cafe was established though little is known about the original proprietor. Vivian Beatrice Inman, a transplant from Louisiana, purchased the cafe in the late 1940s and operated it until her death in 1999. A highlight of Inman's career was having her "world famous" chili featured on Good Morning America. Since June's Cafe closed, the building has been renovated and is currently occupied by a seasonal gift store.

In 1991, the City of Ketchikan purchased the painting of June's Cafe from the artist. The painting has been exhibited in "Our Town" (2006) and "Reflections: Paintings and Prints from the Permanent Collection" (2013).

Ketchikan Museums, KM 91.2.4.1