Alaska House, New York, sister organization of the Alaska Native Arts Foundation in Anchorage, is actively seeking to sublease its 3,000-square-foot gallery and meeting space in SoHo while continuing to show the artists work by appointment.

This news comes after almost two years of advocacy for state, individual, foundation and private matching donations to sustain the organization through the recession. The adverse funding environment and the high costs of doing business in New York contributed to the decision to streamline our operation, so we can allocate resources where they are most needed: in the villages themselves.

Alaska House will continue to operate "virtually," minimizing overhead by maintaining its inventory online. The nonprofit will also continue to advocate on issues of importance to rural Alaska, such as natural gas, Arctic development and climate change.

Over the past two years, the staff and board of Alaska House, the Alaska Native Arts Foundation and partner organizations such as the United Nations and the Council on Foreign Relations have worked tirelessly to present events, exhibits and discussions to educate the international community about the tremendous artistic, business and cultural offerings from Alaskans.

The philanthropic contributions of Alice Rogoff have enabled Alaska House and the Alaska Native Arts Foundation to carry on this important work. In spite of significant obstacles inside Alaska, from apathy to politics, we have been able to raise the profile of Alaska as a business and cultural destination. The international community has been receptive and eager to learn about the issues and business opportunities in the state. This critical work goes on today.

We are grateful for the contributions of the staff, board, artists and partners, who all continue to demonstrate tremendous passion to educate the community and advocate on Alaska Native issues.

Please support the essential work of Alaska House and the Alaska Native Arts Foundation. Since 2002, the foundation has purchased artwork valued at a total of over two million dollars, thus providing a direct economic stimulus to rural Alaska in a time of great economic need. The foundation also offers individual artist grants through its CAPS program, supported by the Ford Foundation, along with exhibitions in its Anchorage gallery.

The easiest way to help is to shop for a cause at www.alaskanativearts.org. Join in our efforts to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the first Alaskans. Our creative capital is our greatest resource; let's not take it for granted.

Tracey Foster is the founding executive director of Alaska House, New York. Alaska House founder and trustee Alice Rogoff is the publisher of Alaska Dispatch.

Alaska Dispatch features commentary by Alaskans from across the state. The views expressed are the writer's own and are not endorsed by Alaska Dispatch. We welcome a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, e-mail editor(at)alaskadispatch.com.