The Alaska Legislative Council recently commissioned a portrait of Ted Stevens to hang on a wall on the second floor of the Alaska State Capitol in loving memory of a man who served Alaska with distinction in the United States Senate for 40 years.

Not only did Stevens represent Alaska in the United States Capitol, but, before that, he served in the Alaska State House from 1965 through 1968 – his last two years as House Majority Leader.

The idea of a portrait came from Juneau resident John Manly, who suggested that a painting be on display on the second floor of the Alaska State Capitol, between the House and Senate Chambers, in the company of two other portraits of luminaries who left a significant imprint on Alaska history: Senators Bob Bartlett and Ernest Gruening. I took John’s recommendation to Senator Linda Menard, chair of the Alaska Legislative Council. Senator Menard enthusiastically embraced the idea and approved the hiring of accomplished portrait artist Dean Larson to do the work.

Dean is the son of the late Representative Ron Larson of Palmer and a former intern of the late senator. He was raised in Alaska and was a student of Alaska artist Fred Machetanz, who painted the portrait of Senator Ernest Gruening which is on display in the Alaska State Capitol.

Inspired by Dean’s portrait, Bob Banghart, the chief curator of the Alaska State Museum, has prepared an exhibit and a seven-minute video to honor and celebrate the life of the late senator known fondly by many as Uncle Ted.

The Alaska State Museum will host an unveiling of the work on Friday, February 3, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the same night as Gallery Walk.

Catherine Ann Stevens, the wife of Senator Stevens, will speak at the event as well as Governor Sean Parnell, Senate President Gary Stevens, House Speaker Mike Chenault, Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Mike Hanley, and artist Dean Larson.

The public is welcomed to attend.