An important collection of contemporary native art in Alaska is being damaged by exposure to strong sunlight. The collection, which is housed in Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, was moved into a bright mezzanine level in 2004. Since then, many of the artworks have suffered noticeable degradation, including fading dyes and damage to organic materials from fluctuating relative humidities.

Scott Carrlee, the Alaska State Museums conservator, claimed that the collection would face irreparable damage within 5 years if the pieces were not moved to another location. "It's unfortunate they picked a really sensitive collection ... and then brought it into a location with a lot of daylight on it, which will cause it to deteriorate more rapidly than it should," he said. Airport officials are currently investigating ways of improving the display of the collection.

Sun damages native art at Alaska Airport -- The Olympian online

Sunlight is destroying Alaska native art collection -- KTVA, Alaska

Airport's lethal light -- Anchorage Daily News