This research report is a result of a desire to raise the capability of developing arts organizations, to stimulate artistic activity and awareness and to broaden public access to the arts and artists in rural areas defined as underserved communities. This document presents findings from the study which used Focus Groups as a framework for exploring the research objectives. In general, findings indicate that rural artist lack information about availability of materials, lack knowledge of how to deal with federal regulations, lack communication between artists, and lack knowledge about the market for rural artwork which severely disadvantages the rural authentic artists. The level of support for master artists and students of endangered art practices is ineffective, and the markets for selling their work are currently underdeveloped in the State of Alaska and elsewhere, and are most assuredly unknown to the artists themselves. Suggestions for correcting these deficiencies fall into three categories: (1) information and communication, to be addressed at local, state and national/international levels; (2) education, to be addressed through provision of educational opportunities and services; and (3) provision of marketing and technical assistance. After an Executive Summary, the document is organized into five sections: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Research Methodology"; (3) "Focus Groups of Seven Regions Studied"; (4) "Mini-Survey of Seven Regions Studied"; and (5) "Appendices." (MM)