Alaska Art Alliance — Local services in Alaska

A hidden gem in downtown Anchorage but a must see if you want gifts and art handmade in Alaska! It has a bit of a hole in the wall vibe to it, but don’t be intimidated. The building is split where the front is a more conventional style storefront, but there is a back room where you can see the artists do the carvings and buy directly from them. The ivory carvings are a bit pricey, but you’re paying for an art piece that was carved right there in the shop or made by a local artist.

There is a musty odor to the shop from the carvings they do in the back. This wasn’t a problem for me and added to the authentic vibe, but I thought I would mention it for the folks with...

My experience talking to artist Jason, was an experience I will never forget. He told me so many stories of growing up in his native communities and regions in Alaska. I asked cultural questions and he educated me. The store is not a fancy tourist gift shop but the art is beautiful. They have dogs on the premises which I enjoyed immensely. Jason took me back to the work shop area and I talked to other artists about their work and got to hold a walrus tusk. I purchased what I could afford. They only take cash for some artists so be prepared. This is a great experience for those seeking to understand more about Alaskan natives...

Essential stop in Anchorage. I was wandering downtown for my last day in Alaska, which meant I had flexible time to spend. Expressing curiosity will get you all kinds of information - about technique, materials, tools. The artists work in the back so I was able to meet a few of them, see works in progress, chat about favorite materials. I bought as much as I could, and pieces were extremely reasonable. I really can’t put a price on this experience or the generosity expressed over and over to people who came in to the shop. There are many different kinds of art at many different price points, and this is a great...