Glacier Highway Art Hop: Exploring Juneau’s Art Scene
Glacier Highway Art Hop offers a great opportunity to explore all that Juneau has to offer in the way of art. Not only will you be exposed to unique mediums and methods, but you’ll also see the culture and history of Juneau come to life. Here’s a look at the can’t-miss art galleries and stores where you can purchase unique gifts of art.
Annie Kaill’s
With more than 50 years of experience with art in downtown Juneau, Annie Kaill’s is an important stop you won’t want to miss during your art hop.
All the art you find in the store is from Alaskan and U.S. artists. And the types of art are extremely diverse, truly with something for everyone.
- Jewelry
- Glass art
- Stoneware
- Glassware
- Pottery
- Fine crafts
- And more
You will never feel uncomfortable here regardless of your experience around art. That’s because the staff is local, friendly and knowledgeable. They offer custom framing to turn your art into the exact display you’re looking for.
The art gallery has been voted Best Art Gallery in Juneau by Juneau Empire Reader’s Choice Awards. It was also named the Best Jewelry Store in Juneau and Best Gallery in Alaska.
Goldbelt Gifts
Don’t be fooled by the fact that there is “gifts” in the name instead of “gallery.” You’ll still find unique local art at Goldbelt Gifts. Items at the shop feature Alaska’s rich culture.
Plus, it’s at the top of the Goldbelt Tram, meaning it’s a great way to see and experience Juneau while exploring the art scene.
Inside, you’ll find handcrafted items ranging from apparel to gifts to incredible artistic creations. Everything housed in the store features quality craftsmanship that supports the local community.
The store is managed in the spirit of showcasing Alaskan artistry, and you’ll sense that the moment you walk in.
Tripp’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post
Support Indigenous artists when you shop at the Mt. Juneau Trading Post. The shop sources its art not just from Alaska but also from the northwest coast of Canada. The shop’s goal is to nurture the talents of young artists while building a community of support for culture and heritage.
The shop’s owner carefully curates the items available, seeking only the best craftsmanship and authenticity. Head to the historic Seward Building in the heart of downtown to shop for unique art and experience Juneau’s culture.
Juneau Artists Gallery
A group of local artists co-operate the Juneau Artists Gallery. Here, they display and sell their art while working together to staff the gallery. This year, the gallery will celebrate its 40th anniversary of offering a platform for local artists to be found and share their art with the many visitors to Juneau each year.
The gallery operates year-round as a for-profit corporation, enabling artists to set their art prices and market their wares as they see fit. But alongside that, they must do their part in operating the gallery.
Visit during First Friday for extended evening hours or 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Caribou Crossings
Find items from more than 60 Alaskan artists at Caribou Crossings. These handmade items are unique because you won’t find them anywhere else.
The store houses everything from gift baskets that will showcase to your friends and family the creativity and culture of Juneau to handcrafted jewelry designs. Buy a candle that will make your home smell like the scents of Juneau.
You’ll also find paintings, sculptures and other art forms, which you can purchase or ship home to keep your suitcase light and protect your Alaskan art.
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Kindred Post
Some of the best-selling categories available at Kindred Post include wall art, jewelry and stickers. You can set a subscription of handcrafted and locally made greeting cards to arrive at your home each month with six cards and one sticker.
Sip from handmade pottery with one of the carved mugs or tumblers. Stop in to view the artist spotlights and learn more about incredible artists.
Kindred Post is unique because at its core, it’s a post office. The women-owned small business also brings awareness to local artists and brings people together. It was founded in 2014 to connect people around social change and justice.
The store supports more than 200 artists, giving them a platform for marketing and selling their work. It also mentors emerging artists to help them turn their passion into a business.
In 2023 and 2022, Kindred Post was the Runner Up Gift Shop in the Juneau Reader’s Choice Awards and has received many other awards and recognitions over the years.
Lavender Peaks Gallery and Studio
This photography artist captures portraits, landscapes, sports, conservation and other photography types. You’ll find unique prints when shopping his gallery and get the chance to meet with a local photographer to learn more about the fifth-generation Alaskan.
Rie Muñoz Gallery
As you walk through the gallery, you’ll see celebrations of life and culture. Immerse yourself in Alaskan culture as you see it through the eyes of its local artists.
Purchase art in the form of posters, art cards, pins, books and more. Buy a limited edition or original painting to decorate your home with unique art you won’t find anywhere else.
Experiencing Juneau’s Arts and Culture
Juneau is a hub of arts and culture. Whether you’re coming to view the galleries or you’re hoping to catch a performance at the Juneau Dance Theatre or Perseverance Theatre, you’ll experience something unique during your travels.
Three aspects of Juneau’s culture you won’t want to miss during your stay include:
- Art galleries: Explore the list above to find everything from paintings to comic books. Buy handcrafted designs from local artists that tell Alaska’s history and are a crucial part of its unique culture.
- Artist studios: Talk directly with the artist during a visit to one of their studios. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the art and learn more about the thinking behind the designs.
- Performing groups: Visit during one of Juneau’s many festivals or look into what seasonal performances are available during your stay. Juneau is home to a symphony, live theatre, spoken word and lyric opera. Find the genre that fits your interests and enjoy a cultural experience like no other.
As you explore what Juneau has to offer, consider where you’ll stay. Frontier Suites is an airport hotel, putting you close to nature and just a short distance from downtown Juneau and its cultural experiences. Book your stay now to visit during one of Juneau’s cultural festivals or performances.
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