Blaines is the only independent art store in Anchorage . It's a valuable gem . They carry so many…read moreitems that you can't find anywhere else . Blaines Art has a coffee bar and a customs frame shop . They offer art classes throughout the year for artists of all levels and ages . The staff is friendly and knowledgeable . They are all artists themselves . Blaines is open 7 days a week . They also have a nice collection of cards and gifts for everyone . Of course you can always find art by local artists on display and quite often it will be the work of the employee helping you . Blaine's is a wonderful place to be inspired !

Blaine's Art scams their customers left and right with overpriced art supplies that can often be…read morefound for much lower prices at better art stores like Blick's, Jackson's, and even Ebay. What is Amanda thinking by charging her customers an outrageous $400 for a set of color pencils that can be bought for $200 or less on Ebay and Amazon? Customer service is also pretty crappy here, since I was always treated like an "outsider artist" instead of the professional that I've been for years. Amanda is also a classist bigot who snubs customers that she feels are not bourgeoisie enough for her snobbish standards, which makes her no better than a common racist. Anyway, if you want the best art supplies for decent prices? Then I highly recommend Blick's, Jackson's, Ebay, or even Amazon over Amanda's overpriced inferior establishment. If you want your art displayed on the wall? I also recommend you display anywhere but at Blaine's, because no serious art buyer will ever see it at Blaine's and it will be displayed next to mediocre garbage art that not even a mother would display on a refrigerator door. Do you really want your $500 oil paintings to be seen next to refrigerator marker art that no one would even pay $10 for? I don't think so~

The Alaska Art Alliance is your must-go destination for authentic, handcrafted pieces made by…read moreNative Alaskans. Their mission is simple - to support and promote Native Alaskan artists by providing them a place to work and sell their art while also promoting their culture and each other. They nurture art and they lift each other up. In a world of AI slop and mass produced junk the Alaska Art Alliance provides a much needed infusion of craftsmanship practiced for generations. A fine layer of dust seems to cling to everything in the store, but it is not the dust of neglect; it is the dust of constant hard work. They have a wide variety of items - art, pins, jewelry, carvings, and scrimshaws and much more! I will admit I wasn't certain when I first passed the shop as the retractable gate and the locked door made it look uninviting. My friend tried the door, found it locked, and walked away leaving me barely time to read the sign that said "if locked call or text number listed" as they would be in the back working. The next day we returned, and after informing my friend what the sign said, prepared to call but found the door unlocked. There were multiple cases full of different items. The workshop in the back looked busy. After being in so manny tourist shops it just felt nice being somewhere that felt real. The gentleman who assisted us was warm and informative. He told us about the artisans, the mission, and all they were doing. My eyes fell upon a jade bead necklace and I was captivated. I had been looking at jade all trip fairly unimpressed because they largely were flat green and didn't interest me. This necklace had character with inclusions and variations in the color. Each bead was unique. There were two necklaces and I opted for the smaller since being short the larger was a bit long to wear practically. The larger, tho, was epically beautiful as well! We ended up buying that necklace and a handcrafted pin. I am very pleased with our purchases and would recommend anyone who seeks authentic pieces to come to this Art Alliance.

My wife and I were staying in the neighborhood and found the Store. We met Fred Mayac who carved us…read morethe most beautiful bone puffin we have ever seen. Fred mailed it to us when it was finished with the help of Leon Kinneeveauk, the Director. This is a wonderful place and Project. I would like to find a way to support it but it doesn't seem to be a registered Charity? Just Leon helping people who are gifted native artists.

I am so impressed with the work they did on my four prints. The process was simple and fun. We…read morewere greeted by one of the employees, who offered many suggestions for matting and frames. He took his time holding different options up to our prints and didn't rush us as we tried to decide on combinations. The four pictures were done in just three days and the pictures look far more expensive than they were, thanks to superb framing. At $30 per picture, it was by far a better value than trying to do this myself.

Great place prices and gives back to the Native Community. The artwork and the craftsmanship is…read moreamazing. Great place to find additions to your art collection.

Alaska Native Medical Center Auxiliary Craft Shop is probably the best place in Anchorage to buy…read moreNative Alaskan crafts made by multiple craftsman in one place. The only other place you can hope to find such a wide variety of items would be a once-a-year Native gathering (such as those at the Denaina Center) or a craft fair, such as the one held yearly at Dimond Center Mall. The Craft Shop is small and has limited hours, but is DEFINITELY worth a visit if your a tourist and want to take something AUTHENTIC home. Skip the tourist garbage on 4th and 5th Avenues and head over to the Native Hospital to find some beautiful hand-made crafts. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm 1st and 3rd Saturday: 11am-2pm Closed Sundays

When I first moved to Alaska in the year 2000 as an aspiring artist and photographer, I was…read morerecommended to Alaska Art and Frame the division of Obeidi Fine Art. Over the years the Obeidi family really helped me marketing my art and photography and eventually we became friends. This is how it happens. I am one of hundreds who do business in the beginning and then feel a part of the family. I would highly recommend them for fine artwork and for their framing capabilities.

Love this place for framing. Never has failed me and much cheaper than elsewhere in Anchorage…read more Very friendly and good customer service. We have been going here maybe 20 years and our frames and matting and number prices have held up well.

I consider myself a crafty mom. A lover of hobbies and home decor. And Michael's is what fuels me…read moreand my frequently acquired interests. I came in sequins. I left with art I couldn't leave without, stickers for my daughter, glue sticks and of course sequins. I had TWO coupons and they stacked so I felt like I really got my moneys worth. I also love a good sale which they always have so that was nice, though I think that's how they're designed to sell. The store was organized, newly arranged just slightly and full of lovely arrivals. I don't really celebrate holidays but if I did this a where id be buying decorations from. The cashier at the front was nice, and patient with me. My only caution is that there are so many people who drive too fast in the parking lot and don't pay enough attention. So I'll be back. Plus they have fabrics.

Michaels in South Anchorage is my go to spot whenever I want to start a new hobby. Whether I need…read moreholiday specific decor or craft supplies from yarn to paint, they have it! I have not really interacted with any staff at this store, but being introverted I like it like this. Checkout is nice and quick since it is a self service kiosk. I love how I am able to rack up points and get coupons quickly. My only critique would be that I wish the store was bigger, but they are still the best priced craft store in town.

As a novice crocheter, I was so intrigued by this cute local yarn shop located in downtown…read moreAnchorage! The store front was so beautiful with the super chunky blanket with large needles. When we walked into the store, we were kindly greeted by Jo who taught us so much about qiviut and how the yarn were hand dyed in small batches in Anchorage, colors inspired by the beauty of Alaska. She opened the case with the qiviut and allowed me to handle a sample on my hands. The qiviut was very lightweight, and surprisingly very warm! Walking around the store, I had never seen the yarn color variations that Wooly Mammoth had. Also, I loved how catchy the name was! I eventually settled on the Northern Bee studio 80% superwash merino 20% nylon poison water yarn and purchased a 5mm crochet hook. I really appreciated Jo's kindness and expertise in crocheting and knitting. Definitely a must stop if you're in downtown!

We visited this charming shop and immediately noticed the interesting yarns and materials. It was a…read morevisual treat however the quilts that are being sold in there are works of art!! I'm so excited about my purchase!!! Please take a look at this store if you are in Anchorage you will be charmed like me!!

Authentic handmade Alaska Native crafts can be a little tricky to find if you don't know where to…read morelook. Most native crafters are cottage industries that don't have permanent storefronts. Craft fairs, word of mouth and art galleries are the best places to find such items, especially when it comes to skin sewing (items crafted from animal fur and hides.) I always look forward to seeing the Iya family at craft fairs because their items are stunning. They have one of a kind fur mittens, hats, purses and ivory carvings and beadwork. Two years ago, I spied a seal and polar bear purse that I wanted desperately but couldn't afford. (Before you get your underwear in a bunch, please know that the native people waste nothing. Subsistence hunting is a way of life here in Alaska.) Finally this year, they had another purse similar to the one I had seen and I practically snatched it out of another lady's hands. I told her if she wasn't gonna buy it to get her mitts off, cause I had dibs. I winced when I handed over my credit card; but honestly I got something unique, beautiful and helped support local craftsmen. Please note, the Iyas are only periodically in Anchorage. The crafts business is a family affair that involves a number of individuals. They can be reached at: 907-248-2850 Kristine Iya Or 907 441-0712. KristineIyq@gmail.com or IyaJulian@hotmail.com

First time visiting this event, which consists of individual vendor stands set up throughout the…read moreDimond Center. For sale are ulus, carvings, jewelry, furs, and other examples of Native crafts. Each vendor identifies where he or she is from, which is a nice touch. The fair takes place during the week of the Iditarod start, so plan accordingly if you're interested in visiting. Most (if not all) vendors are cash only, but fortunately there are ATMs aplenty in the mall if you need one.

The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market is one of the best places in Alaska to buy authentic Native…read moreAlaskan made arts & crafts. Its essentially an annual craft fair that is part of the Fur Rondy in late February/March. If you're planning to visit Alaska for the first time and you are looking for something uniquely Alaskan, plan your trip to coincide with the Fur Rondy so you don't miss out on this once a year event. And bring lots and lots of cash! (Some vendors do accept credit cards, but not many.) Every year I could kick myself for not squirreling away more money so I could buy something really amazing. This year I missed out on a one-of-a-kind spotted seal and polar bear purse that made me want to weep. For $550 it makes Coach look like a wet paper bag. I also spied a one of a kind pair of spotted seal boots, also in the 500 dollar range, with a pile so deep and soft that I'm sure I would have had a footgasm every time I put them on if I could have afforded them. My sweetie was drooling over Aleut fisherman carvings of unparalleled craftsmanship. We also saw paintings and bronze statues that also made us regret not having put money aside this year. We did spring for some handmade beaded jewlery that incorporated Alaskan abalone, and porcupine quills and claws. I'm proud to wear jewlery that helps support our native crafts people and ensures that all parts of animals that are hunted are both consumed and perserved as art. Native peoples waste nothing of the animal and make some really amazing practical items as well as wearable art. I really enjoy the craft fair because you meet peoples from all over Alaska. The craft fair is also something of a social gathering. Many of the elders love to tell you their stories while you shop, so plan to stay a while and enjoy hearing stories you aren't likely to forget. Items you're likely to find at the craft fair and price ranges: beaded jewlery- $10-$500 fur items and pelts- $100 to the thousands... walrus ivory carvings and jewlery- $50 to the thousands... paintings and prints- $25- $1000 crocheted items- $10-$100 silver, gold, bronze, copper jewlery- $50-$600 winter & summer parky's- $500-$1000 hair adornments (beaded, shells, fur, etc)- $10-$300 handmade soaps/lotions- $3-$30 and much more....! Also, some of the days of the Craft Fair they also have Native Dancing demonstrations with various Native Alaskan nations represented. Check the annual Fur Rondy schedule for more details.