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~

This shop is top notch and the owner is a fabulous very authentic individual who has traveled…read moreextensively to provide the most awesome beads to such a remote part of the world. If you found her unfriendly, then you should back down with your judging unless you know her and have been doing business here.

Fantastic store with thousands of varieties of beads! I could've spent all day in here. Cozy vibes…read morefor slow perusing. There are baskets and labeled muffin tins (with prices) for you to use while you shop. Very kind and receptive service!

It's really nice to have a quality yarn store in Eagle River, but holy moly it's expensive. Part…read moreof me is a complete yarn snob and then there is the part of me that is floored to have spent over $50 on two skeins of yarn. ..::cringe::.. By all means, they're beautiful, unique and made a lovely hat and fingerless gloves, but dang! I sure hope my son's girlfriend loves them! :D The nice lady working in there was very kind, available if needed and just allowed me to browse at my own pace. It's quite nice that they offer to roll the hank of yarn into a ball for you as well, which only takes a minute or two each. Just as the pandemic was hitting in the spring, they were getting ready to have classes for spinning yarn and unfortunately that has been postponed until all this ridiculousness is over. I'll probably go to a class or two, since I do have a wheel of my own. I merely dock a star for the price... by all means I will keep shopping there when I'm in need of fabulous yarn, but it's not for the random piece or practice project for sure. If you're looking for a specialty yarn for yourself or a gift, I highly recommend The Tangled Skein!

I have bought yarn from here many times over the years. I doubt if I will return. There is so much…read moreand really in the middle of a sale weekend so you had to wind your own yarn. I had forgotten how when away from my own device. I need more guidance than I found today; so I will spend more time with a pattern and a catalog.

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

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.

Siriah, and Katheryn gave me top tier service. Made me feel like family. I highly recommend this…read moreMicheal's if you want high quality service/ help. Thank you guys again. God bless

I noticed they've been moving things around just slightly lately. The beading and sequins are in…read moreslightly different places than just a couple weeks ago. Still lots of good deals. I came in for art and I left with art, frames and a few pieces of wood for a little house project. The cashier was friendly and greeted me when I came in and directed me to a checkout.

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