Island Artists Gallery
All For One and One For All
In the heart of downtown Sitka, Island Artists Gallery is one of the community’s longest-running creative collaborations. As a cooperative, it is shaped by trust, a shared purpose, and the belief that Sitka’s artists should have a place to shine.
The co-op was formed around 2013, when two separate arts groups decided to merge. The idea was simple but powerful: artists can accomplish more together than separately. By combining their efforts, they created a stronger, more sustainable collective and a year-round space in the center of town. More than a decade later, that spirit is still a cornerstone of the gallery’s philosophy.
Since its founding, the gallery has featured around 60 artists. Some have been part of the gallery for years, while others are newer voices contributing fresh perspectives. A few of the original founders are still involved today. “We are an artistic family,” says home-grown Sitkan Cayla McCutcheon.
Joining the gallery is a thoughtful and collaborative process.
A defining feature of the gallery is its commitment to local artists. Members must be Sitka residents, ensuring that the work reflects a genuine sense of place. Inside, you’ll find pieces inspired by the surrounding ocean, forests, wildlife, and the cultural richness of Southeast Alaska. From hand-thrown pottery and intricate jewelry to fiber art, photography, painting, and woodworking, the range of mediums creates a dynamic and ever-changing experience.
All 24 current members play an active role: artists take turns working in the gallery, curating displays, and managing day-to-day operations. They also make it a point to learn about each other’s work. Visitors can ask questions and hear the story behind a piece, sometimes even if the artist who created it isn’t present. That shared investment creates a welcoming, conversational atmosphere. As one member puts it, “All of us are for all of us.”
By combining their efforts, they created a stronger, more sustainable collective and a year-round space in the center of town.
Joining the gallery is a thoughtful and collaborative process. Prospective members first submit an application that is reviewed by the board, made up of current co-op members. The goal is to assess quality and ensure that each artist brings something distinctive to the group. Then, the full membership votes on the application. This process helps maintain a balance of styles and mediums while fostering a sense of shared ownership.
For example, while the gallery features lots of jewelry, each maker approaches their craft differently. One might focus on beadwork, another on metal, another on stones or mixed materials. Rather than competing, these artists complement one another, offering shoppers a more varied selection.
A defining feature of the gallery is its commitment to local artists.
Over time, Island Artists Gallery has become more than a place to enjoy and purchase art. It serves as both a home base for established creatives and a launchpad for those just beginning to share their work. Experienced members often mentor newer artists, offering guidance and support as they grow.
The gallery is also deeply connected to the broader Sitka community. Members regularly participate in local events, teach workshops, and contribute their work to community causes.
They provide scholarships to students attending Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Each year, members also transform weathered fishing buoys into imaginative, one-of-a-kind works of art. These art buoys are auctioned to assist Brave Heart Volunteers in providing compassionate care and support to local elders and their families.
Located at 206 Lincoln Street, Island Artists Gallery is a friendly and inviting space open to the public through every season. With each new member, new medium, and new piece, the co-op continues to evolve. Through it all, it’s still about local artists working together, supporting one another, and sharing their creativity with Sitka and beyond.
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