Sitka Is...
A Year-Round Arts Utopia
“Well, folks - it’s definitely winter.” Sitka WhaleFest is over, the clocks have been set back, and we’re in the thick of Native American Heritage Month celebrations.
Early in November, we gathered at our local Tribal Community House to hear musicians Caitlin Warbelow and Chris Ranney perform a mix of Irish, American, and original tunes. The two met while working on the Broadway musical, Come From Away - Warbelow as the violinist/fiddler and Ranney as Associate Conductor and Musical Director.
“Following the 9/11 attacks, 38 planes and 6,579 passengers were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, doubling the population of one small town on the edge of the world. Based on interviews with locals, Come From Away is about how hosting this international community of strangers spurred unexpected camaraderie in extraordinary circumstances.” - Playbill.com
“One small town on the edge of the world.”
Sitka, another “small town on the edge of the world” is also known for welcoming strangers, especially those who love the arts. Visitors who brave our volatile weather in winter and spring will marvel at all of the life, color and sounds that make these seasons so special.
There are too many happenings to list, but please proceed on to our Featured Events section (pages 10-16) at your leisure. There’s something for everyone - music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, writing and so much more!
The winter season brings community theater productions, winter bazaars, holiday celebrations and family-friendly monthly grinds.
Then, in February, just when Sitkans (along with those brave visitors) begin to think they can’t make it through another month of cold, dark and rain - the first glimmers of new life arrive with cherished annual events.
Spring brings longer days, herring, and even more arts to enjoy. There are school concerts, annual recitals and outdoor gatherings as we begin the fishing season and prepare for the influx of summer travelers.
For art lovers of all kinds, Sitka is truly a year-round arts experience.
More Articles From This Issue
Sitka Wearable Art 2026
Forest to the Sea
It’s a story you’ve heard before. Jeff Budd gets inspired by an arts endeavor in another Southeast town. Years ago, while in Ketchikan, Budd attended one of their Wearable Art productions and enjoyed it so much that he brought the idea home.
Holiday Brass
An Annual Sitka Tradition
It started with a suggestion. Two Sitka Fine Arts Camp board members proposed to director Roger Schmidt that he produce a brass concert to celebrate the holidays. From that simple idea an annual Sitka tradition was born.
Tidal Echoes
Southeast Alaska’s Arts and Literary Journal
Published annually since 2004 by the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), Tidal Echoes is Southeast Alaska’s premier literary and arts journal.
Sotera Perez
An Artist Profile
Barista, bass player, director, writer, costume designer. Sotera Perez is the complete package when it comes to the arts.
Art In Your Backyard
Ocean Wave Quilters
For nearly 40 years, a passionate group of Sitkans have gathered together to tell stories with fabric – occasionally in their backyards, sometimes in their sewing rooms, and regularly at the United Methodist Church.