Prince of Wales Island is home to many artisans who make a living by sharing their craft with the world. Be it body products, drawings and paintings, jewelry, carvings and sculptures, instruments, clothing, dance regalia, taxidermied fish, quilts and blankets, photographs, fur crafts, traditional bows, or food, the locally-made products available are high quality and made with heart. Every year, many artisans can be found selling their wares at the holiday bazaars. These are a great opportunity to see their artistry on display, get to know the artists, and purchase gifts for people on your holiday shopping list (and maybe one or two things for yourself!!).
The following local artisans have become well known around Alaska and beyond, and are excellent examples of people turning their passions into successful businesses!
Crystal Toman Owner of Island Mist Soaps, who handcrafts vegan artisan soaps, scrubs & natural salves
Cammie May Owner of Cambazam Art, who creates colorful and imaginative art
Jo Wendel Designs and sells unique fossil jewelry
Stormy and Bonnie Hamar Owners of Kasaan Arts Museum and Canoes, create and sell handmade traditional Native wood and fur crafts
Travis Peterson Owner of Off the Hook Taxidermy, preserves fish beautifully and creates unique displays of trophy catches
Theresa Mackie From Quilters by the Sea, brings together quilters from the island to work on collaborative projects
Marty Sharp Owner of Sharp Creations, is a painter who works mostly in watercolor and is inspired by the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska
Kathy Peavey Owner of Southeast Alaska Art Glass, who creates, and offers classes in, glass art including fused jewelry, fairy lights, and garden art
Madelaine Voegeli Owner of Strictly Local Gallery who creates and sells unique art, offers painting and yoga classes, and provides a community studio space
Craig and Kathy Yates Owners of Taats Art and Designs, who hand-make original and Authentic Tlingit-Haida art including carving, dance regalia, and fur crafts
Jeri Rosenthal Founder of The Art Center for Prince of Wales, who creates, and teaches others to make beautifully designed and painted ceramic arts
Gerry Welch Owner of Welchman Longbow, who crafts hand-hewn longbows and warbows, and guides customers through the process to hew their own
Juliette Isanogle Owner of Wild Art USA Gallery, who offers for sale unique nature and wildlife photographic art metal prints
Matt Scaletta Owner of Wildfish Cannery, who sells a nice line of smoked seafood products, and offers custom smoking services
If you're on the island this holiday season, stop by one of the holiday bazaars or give them a call personally to place your order. Below is a list of this season's events:
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