Arts & Crafts

The arts and crafts culture of Skagway reflects its long and eventful history.  From the prehistoric inhabitants (Tlingit) that were skillful in creating meticulous designs evident in the clothes worn by them, and carvings, e.g. weapons used, the totem poles, and so on, to present day designs that are both modern and those influenced by previous works done.

Skagway’s European influence in terms of arts began some time during the Gold Rush era.  For example, the well-known jewelry designer Herman Kirmse from the late 1890s who used mainly gold and ivory in his creations.  In the early 1900s arts and crafts such as quality furniture, paintings, photography, etching, etc. became very popular and played an important role in further shaping the contemporary arts scene.

Skagway offers a variety of places where tourists can buy locally produced arts and crafts.  A few examples include stained glass designs at Translucent Treasures, carved jewelry at Schindler Carvings, paintings from Tina Cyr Designs, carved sculptures and jewelry at Wassman Art-Effects, porcelain jewelry at Gold Vein Designs, photographs by Dimitra Lavrakas Photography, etc.

Visitors who prefer to explore galleries and hobby stores might like to try: Changing Tides & Cross Stitch Gallery on Broadway, Etc Fabrics, Pine Country Crafts, Dirce Anns Fabrics, Inside Passage Arts, Skagway Artwork, Echoes of Alaska, etc.