After a year’s absence, Juneau’s annual Gallery Walk returns with enthusiasm as dozens of shops, restaurants, bars and more open their doors, hosting local artists and live music.
Streets will be closed, performances will be live and times will be merry, said the director of the Downtown Business Association Alex Vrabec.
“We’re so, so excited. It’s kind of like a Juneau staple, and with missing it last year I think everyone’s excited to have it back,” Vrabec said. “I’m coming at it from a different approach. We are doing live music.”
Groups performing on Front Street include Juneau Alaska Music Matters, the Juneau Symphony, Vox Borealis, the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Dance Team and Juneau Drag. The groups will be performing in succession from 5:30 p.m. onward. The Red Dog Saloon will also have live music from performers at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, the Njuzu Marimbas will perform at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center beginning at noon, said Rachelle Bonnett, media coordinator for the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
“With us working with the DBA, I think we’ve figured out the best way to move forward and get a lot of people. It’s really exciting,” Bonnett said. “(Vrabec) was able to get a big line-up of performers to have down at Front Street.”
The performances, many of which will be outdoors, are encouraged to get people to come down but at the same time, remain safe, Vrabec said.
“There’s going to be a live performance aspect that I’ve never seen from a Gallery Walk every year,” Vrabec said. “We wanted to encourage people to get outside and spread out. That’s my focus this year, while still having the holiday spirit.”
Specific safety measures will vary from venue to venue, Bonnett said. Many stores will also run their events into Saturday, for shoppers that might not want to mingle with large Friday-night crowds.
“At first I think we were nervous about how to put it on and keep everyone safe,” Bonnett said. “Specific locations will have different requirements. Some places will be asking for proof of vaccination.”
Bonnett said the JAHC is stoked to have people back for Gallery Walk, both to see everyone and to support downtown Juneau.
“We are happy to have it back. We didn’t really have one last year; we’re happy to have one here at the JACC and Centennial Hall as well as part of the larger city one,” Bonnett said. “One, just to be able to have this event after not being able to have it last year. Two, to bring people downtown and encourage local shopping, supporting local artists.”
Parking
The city has announced that parking restrictions will not be enforced Friday night, beginning at 3 p.m. Free parking will be available at both parking garages as well as the parking lots at both the Wharf and next to the Baranof Hotel. There will also be free trolley rides from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with stops at the State Museum, the downtown library, the tram, and the intersection of Front and Franklin Street.
Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Breckett Davidson, 5, handles the toy collection at Nana’s Attic during Gallery Walk on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. Gallery Walk returns in-person to downtown in 2021 with events and live music on Dec. 3, 2021. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)
Event list
Juneau Arts & Humanities Council: 350 Whitter St. & 101 Egan Drive, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
At the JACC: Fawn Waterfield Solo Exhibit Opening Reception, Artisan Pop-up Market in the Main Hall, and live music from 4:30-7 p.m..
At Centennial Hall: Alaska Ability Arts Exhibit Closing Reception from 4-6 p.m. Both events require proof of vaccination and masks for entry.
Alaska Knifeworks: 2 Marine Way, inside the Wharf, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Locally owned and operated year-round, this holiday season Alaska Knifeworks is excited to feature Knives of Alaska, Benchmade, and DiamondBlade Knives.
Glacier Coffee Company, 2 Marine Way, inside the Wharf, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Glacier Coffee Co. is a locally owned and operated to-go coffee shop that will be featuring delicious holiday drinks throughout the First Friday festivities! Stop by, say hello, and get a coffee to-go!
Frost + Fur Holiday Pop-Up Shop, 2 Marine Way, inside the Wharf, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Frost + Fur has a holiday pop-up shop in the Wharf! Come check out our handprinted clothing, home goods, and gifts.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum, 114 W.4th St., 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The City Museum partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to mount a show featuring artwork by former participants of the Voices of the Wilderness Artist-In-Residency program who spent their residency in the Kootznoowoo Wilderness and the Tracy Arm Ford’s Terror Wilderness in the Tongass National Forest.
The Museum will facilitate a silent auction from 4:30-6:30 p.m.. Bid on art prints by a variety of artists including Byron Birdsall, Dale De Armond, Rie Munoz, and Eustace Paul Ziegler.
During the opening reception at the City Museum, there will be no refreshments served and masks must be worn at all times while inside the museum. View all prints at the City Museum’s website : juneau.org/museum
Coppa, 917 Glacier Ave, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Jim Fowler is exhibiting new work at Coppa in December and January. The paintings exhibited are acrylic landscapes primarily created outside. Jim has been painting Alaska and western Canada since the 70’s.
Resolute Boutique, 224 Front St., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Resolute will have a variety of Alaskan made items in store and a few local artists for Gallery Walk weekend!
Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s), 225 Front Street No. 103-A, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Visit the Four A’s office and deliver some holiday cheer to our clients in need! We are seeking donations of socks, gloves, hats and personal care items.. As the holidays approach we are focusing on spreading a little extra joy to clients. Each year, Four A’s assembles and delivers holiday boxes for our clients living with HIV, funded through grants and generous donors.
Napkin Art Contest contenders at the Triangle Bar during Gallery Walk on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. Gallery Walk returns in-person to downtown in 2021 with events and live music on Dec. 3, 2021. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)
Triangle Club Bar, 251 Front St., 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Napkin Art Contest: The Triangle Club has encouraged patrons to doodle, draw, and sketch art on napkins. The napkins will be displayed on Gallery Walk Weekend. Voting will start at 4 p.m. Dec. 3.
Barnaby Brewing Company, 165 Shattuck Way, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Crystal Jackson of Chromatic Crystal is an Inupiaq painter, illustrator, and beader from Anchorage, Alaska and recent transplant to Juneau. She’ll be showcasing her use of alcohol inks on metal prints, originals, stickers and more. Crystal’s 2021 Gallery Walk Show at Barnaby Brewing Co. will include metal prints and some originals of her alcohol ink work, as well as stickers and more.
Sentinel Coffee, 100 N. Franklin Street, inside Devil’s Club Brewery, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
They will be offering free drinks at their little mixology bar. Stop on by and try some Sentinel creations to celebrate the holidays.
Heritage Coffee Downtown Café, 130 Front Street, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Holly Lena is a printmaker and beadwork artist from Fairbanks who moved to Juneau in 2016. Holly makes art as a way to connect with and celebrate the local environment. Her dedicated, but lighthearted approach results in whimsical designs and a simple, clean style.
Southeast Alaska Land Trust, 119 Seward St., Suite 2, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
People are invited to join the Southeast Alaska Land Trust during Gallery Walk on Friday, Dec. 3 starting at 4 p.m. for a Holiday Wine Pull. For more information, please visit our website at www.SoutheastAlaskaLandTrust.org, or call their office at (907) 586-3100.
Juneau Food Tours & Taste Alaska, 167 Shattuck Way, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
In addition to checking out M.K. McNaughton’s beautiful artwork, you can build your own holiday box. Boxes and Alaska-made goodies are available to create that special gift.
Sealaska Heritage Institute, 105 S. Seward Street, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sealaska Heritage is inviting families to stop by to view our special art exhibit, collect a candy cane from Santa, see a Native dance performance, and shop for gifts from one of the many Native artist vendors or the SHI Store.
Proof of vaccination required to enter the clan house and store, however, Santa will be distributing candy canes outside the building. The Native dance performance will also be outside.
Roma, 2 Marine Way, inside the Wharf, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
ROMA | Bistro on the Wharf hosts an informal opportunity to meet their newly appointed chef from New Orleans, the multi-award winning Michael ‘MB’ Brewer. He’s the man behind their new brunches, creative cocktails and fab adventures in Italian cuisine. Join MB from 5:00 p.m. at the effortlessly elegant ROMA for a cocktail and sweet treat.
Shoefly Alaska, 109 Seward St., 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The store is focusing on “The Art Of The Boot” and bringing holiday cheer to Shoefly and downtown Juneau! We will also be handing out our Milly the Octopus stickers, designed by a local artist while supplies last.
The Plant Studio, 118 Seward Street, 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Plant Studio will be featuring local master craftsmen Henry Walter Webb and his latest work “Order & Chaos”. This work includes plant stands and wall attachments for hanging plants.
Salt, 200 Seward Street, 3:30 p.m. – close
Dan DeRoux – Power Flowers: large format flower blossom paintings. Oil on canvas. Showing First Friday and Saturday only.
Annie Kaill’s, 124 Seward Street. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Annie Kaill’s will feature local ivory artist, Johnny Ellis, and his recent ivory jewelry and sculptures! Also featured is new and very hard to find prints by John Fehringer! You won’t want to miss this event both in store and online.
Wm Spear Design, 230 Seward St., 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Wm Spear Design celebrates its new location, hosting weaver Lily Hope and her aunt Deanna.
Juneau’s Imagination Station, 174 S. Franklin St., 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Gallery Walk Kid’s Art Show at Juneau’s Imagination Station December 3-5th. Pick up framed paper sheets and art prompts at Juneau’s Imagination Station any time during open hours, create your masterpiece, and drop back off by December 1st. All kids art will be on display for the Gallery Walk Weekend. During Gallery Walk goodies will be given out for folks to enjoy after they leave the store.
Devil’s Club Brewing Company, 100 N. Franklin Street, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Jacqui Tingey is a self-taught artist based in Juneau, AK. Her newest body of work features the mountains that inspire her daily. She loves being in them hiking, snowboarding and exploring. This lively new collection features paintings on paper and wood using watercolor, acrylic and/or colored pencils.
Alaska Probiotics: 114 N. Franklin St., 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Alaska Probiotics will be hosting three amazing local artists this Gallery Walk! Carly Thayer of Bering Sea Designs will be displaying her newest Ethereal Collection, Talia Lawrence of tAlgae will be displaying her hand-foraged, hand-pressed algae and seaweed art, and Artist Natalie Weinberg will be displaying her colorful digital visions of love, magic, and positive empowerment.
Chilkat River Trading, 170 S. Franklin St., 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tlingit artist Shkáx Kawdulaak Andrew Tripp will be in store showing his silver and gold jewelry as well as signing prints live. We’ll also be offering the chance to win 10% – 30% off your purchase. Come in to randomly draw for your discount!
Mt. Juneau Trading Post, 151 S, Franklin Street, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tlingit artist Matthew Woodland will be in store showing and live-signing his prints. We’ll also be offering the chance to win 10% – 30% off your purchase. Come in to randomly draw for your discount.
Goldbelt Tram Winter Time Gift Shop, 490 S. Franklin St., 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for free hot cocoa and apple cider.
Caribou Crossings, 387 S. Franklin St., 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Caribou Crossings is ecstatic to continue the decades old tradition of sharing Lisa McCormick’s holiday showcase, straight from Kodiak Island, with the community of Juneau! The showcase will feature hand forged silver jewelry from Lisa, along with new work from Janine Gibbons, and some fresh new artists from all over Alaska! First Friday Dec 3rd from 4:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 10am-6 p.m., Sunday 10am-4 p.m., and for the month of December up to Christmas Eve.
Alaska Shirt Company, 489 S. Franklin Street, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alaska Shirt Company will have all jewelry (earrings, necklaces and bracelets) at 50% off! ASC is open Tuesday-Sunday until Christmas.
Trove, 497 S. Franklin St., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Shop our sparkly selection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings all at 50% off this weekend only.
Juneau Artists Gallery, 175 S. Franklin St. in the Senate Mall, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Nell McConahey of Spiral Studio, jewelry and glass artisan will be the Artist of the Month for December at the Juneau Artists Gallery. Inspired by many facets of the ocean, Nell will present ‘Gems of the Sea.’ Mirrors, Jewelry and fused glass will incorporate items from the sea or be inspired by the ocean that surrounds us. About 20 other artists are also represented with their paintings, prints, photos, fabric art, jewelry, pottery, cards, masks and knitwear, plus holiday ornaments.
Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine, 112 N. Franklin St., 4:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Please join us to celebrate at the Grand opening of Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine. There will be special drinks and dishes on the menu.
Juneau Dance Theatre, Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Juneau Dance Theatre (JDT) presents The Nutcracker, December 3, 4 & 5 at the Juneau Douglas High School Auditorium. This beloved holiday tradition will feature guest artists, Oksana Maslova, principal dancer with Philadelphia Ballet, and Anton Kandaurov, Artistic Director of ChamberSquared. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Advance Tickets only juneaudance.org
Red Dog Saloon, 278 S. Franklin St., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Taylor Vidic, Kelsey Riker, and Tim Powers for Live Holiday Tunes of the best variety while you sip on warm holiday cocktails at the Red Dog Saloon.
Black Moon Koven, 224 Seward St., 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Fa La Lala La Blah Blah Blah showcases new art pieces made by Grace Corrigan, Glo Ramirez, and Andrew Sutliff. The show is a collection of small pieces that are created from new techniques and interests that the artists took upon during lockdown in 2020. The coffee bar will be open with warm beverages and goodies for purchase. The artists will be present at the shop during limited hours.
