ACTIVITIES
Art Around the Corner
SITKANS DEEPLY VALUE ART AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION. Here, you don’ t even have to visit a museum to enjoy local artwork; you can just walk around town. From statues made of recycled materials, to handpainted buoys and striking wall murals, there’ s something new to see on every corner.
With playful linework and a kaleidoscope of color, it’ s hard to miss the 1,000-squarefoot mural on the west wall of Market Center( top image), Sitka’ s small downtown grocery store. Completed in 2016 by local artist Cara Murray,“ Everything Comes to Life” brings us closer to our food and where it comes from. In Sitka, artists like Cara have left their mark around town.
Kija Elstad’ s first mural, an homage to our undersea neighbors, was created with help from her younger son, as well as the occasional bystander. The breathtaking piece can be viewed on the side of Harry Race Pharmacy, Photo & Soda Shop( bottom right image).
Keith Gibson repurposes recycled materials, such as glass bottles and boat windshields, to make eye-catching sculptures. Stop by the atrium of the Alaska Raptor Center( center left image) to see two of his bald eagles frozen mid-battle.
Don’ t miss the two 100-foot-long murals on Katlian Street’ s Sitka Cold Storage facility( center right image). The project was a collaborative effort between artists Ray Troll, Roberto Salas, Will Burkhart, Guillermo Jauregui, and high school students Lisa Teas and Cory Welsh. Walk over to Japonski Island for a complete view of these fish-inspired works.
When you’ re walking through the streets of Sitka, slow down and take in your surroundings – you’ re sure to find a pop of color or a local artist’ s labor of love all around you.
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