News & Updates
Artist Gathering at Alaska Native Heritage Center – February 2026
In February, 2026 the Alaska Native Arts Foundation partnered with the Alaska Native Heritage Center to support an artist gathering at the Heritage Center. During the gathering photographer Chris Arend shared tips and resources on photographing art work for artist portfolios. John Hagen set up a photography station to take professional headshots for artists. Melissa Shaginoff, Alaska Outreach and Engagement Specialist from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, shared about opportunities for conducting research with the Smithsonian collections. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this collaboration. We hope to organize more artist gatherings in 2026.
2025 Annual Report: Building the Foundation for a Statewide Alaska Native Arts Consortium
2025 was a year of major growth and visibility for the Alaska Native Arts Foundation, marked by the launch of the Alaska Native Arts Directory, expanded artist outreach, and new initiatives that strengthened statewide connections and recognition. In 2026, ANAF will build on this momentum to deepen regional collaboration, expand artists’ participation, and advance an aspirational vision for the upcoming Alaska Native Arts Economic Summit—this conference will showcase Alaska Native art as a powerful cultural and economic force. The Alaska Native Arts Foundation (ANAF), founded in 2002, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the cultural, economic,
2025 Alaska Native Workshop Series
In 2025 the Alaska Native Arts Foundation partnered with the Anchorage Museum Seed Lab to build an Alaska Native workshop series. Workshops ran from May through November 2025 and included mask carving with David Angaiak (Yup’ik), ladle carving with Eric Hamar (Haida), moosehide medallion beading with Rochelle Adams (Gwich’in), and seal skin bowtie making. Thank you to our project supporters for making these workshops possible: The CIRI Foundation, the Alaska Native Museum Sovereignty group (with support from the Henry Luce Foundation), and the Municipality of Anchorage! Rochelle Adams, beading workshop participant feedback: “Enaa baasee, for awonderful two days! I renewed my love for beading & Rochelle is a totally awesome
One Night Stand: Indigenous Art Pop-Up
Twenty artists shared their work in the pop-up exhibit “One Night Stand” held October 16, 2025 at the Wild Birch Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. The exhibition development was led by Drew Michael in collaboration with members of Alaska Native Arts Foundation’s steering committee (Erin Gingrich, Melissa Shaginoff, and Nadia Jackinsky-Sethi). Over 300 guests joined our event to celebrate the beauty of Alaska Native arts. This event included performances led by Indigenize it. The Alaska Native Art Foundation extends our gratitude to all of those who joined us to celebrate Alaska Native Arts. Special thanks to the Alaska Native Museum Sovereignty group
Launch of Statewide Alaska Native Arts Directory During 2025 AFN Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAnchorage, AK – October 15, 2025 Contact: Alaska Native Arts FoundationPhone: (907) 258-ANAF Email: https://alaskanativeartsdirectory.org/ Website: www.aknativearts.org Board Chair thanks Senator Murkowski and Partners for Making Long-Needed Tool Possible Anchorage, Alaska — The Alaska Native Arts Foundation (ANAF) is proud to announce that the Alaska Native Arts Directory is now live, providing the first and only statewide platform designed to uplift, connect, and support Alaska Native artists. This free, public tool strengthens Alaska’s creative economy by giving artists across Alaska the visibility, access, and opportunity they deserve. “The Alaska Native Arts Directory celebrates the full spectrum of Alaska Native creativity, visual and written
Alaska Native Arts Foundation Welcomes 2025 With a Statewide Artist Directory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAnchorage, AK – January 13, 2025 Contact: Alaska Native Arts Foundation(907) 258-ANAF info@aknativearts.org Anchorage, Alaska—The Alaska Native Arts Foundation (ANAF) proudly announces the upcoming launch of the Alaska Native Arts Directory in 2025. Inspired by the motto ‘Our Art, One Place,’ this initiative will serve as a centralized hub for Alaska Native creatives, encompassing both contemporary and traditional art forms. With more than 100 artists already included, the Directory will become a valuable resource for artists, supporters, and friends of the arts. ANAF encourages Native artists from across Alaska to join this groundbreaking project. The official launch is scheduled for later