Alaska is home to vibrant and talented artists. These artists bring real Alaska arts and crafts to high-end customers the world over. From the top of the world in Barrow to its farthest points in the east, west and south, Alaskans' generate a diverse array of arts and crafts.
Artists today still make fur coats and shoes, diamond willow walking sticks, paintings, ivory carvings, carved walrus tusks, and even mammoth or mastodon carvings. To make sure the product is authentic, look for the “Made in Alaska” or “Silver Hand” emblems placed on the products.
To find more information on artisan businesses or manufacturers of Alaskan made products, visit websites for the Made In Alaska, Silver Hand, or Buy Alaska programs. These sites list and provide links to many Alaskan businesses. You may also find unique Alaska artists through the Alaska Native Arts Foundation.
Marketing information provided through Made in Alaska and Silver Hand programs are posted on their websites. Follow the links provided below for more information:
Most arts and crafts events and shows are primarily schedule during the beautiful Alaska summer. Trade shows and events scheduled throughout the year are listed on the Made In Alaska website. You may download the Calendar of Events by clicking here.
Alaska Wildlife: Some Native Alaska arts and crafts use fur, bone or other parts from animals managed by federal law. Sale is permissible under certain conditions. For a guide to exporting products made from wildlife, see the U.S Fish & Wildlife publication, A Customs Guide to Alaska Native Arts.
U.S. export officials strongly advise international buyers carry documentation of the exact origin of the wildlife used in Native arts when returning home with their purchases. Click here for online information on documentation. This is good advice even if export of the product is unrestricted. International trade of animal parts and product must be recorded upon import and export, and may be governed under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Governmental agencies referenced and listed on this page will help you access the forms and/or papers needed to export commercial and private products. These agencies help to understand the laws by the United States and the State of Alaska.
The Governor's Office of International Trade is the state's lead agency in developing international trade.
The Alaska Division of Economic Development is a good first stop for navigating your way through Alaska's business and regulatory environment.
The Alaska Export Assistance Center is the US Department of Commerce's technical assistance service for exporting businesses.
The Alaska World Trade Center is a leading conveyor of international business activity on behalf of Alaska businesses and global partners.