Promoting the arts in Interior Alaska since 1966
Bear Gallery is closed for the month of January as we prepare for our upcoming February exhibition. We reopen Friday, February 6, for our first First Friday of the year, featuring a joint exhibition by Olena Ellis and Maïté Agopian. Working across ceramic, shadow theater, and mixed media, the artists explore themes of transformation, memory, and inner landscapes. More details coming soon.
On the longest night of the year, writers and listeners gather beneath Velvet Skies to share words, stories, and creative expression. This solstice reading celebrates winter, imagination, and the quiet power of community through poetry, prose, and performance. Readers are invited to bring work that reflects the theme or speaks to the season, while audiences are welcome to simply listen, enjoy, and take in the magic of the night.
A community celebration of creativity featuring recent works by Fairbanks Arts members, alongside an expanded holiday gift shop showcasing handcrafted goods by local artists.
Over 50 artists & artisans will share a wide array of handmade goods, from accessories to functional art, clothing, original artwork, and more! Come out and shop with local artisans on Small Business Saturday and celebrate handmade by bringing home unique, personal gifts.
In addition to shopping for the perfect gift, while supporting local, guests can enjoy opportunities to craft community through supporting Fairbanks Arts, getting to know area organizations, and participating in the family-oriented activities listed below! CHECK OUT THE DIGITAL PROGRAM for the full listing of vendors and activities for the day!
Throughout Handmade Holiday Market, students and educators from these high school music departments will be raising funds– here’s how you can support music education:
Check your coat as soon as you arrive! West Valley High School’s band will be managing the event’s coat check in the lobby so you can explore the Market comfortably!
Stop by the 3rd-floor cafe for food and beverages! Grab an Italian soda, hot chocolate, small concessions (chips, etc.), nachos, pretzels, chili, and more– get your snacks while supporting a great cause!
Enjoy performances by student ensembles throughout the day in the Exhibit Hall– make sure to leave these talented students a tip after their performances to support their music programs!
Stop by their 2nd-floor craft table fundraiser to grab a handmade gift!
All proceeds raised from these efforts benefit the band, choir, and orchestra programs of West Valley High School and Lathrop High School.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tanana Valley Railroad Museum
Complimentary train rides and visits with Santa.
12–12:30 p.m. & 1–1:30 p.m.
Stars of Gold Readers
Location: 3rd Floor Exhibit Hall, AKCCA
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stars of Gold Readers & North Star Imagination Library
Location: 3rd Floor Exhibit Hall, AKCCA
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Folk School Cabin (behind the AKCCA)
Featuring original prints from local artists.
Showtimes: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Location: Theatre, AKCCA
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
3–3:30 p.m.
Main entrance of Pioneer Park
Here are ways you can support your community arts organization, Fairbanks Arts Association, and other local nonprofit organizations!
Visit Fairbanks Arts’ welcome table at the Market and
Enjoy a festive, new Fairbanks Arts fundraiser, the ArtisTree!
During the Handmade Holiday Market, Fairbanks Arts’ Bear Gallery (located on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts) will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for the current exhibition, Behold the Cup.
Head up to the Bear Gallery to enjoy this exhibition and the Gift Shop, which features original works by various local artists, including literature, cards, prints, pottery, apparel, jewelry and accessories, children’s items, and other artworks! By supporting works featured in the gift shop and gallery, you support local artists and Fairbanks Arts Association. Entry to the gallery is FREE and open to the public.
Each year, Fairbanks Arts invites a community nonprofit to be our featured ComuniTree organization. This is a space at the Market where you can learn about different resources in our community and learn how you can contribute to a great cause.
We are pleased to share that the 2025 featured CommuniTree organization is:
The Fairbanks Community Food Bank
About Fairbanks Arts:
Fairbanks Arts Association is a nonprofit local arts agency promoting contemporary and traditional arts in Interior Alaska since 1966– we operate with the understanding that the arts are a crucial facet of community health. We seek to enhance lives by offering quality, accessible arts experiences and connecting others to build community success. We work with businesses and affiliate members to foster a vibrant arts community and offer visual, literary, performing, and arts education programming, and serve as a resource to artists, arts organizations, and arts participants. Fairbanks Arts will celebrate 60 years of service through the arts in 2026!
Fairbanks Arts’ programs are made possible in part by support from the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska State Council on the Arts, Emerald Isle, the Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Mt. McKinley Bank, and individual and corporate donors.
Fairbanks Arts is your local arts council, and its mission-driven work is not possible without the support of our individual, affiliate, and corporate members and donors. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved with supporting Fairbanks Arts today!
If you have questions about the Handmade Holiday Market, please contact events@fairbanksarts.org or (907) 251-8386 ext. 4.
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