Ketchikan Arts & Humanities Council (KAAHC) is the powerhouse of Ketchikan’s arts community; if there’s an arts event in Ketchikan, this organization is on it! Located at the Main Street Gallery, KAAHC produces dozens of art events annually, such as summer’s Blueberry Arts Festival and February’s famous Wearable Arts Show. These events give local artists the opportunity to showcase their unique talents, whether by gracing the dance stage, hosting an arts booth at one of the festivals, or strutting their wearable art creations down the runway.
The Main Street Gallery is one of Alaska’s finest art galleries. It’s set in a beautiful space with high ceilings, old growth hemlock floors, and bright, professionally lit white walls, which provide the perfect backdrop for local artists. The gallery features paintings, sketches, photography, sculptures, fiber arts, and more.
And on the first Friday of the month, the Main Street Gallery is the place to be. Ketchikanites gather to honor the latest works of local artists, to socialize, and to enjoy homemade snacks and treats.
The gallery is also home to a variety of other Ketchikan community get-togethers. Every second Friday of the month, square dancers stomp, twirl, and holler across the gallery’s floor to caller Halli Kenoyer, with live music from local bluegrass band The Free Radicals. Jitterbug, two-step, and waltz more your thing? The Boomball Dance Hall occurs every third Monday, with lessons from local artist Evon Zerbetz!
If You’re a Ketchikanite
Volunteer, become a member, apply for a show, or empty your wallet for a good cause!
If You’re Just Visiting
Walk a couple blocks to Main Street in downtown Ketchikan and head up the hill toward the purple and white building at 330 Main Street. Say hello to the KAAHC ladies—Kathleen, Anita, and Marni. You may even meet KAAHC’s Art Dog and Greeter, Calamity Jane.
KAAHC and The Main Street Gallery are open Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm and Saturday 11 am–3 pm. Gallery exhibit openings, which are always free, are held from 5–7 pm the first Friday of every month.
