February News & Featured Artists

There is so much to celebrate in February! Love is in the air, sunlight is returning, and the gallery is full of items to keep you warm and warm the hearts of those you love. Come in and see our selection of Valentine's cards, hearts, jewelry and gifts for your sweetheart. We also have plenty of hats and mittens for these cold winter days, and cheerful dresses and lightweight jackets for your next warm weather escape.

This month we are excited to feature three amazing artists. Polly Lewis is a fiber artist extraordinaire known for her beautiful handbags, pins, cuffs and cellphone holders made from antique kimono fabric. The detail and color are simply breathtaking.

Painter Mark McDermott grew up on the East Coast and migrated to Alaska permanently in 1977. His original watercolors are fascinating and capture the landscapes of Alaska perfectly. His world travels have also influenced his work, and he was a 2011 Artist in Residence at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Deborah Deal is known for her spectacular glass work. Whether a glass slipper or a bouquet of wildflowers, her work will be sparkling in a window, tabletop or custom niche! As an artist, she is a delight to work with and is consistently striving to improve. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind delight!

Our February non-profit is Hope Community Resources. Established in 1967, Hope Community Resources is now Alaska's largest provider of services for individuals who experience a developmental disability. Today, they support over 700 children, adults and their families throughout seven regional areas: Anchorage, Barrow, Dillingham, Juneau, Kodiak, Seward and Wasilla. Anchorage is Hope's largest regional operation, actively serving 447 people. 2 Friends Gallery will match your donation to this very worthy organization!

January First Friday & Post Holiday Sale

2 Friends is kicking off 2018 with two featured artists for First Friday, and a big post holiday sale to help make room for our latest finds. Join us this First Friday from 5-7 pm and take in the beautiful works of painter Vladimir Zhikhartsev and clay artist Michael Anderson.

Vladimir Zhikhartsev came from Providenijya, Russia in 1996 to carve ice. His formal education was in Russia, but for the past 22 years he has been teaching and working from his home studio in Fairbanks. Vladimir continues to participate and judge ice art competitions all around the world. He is also the current president of the Fairbanks Watercolor Society. We are beyond excited to show his paintings in the gallery and think you will absolutely fall in love with his gorgeous work!

Bird Vessel by Michael Anderson

If you haven't seen Michael Anderson's large installations around Alaska or the lower 48, hopefully you've seen his magnificent Alaska motif pottery here in the gallery. For the month of January we will be featuring his work, including birds, sea life, mugs and urns. From small bowls to large, lidded vessels, each brilliantly original piece will delight you!

Don't miss our fabulous post holiday sale, which includes:

All clothing: 30% off  (including already marked down items)
Holiday items: 60% off
Hats: 30% off
Alaska Native art: 30% off
Misc. items: 50 -75% off

Our January non-profit is the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America. One of the greatest philanthropic organizations in the world is Shriners Hospital for Children. The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America plays a big part in supporting this philanthropy. Our local chapter has worked tirelessly since 1969 for Alaska kids. Most of the money raised is used to transport kids along with a parent or guardian from Anchorage to Shriners Outreach Clinics or a Shriners Hospital for treatment. Children are treated regardless of the family's ability to pay.

Their annual silent/live auction event will be held on March 3, 2018 at the Al Aska Shrine building, located at 1930 E. Northern Lights Blvd. They will be having a Hawaiian theme this year. 2 Friends Gallery usually buys a table and we know it to be a fantastic event. Please consider donating auction items, and attending the event if you are able. To offer assistance or purchase tickets call Clara King at 227-8412 or e-mail her at princessone@ak.net. Hope to see you there!

December First Friday & Holiday Shopping

It's the most wonderful time of the year: time to fully immerse ourselves in holiday merriment! This First Friday, December 1, from 5 - 7,  2 Friends will feature the outstanding choir from Tudor Elementary School, along with cookies and hot cider to keep you warm and sated for your holiday shopping.

Through the Anchorage School District, schools partner with local business to help community understanding and school/community relationships. 2 Friends Gallery works to meet the needs of Tudor Elementary through book drives, clothing drives and hands on help in the school. We're delighted to welcome the chorus into the gallery for the holidays!

In addition to the live music, you will find plenty to inspire holiday cheer at 2 Friends this month. We're featuring gorgeous Ayala Bar jewelry from Israel, Isolde Gibson's latest owl creations, Bill Campbell pottery, whimsical glass plates by Solveig Studios, and charming and unique kimono hair clips. The gallery is also full of items to help you trim your tree in style and bring a festive air to your home. We have ornaments that range from silly to elegant, from woodland creatures to unicorns, to delicate glass bobbles. Don't miss the old fashioned stockings, dyed wood shaving wreathes, and holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list.

We're open extended hours through Christmas:

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 7 pm
Saturday:  10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm

We will be closed December 25 - January 4.

The entire staff sends you their Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday greetings and best wishes for the New Year! Thank you for shopping small business. We hope we can help make your holidays just a bit more magical!

November First Friday

This is a First Friday for animal lovers!  Please join us on Friday, November 3, from 4-7 pm as we celebrate with noted Alaska photographer David Jensen. David and his dog Layla will be on hand with all four of his books, including his two latest: Puppy Me Love and Paws on the Trail.

November also heralds the beginning of the holiday season at the gallery, and we are ready to help you get into the spirit with new ornaments, holiday clothing, hats, gloves, mistletoe and much more! Chanukah begins on December 12th, and we have lovely menorahs, candles, gelt, dreidels and plenty of gift ideas to make this year special.

Our November non-profit is Tudor Elementary School. Over the last 2 years we have had a successful book drive for their library, raised money for field trips and collected winter gear for their students. The Tudor Elementary choir will be performing at the gallery this holiday season. This year we will once again be providing winter gear for their students.

We are excited to welcome this season of joy, community, and giving. Despite the hustle and bustle of the season, we hope you find a moment or two to reflect on your blessings, and give what you can to those who in need.

October Happenings

For our featured artist in October we are proud to host a one-woman show of whimsical ceramic sculptures by longtime local artist Gina Hollomon. For the first time in many years Gina has been back working in her studio, and we're beyond delighted to show you her latest work!

Also new in the gallery this month is a fresh selection of clothing and accessories that are just right for the shifting seasons. We have coats, sweaters, layering pieces, scarves, and jewelry to help you greet the cooler weather in style.

Our non-profit for October is the Anchorage Concert Association. Founded in 1950 by a group of classical music enthusiasts, its goal was to bringing the finest classical musicians to perform for the people of Anchorage. Today, their purpose includes presenting internationally acclaimed artists from the entire spectrum of the performing arts in Alaska. The ACA's public performances and outreach activities entertain, uplift, educate and inspire audiences, students, and local artists. Please support the arts!

September First Friday

This First Friday, 2 Friends welcomes three new friends to the gallery! Join us on Friday, September 1, from 5 - 7 pm for First Friday, featuring artists Eleanor McMahon, Karmen Staveland, and Tamara Johannes.

Eleanor McMahon is best known for her oil landscapes of Day Harbor, a remote coastal wilderness in Kenai Fjords National Park. Eleanor's fascination with mountains, water, and the ever changing light has kept her out in the cold wind for many summers.

Karmen Staveland

Tamara Johannes

An oil painter from Eagle River, Karmen Staveland has been exploring abstract ideas this past year. This group of paintings developed out of an emotional experience, and Karmen uses expressive brushwork, a palette knife, and rich color to share her thoughts and feelings.

Tamara Johannes is a multi-media artist who focuses most of her time on glass fusing. Her most recent works are something she calls "Glass on Glass Painting." Her process involves the use of old masters' techniques, including staining, etching, and masking with glass enamels in multiple layers. Pieces are then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. The process of adding and removing glass creates interesting layers and depth.

Other gallery highlights this month include a fresh selection of ivory carvings, new clothing by Effie's Heart, summer sale items, and some new merchandise coming in for the fall season.

The non-profit of the month for September is Hospice of Anchorage. Founded in 1980, Hospice of Anchorage is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization and a partner agency of the United Way of Anchorage. They are a community agency comprised of an interdisciplinary team – volunteers, nurses, social service coordinators, bereavement coordinators and chaplains – who provide assistance to meet the transition from life through death and to cope with loss and grief. All services are provided at no cost.

Happy end of summer! We hope you stop in to celebrate, and look forward to seeing you in the gallery as the weather starts to turn.

August First Friday

Please join us Friday, August 4 from 5 - 7 pm for First Friday, featuring artists Rod Weagant and Marianne Wieland.

Rod Weagant, who is known as a "painter's painter" has spent the last four decades combining plein air and studio painting to explore his passion for wild landscapes. His work reflects both his formal training as a painter, and his raw, emotional response to his environment.

Marianne Wieland is an Alaska painter who is also known for her plein air landscapes. She enjoys the challenge of working outside, within the limitations of constantly changing light and weather. We are excited to feature new works in oil by both artists.

A percentage of this month's proceeds will go to our featured August non-profit, The Alaska Zoo. The Alaska Zoo has provided a home for orphaned, injured and captive-born animals for over four decades. It is dedicated to promoting conservation of Arctic, sub-Arctic and like climate species through education, research and community enrichment. Be sure to contribute to our donation jar, and stop by for First Friday, where rumor has it you may have an opportunity to say hello to a visiting zoo animal!

July News & Our 8th Anniversary!

This month we are proud to feature the works of long-time Alaska artist Susan Pennewell Ellis. We have some of her newest Alaska nature scenes on display, depicted on an intimate scale. Expressive acrylic paintings on canvas depict landscape elements close to home. Kincaid Park, the coastal trail and local gardens are favorite subjects. Original paintings and giclée prints are available.

Our July non-profit is Clare House. Clare House provides emergency shelter for homeless women with children. Residents receive meals, mental health and substance abuse assistance, and help with finding affordable housing and other resources.

We are also celebrating our 8th Anniversary this July. Many thanks to our wonderful community of artists and customers. We are so grateful to all of you!

June First Friday

Join us this Friday, June 2 from 5-7 pm as we celebrate the art of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints and vintage kimono fabrics. We'll be featuring beautiful new works by artists Guitta Corey and Polly Lewis, along with spring rolls, fortune cookies and tea for your enjoyment.

Paper artist Guitta Corey has long been infatuated with Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, a love she had in common with the late artist Byron Birdsall. For the past 8 years Guitta and Byron shared shows at the Artique Gallery featuring images created in their own mediums based on these Japanese master works.

For each show they would select one image that they would both recreate, producing 2 different interpretations of the original Japanese piece. Each of Byron's watercolors would have Denali lovingly painted into the Japanese landscape. It was always fun to see how their creative visions were informed by the materials they were using.

Having planned this show as their first together at 2 Friends Gallery, Byron had already painted several pieces before he passed away in December. His family allowed Guitta to select one of these last, treasured paintings in order to continue their practice of recreating the same piece. This year, Guitta strayed from tradition in one detail; she included Denali in her piece as a heartfelt homage to a great artist and wonderful friend. Their pieces were inspired by Navaro Rapids by Hiroshigi.  2 Friends Gallery truly hopes you enjoy this incredible show!

Polly Lewis is an Anchorage artist known for her beautiful fiber art. She designs and creates fabulous jewelry, purses and smart phone cases using vintage kimono fabrics.

Our non-profit this month is the Alaska Botanical Garden. Be sure to donate to this wonderful organization, and then take an afternoon to wander its paths and enjoy its diverse gardens, or take a workshop and hone your horticultural skills.

Thanks for visiting 2 Friends. We look forward to seeing you in June!

May First Friday

Please join us this Friday, May 5th for First Friday! Artist Barbara Lavallee will be on hand to personalize her new book and 2018 calendar, as well as showcase several new, original watercolor paintings. Other featured art includes glass gardens by Debora Deal, contemporary leather bracelets by Carol Degnan, and silver and precious stone jewelry by Kate Goodell. We also have a fresh supply of distinctive wearable art, and plenty of other great ideas for Mother's Day.

Our non-profit for the month of May is the Anchorage Park Foundation. Don't forget to put a few dollars in the donation jar on the counter to help support this great organization, which does so much for our community. Whether you walk or bike on the trails, enjoy picnics at your local park or take your kids to your neighborhood playground, you are touched by the work of the Anchorage Park Foundation.

Thanks again for all your support at our grand reopening last month. What fun! We look forward to seeing you in May!