Girdwood Arts Council
A community in Girdwood committed to nurturing Alaskan arts in a beautiful natural setting
Our Vision for the Arts in Girdwood
Vision: Girdwood is Alaska’s premier art center.
Mission: Be a catalyst for a wide range of arts.
Values: Operate with honesty and integrity. Fulfill our commitments. Treat people with dignity and respect.
Cultural Campaign: Foster a lively and inclusive arts community, establishing Girdwood as a hub for diverse artistic expression, building on and empowering the abundant talent and creativity across Alaska.
Capital Campaign: Work to provide the facilities and resources needed to nurture and expand Girdwood’s vibrant arts community.
History
Girdwood, Alaska, has a rich artistic history shaped by its stunning landscapes and vibrant community. Originally a mining town in the late 19th century, Girdwood transformed into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and artists by the 1970s, drawn to its breathtaking scenery.
The establishment of the Alyeska Resort boosted Girdwood’s profile, as ski enthusiasts and families came to enjoy the bounty of the mountain. These developments provided local artists with opportunities to showcase their work. A key cultural landmark is The Roundhouse Museum, a registered historic site that celebrates Girdwood’s mining heritage and the arts. Housed in a former ski patrol building, the museum features local art exhibits and serves as a hub for cultural events.
Community
Visit the businesses and attractions in Girdwood to enjoy the arts available for everyone to enjoy:
First Friday in Girdwood!
First Friday of Every Month – 5 – 8 pm | across Girdwood
Featuring local artists, artwork, live music, great food, drinks, and shopping!
Locations include:
Girdwood Center for Visual Arts, La Bodega, Alpenglow, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Jack Sprat, Girdwood Brewing Co., CoasT Pizza
Park and ride the shuttle! Link to Glacier Valley Transit Shuttle Schedule:
Glacier Valley Transit Bus Routes and Schedule
The arts in Girdwood are a vibrant reflection of the community, deeply intertwined with its unique spirit and values. Strong organizations, such as the Girdwood Center for Visual Arts, play a vital role in nurturing creativity and collaboration among residents. Events like the Girdwood Forest Fair showcase local talent and bring people together, while community paint nights and after-school art classes provide inclusive spaces for artistic expression.
Together, these initiatives foster a supportive environment where creativity thrives, making Girdwood a true haven for artists and art lovers alike.
Music
Girdwood boasts an exciting music scene that captures the essence of the community. Throughout the year, you’ll find talented musicians performing in various venues, bringing a diverse range of genres to life. From local bands to intimate acoustic sessions, Girdwood offers ample opportunities to enjoy live music and connect with fellow music lovers. This dynamic atmosphere makes it a perfect place for both artists and audiences to celebrate the joy of music together.
Public Art Locations
Key locations to explore include the Girdwood Center for Visual Arts, Alyeska Resort, Girdwood Elementary School, and the Health Clinic, as well as the Community Center and Library.
Outdoor installations can be found in the community garden boxes along Alyeska Highway, the Forest Fair grounds, and even under the Glacier Creek bridge. Local shops and restaurants, like Mother Hubbard’s Co. and Alpenglow Coffee, also feature unique artworks.
For a scenic experience, the bike path from Girdwood to Bird Valley showcases art, history, and information, making Girdwood a true celebration of local talent.
Visual Arts
Girdwood’s visual arts scene is vibrant and accessible, with art displayed both indoors and outdoors throughout the community. Galleries and shops showcase a diverse array of art, from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted goods, all created by community members with deep ties to the area.
These artists draw inspiration from Girdwood’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, creating a strong connection between their work and the community. Whether you’re a collector or a casual visitor, Girdwood offers a delightful opportunity to discover and support local talent.
Film
Girdwood offers a unique film experience that brings the community together through cinema. Enjoy drive-in movie nights hosted in partnership with the resort and Challenge Alaska, creating a nostalgic atmosphere under the stars. The Sitzmark Bar and Grill frequently showcases special films, providing a cozy setting for movie lovers to gather. Additionally, Boretide Deli and Bar has hosted special showings, further enriching the local film scene.
Meet the team
We are a group of volunteers passionate about the arts and promoting art education and culture.
Jennifer McCombs
Executive Director
Jennifer McCombs is an artist, entrepreneur, and Executive Director based in Girdwood, Alaska, with over 15 years of experience in hospitality and community leadership. As Chair of the Girdwood Art Council, Executive Director of the Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum, and business owner, she blends business expertise with a passion for the arts.
Nico Honegger
Operations Director
With a passion for the arts and a strong belief in Girdwood as a catalyst for creativity, Nico brings a background in operations and program management to the Arts Committee. Committed to enhancing our community’s artistic landscape, Nico works to ensure our project operates smoothly, transforming our vision into reality by guiding our initiatives from concept to completion.
John Rense
Strategic Advisor
John has widespread experience in both profit and non-profits spanning tourism, natural resource and rural development. He has assisted in both the Little Bears and Clinic’s efforts to upgrade critical facilities.
Krystal Hoke
Member-at-large
Krystal Hoke is a full time resident and active community member. She has led several Girdwood nonprofits and serves on the local government housing and economic stability committee. She has worked on concepts for an art district, land for housing, and development of a new childcare center in Girdwood.
Amanda Thompson
Programs Director
A 3rd generation Alaskan from a family of builders and craftsmen, Amanda creates and educates in diverse settings around the 49th state. In her roles as painter, teacher, APC board secretary, and commissioner for the Mayor’s Arts Advisory Board, she is just as comfortable with dirt-floor festival booths as carpeted school board rooms. In her role as Programs Director she is looking forward to helping more people experience the deeply transformative power of art in the beautiful setting of Turnagain Arm.
Erika Schechter
Treasurer
Erika is a Girdwood resident, registered CPA, and Illinois-licensed attorney. She enjoys Girdwood’s strong community spirit and is excited to help promote and develop arts resources in the community
In grateful partnership with:
Fiscal Sponsor
The Girdwood Arts Council is supported, in part, by a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Arts District Proposal & Placemaking
Creating and curating a unique and memorable arts district located in Girdwood, and developing the creative economy in partnership with Project Anchorage.
Support
Your support helps ensure the arts in Girdwood flourish and last for generations to come.
Stay Informed
Join the creative wave and stay in the loop about Girdwood’s new art center. Let’s create something beautiful together.
