Taking a ferry to San Juan Island from Anacortes is a short,
but scenic way to begin your visit to the San Juan Islands. We sailed into Friday
Harbor for the day. There’s so much to see during a day trip, you might just miss
this gem.
Not far from the harbor you’ll encounter a gallery filled
with some of the most intriguing quality Native art outside of museums. The
collection of Arctic Raven Gallery includes Northwest Coast Indian masks,
jewelry, wood carvings and prints.
The art represents local peoples including the Coast Salish,
Kwaguilth, and Makah nations as well as the more northern Haida, Tlingit and
Tsimshian.
While the day trip from Anacortes, we stopped in to Arctic
Raven and realized we were in a special place with amazing collections. In one
corner was the stunning “Multiple Ravens” by Jason Hunt, a mask-headpiece with
intricate carving that brought the layered ravens to life.
At the price of $12,000, we thought the mask should be left for the serious collector.
At the price of $12,000, we thought the mask should be left for the serious collector.
I was drawn to Greg Henderson’s (Weiwaikum) colorful “Box of
Treasures,” a yellow cedar box with a serious eagle perched on top. ($1,800).
If you have traveled in Alaska, British Columbia or the
Pacific Northwest, you may have had the opportunity to visit Native cultural
centers or museums to see the native art of the local people. If you ever have
the chance to see a ceremony such as a pole raising or a social dance in full
regalia, you will begin to understand and recognize the symbolism depicted in
pieces such as found in this gallery. The symbols are part of the culture and
heritage of the Northwest. You’ll find the staff at the gallery knowledgeable
and well-connected to the Native artists.
I suggest that visitors stop in to see the collections at
the Arctic Raven Gallery. They have sterling jewelry, more inexpensive items
suitable for souvenirs and two stories of amazing Northwest coast and Arctic
Native art. You might just be enticed to start your own collection.
More Information
130 1st St S
Friday Harbor, Washington
(360) 378-3433
Friday Harbor, Washington
(360) 378-3433
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