About Arctic Treasures Art Gallery
The Arctic Treasures Art Gallery in downtown Anchorage, Alaska was originally opened in 2005. In 2018, Iñupiat and ASRC Shareholder from Point Hope, Leon Kinneeveauk purchased the gallery. Arctic Treasures features authentic Alaska Native-made art from across the state, also offering online sales. Its mission is to share Alaska’s diverse cultures and history, while providing a place for artists to create and progress.
Leon’s path to business ownership is unique. He has a criminal history and while incarcerated, he ran the prison hobby shop and created his own art, seeing the positive impact in fellow prisoners’ lives from creating art and sending it back home. When he left prison, he became an Artist in Residence at Arctic Treasures Art Gallery, refining his ivory carving, jewelry, scrimshaw, and painting skills. Now as owner, Leon is leading the business as a social entrepreneur and innovator.
Leon also operates a nonprofit at the gallery – the Native Artist Alliance – a workspace where people can come together in a safe and sober environment to learn and create traditional Alaska Native art. It has provided a means for marginalized residents of Anchorage to produce art and financially support themselves. The program also provides access to clothing, meals, shower facilities, and social services.
AGC Services Provided
In 2018, Leon Kinneeveauk was one of the winners of Alaska Growth Capital’s North Slope Marketplace business plan competition. He received a business grant for website development and art purchases from North Slope region artists.
“Once one is capable of providing for oneself, then he or she is capable of impacting others and creating the environment for them to do the same.”