Today Kindred Post announced the ten winners of their statewide postcard art contest. Each of the 10 top finalists picked by judges from all over Alaska will receive $100 and have their work printed on 1000 postcards to be featured at Kindred Post. This year we included a public voting portion between the 10 finalists where 3 winners were picked by the community. The top three finalists receive various cash prizes, KP swag, and more!

The contest winners were chosen from nearly 70 submissions from across the state. Selections are made by a panel of judges composed by community members. This year's judges included Lance (X̱’unei) A. Twitchell, June Pardue, Mariano Gonzales, and Bonilyn Parker. 

The art depicted in the submissions represented a diversity of mediums as well as identities. “This contest is so fun and interesting because it gives us a chance to see how a wide range of people are experiencing Alaska,” says Kindred Post owner Tressa Furner.  “There were many different ages, worldviews and mediums present in these submissions - we were very impressed with the work and are excited for these to be sent all over the world.”

Tens of thousands of postcards are sent from Kindred Post, a post office and gift shop, each year. “I love that we have the opportunity to represent a larger picture of Alaska to our many visitors,” Furner says.

2024 Statewide Postcard Art Contest winners:

"Curiosities of Alaska" by Junnie Chup, an Alaskan artist who loves painting landscapes with different mediums. (1st place winner)

"Choir of Herring" by Christine Kleinhenz, who lives and plays in Juneau, Alaska where she and her family explore the natural surroundings to find inspiration for her art. (2nd place winner) 

"Kindred Post" by Rick Kauzlarich, a multidisciplinary artist who is currently based in his hometown Juneau. He encompasses the realms of painting and more recently, digital art. (3rd place winner)

"I Woke Up Like This #aplineglow" by Xochiyollotl, a mixed media artist from Homer, AK. 

"Bus Stop" by Kathryn Gray, a studying illustrator living in Juneau, Alaska who takes inspiration from their queer identity, passion for sequential arts and her home to explore the world around them.

“Porcupine Dreams" by Juliana Cornett, a self-taught artist who moved to Juenau after acquiring a master's in marine science. 

"Alaska is a Dream" by MK Repetski, an artist who lives on Dena'ina lands and is inspired by the plants on the land and our relationship with them.

"Freerange Alaskan" by Cynthia Lagoudakis, a printmaker, painter, and photographer, sharing my patch oios.com forest by the sea with creatures great and small.

"Alaskan Scenes" by Gizmo Skaggs, a digital art creator that enjoys using their art to help people through life changes. 

"Berries & Contrasts" by Rosie Frankowski, a self-taught artist inspired by the light and natural space of Alaska and beyond. 

Postcards will be available for sale individually and as a set in June at their storefront at 145 South Franklin in Juneau and online at www.thekindredpostshop.com. 

About Kindred Post

Kindred Post is a post office, gift shop, and gathering space rooted in connection. We strive to cultivate a sense of belonging in our neighborhood and beyond. We put art at the center of our work because we believe in the power of artists to tell our stories, bring people together, and lead positive social change. 

To learn more about Kindred Post, visit www.thekindredpostshop.com

This is Glo! 🎨✨

Glo is a curious creative and small business owner originally from Puerto Rico, now flourishing in Lingít Aani. She aspires to uplight and empower through her creations by inspiring others to embrace their true selves and find joy in the small moments.

-Who are you? What do you do? (Artist Bio)

I am a curious creative and small business owner born and raised in the enchanting island of  Puerto Rico and have been lucky to be a guest on Lingít Aani where I live, learn, explore, and create. Through my art, I aim to create pieces that uplift and empower, encouraging others to showcase their true selves and find joy in every moment.

-Who/what inspires you? 

Honestly, anything and everything! Whether it's the people I meet, the places I explore, the conversations I have, or the emotions I feel – they're all sparks for my creativity. I know it might sound like a cliché, but it's the truth. The artworks that stick with people are the ones that come straight from these genuine sources of inspiration. Whenever I've tried to make something just because I thought it would be popular or look good on someone's wall, it never quite hits the mark. That's why I've decided to always create from the heart.

-What is your favorite moment in the process?

I absolutely love every aspect of it – it's like being caught up in an enchanting whirlwind! 

Each phase holds its own kind of magic. There's something incredibly fulfilling about each stage, to the extent that I often feel a bit lost in between projects.

-What is a trick of your trade or a piece of advice for artists in your medium(s)? 

Stay curious, never stop asking questions, and explore as many techniques and mediums as you can. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. The world of art is incredibly diverse, and by experimenting, you'll discover what truly resonates with you.

-What’s next?

My focus is on continuous creation, growing my business and brand, and diving into more artistic adventures. I've got some really exciting plans in the works! One is a super fun and colorful Little Monster show that's sure to bring joy. And I'm also working on something close to my heart—a journey through my experiences in the Diaspora. It's a blend of my time in Juneau with my Puerto Rican heritage, reflecting on how these parts of my identity have shaped me.

-Is there anything you would like promoted specifically? 

You can connect with me on social media:

Instagram: @gloinkpr

Facebook: Gloink

Website: www.gloinkpr.com

Additionally, I'm part of the @headsinthecloudscollective, where I offer workshops. My last workshop for this season is on May 4th, where participants can bring their furry friends and join us in creating art together.

Submissions open: March 12 through April 19, 2024

We’re so excited you’re here!

Enter for a chance to get your art out there! We have hundreds of thousands of people come through our doors each year, and we want to support you and your art. In the format of a postcard, your art could be seen and mailed all over the world!

We are looking for ANY type of artwork that can be printed on postcards. A drawing, or print you've done, a photograph of a fat bear, a photograph of a 3-dimensional work of art you've done, a photoshopped image of you in a prom dress and xtra tuffs, running with wolves under the northern lights, you do you!

2024 Theme - My Alaska 

What does Alaska mean to you? Reflect on your personal connection to Alaska - think of experiences, food, landscapes, struggles, wildlife, communities, and anything that represents what Alaska means to you. Get weird, get creative! 

Your work doesn't have to say Alaska to everybody, but it should say Alaska to you.

Winners receive: 

+ 10 winners chosen by judges will receive $100 dollars, 10 of their postcards, and have 1,000 printed postcards in the shop (non-exclusive rights)

+ 1st place by popular public vote will receive $350 Cash, $100 KP gift card, KP swag, and a social media feature

+ 2nd place by popular public vote will receive $200 cash, $50 KP gift card, KP notebook 

+ 3rd place by popular public vote will receive $150 cash, $25 KP gift card

Thank you for entering Kindred Post’s fourth statewide postcard contest!

****** D E T A I L S ******

+ All submitted art must be owned by and original to you (no AI-generated art) 

+ Artists may submit two (2) pieces of work for consideration

+ Contest is open to all Alaskans or those who have a strong connection to Alaska

+ There will be an adult category (18 and over) and a youth category (under 18)

+ There is no submission fee.

+ If selected, we ask for non-exclusive rights to your design. This means we'll print it on postcards, but it still belongs to you! 😘

+ Postcard dimensions are 5.5" x 4.25". We'll handle final layout/design work, but please submit work that will nicely fit to this size.

+ In commitment to social justice, a preference is also given to artists who self-identify as a person of color, women or non-binary, LGBTQ2+, or a person with a disability. 

+ We're a post office; no vulgarity or nudity please

+ The deadline to submit is Monday, April 19th at midnight AKDT

+ We will loudly and proudly announce the winners in May

+ Submission form

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail us at [email protected]

****Thank you for your interest. At this time the following positions have been filled. If you're interested in employment at KP in the future, we will still happily take your resume. Please send all info to [email protected]****

Come join our team! At Kindred Post, we foster connection between art and community in order to cultivate a sense of belonging in our neighborhood and beyond. We’re a creative, quirky workplace rooted in art, community, and social justice. And we care very much about the people who work with us! Our team is fun, friendly, and hard-working - with each person making their unique mark on this big, beautiful world. Retail experience is not necessary; we are happy to train the right people! We can't wait to meet you!

FEBRUARY 2024 - WE'RE HIRING FOR THE SUMMER SEASON (MAY-SEP)

Retail Specialist

This full-time or part-time position assists in the general operations of Kindred Post. This position carries out basic duties in retail transactions, product management, sales, and event staffing. Their experience also enables them to assist with curating and ordering, as well as styling photos for media use as well. Candidate must possess ability to provide excellent customer service, pay attention to detail, work effectively and efficiently in a busy atmosphere, and have fun! Pay starts a $16/hour DOE.

Full position description here: Retail Specialist Starting at $16/hr

Seasonal Retail Support Staff 

-Who are you? What do you do? 

I am a watercolorist, Alaskan born and raised, whose creativity has been nurtured by Alaska's landscapes throughout my life. Initially drawn to watercolor's expressive spontaneity and stubbornness, I have continued to develop my creative vision and deepen my relationship to the medium by following my inspiration throughout Alaska.

My collaborative relationship with watercolor conjured the spirit of a landscape, and invokes a universal nostalgia that inspires reciprocity and a deeper connection to nature. I seek the quiet, nuanced beauty of simplicity and softness that is often overlooking and under-appreciated amongst the grandiose and obvious. My work is a reflection of the infinite, intangible, and ethereal qualities of the natural world

-Who/what inspires you? 
I am inspired by the incredible works of Sidney Laurence, David Rosenthal, Byron Birdsall, and most importantly, Mother Nature.

-What is your favorite moment in the process?
I love looking at a landscape, dissecting the colors and shadows that my eye sees and imagining what subtle washes of color I could use to capture the scene and the feeling of being in that moment. In the final stages of a piece, painting the last few layers of washes and the little details brings it to life and transports me back to experiencing the landscape.

-What is a trick of your trade or a piece of advice for artists in your medium(s)? 
Watercolor is, unfortunately, one of those mediums where the quality of the materials and tools can make the medium more or less difficult depending on your skill level, which can really add up in cost. Natural hair brushes (kolinsky sable, or squirrel hair for a more affordable option) hold more water than synthetic, for example, and quality paper allows pigment to flow more evenly vs inexpensive paper that tends to look splotchy. Don't underestimate what you can do with just one or two good brushes and three colors!

-What’s next?
December First Friday at Dos Manos in Anchorage
June First Friday at Resurrect Art in Seward
My longer term goals and daydreams include building a studio and hosting workshops

-Where can we find you?
Instagram: @robinfarmer
Website: robinfarmer.com
Facebook: Robin Farmer Art

I have work available in Fairbanks at Lichen Living, Venue, 2 Street Gallery, and The Bear Gallery
In Anchorage at Dos Manos, Alaska Botanical Garden, and Hoarding Marmot
In Seward at Resurrect Art
In Homer at Fleet & Flagship
And of course in Juneau at Kindred Post!

Thanks for reading!