BearTown Market provides venue for Kodiak artists, artisans

The BearTown Market featuring arts and crafts is open for business on the ground floor of the Kodiak Harbor Convention Center.

“It’s just a conglomerate of Alaskan artists, so everything is made here on island or Alaskan-made,” said Maggie Delleman, an organizer for the market. She sells plant-based skincare products and Sitka spruce essential oil. She’s one of about a dozen vendors who were at the market this Wednesday.

“We have enough room for 17 vendors down here in the Stellar Room in the entry foyer of the convention center, but we usually have at least 12,” said Delleman.

Vendors sell an array of products ranging from handcrafted jewelry to homemade jams and jellies.

Delleman says the market is important for local artists and artisans, like Natasha Zahn Pristis who sells botanically-themed prints and cards among other items.

“I do a lot of local themes. So, I love bright colors. I love botanicals. I love marine themes. And I just try to make things bright and happy, give a punch of color for a gray foggy days,” said Pristis.

“People really enjoy seeing Kodiak, seeing that aspect of Kodiak. And I think I love selling the prints and cards. People can take them home and immediately see a burst of color on their wall.”

The BearTown market is a daytime event. It follows the cruise ship schedule.