Artique, Ltd. [logo]Artique, Ltd.

After 45 years, Artique, Ltd. is now closed.

Dear ANCHORAGE,

What an incredible ride we have had together beginning in 1971. You're the BEST! Our extraordinary partnership with art and community for the last 45 years is well worth CELEBRATING.

As a glorious era in Alaska unfolded, Artique Ltd. became the first gallery in Alaska to represent artists in the marketing of their work. We loved being part of the unbridled, indomitable "Alaska Spirit". What an exciting time it was! Our very talented Artique artists were joined in special exhibits by noted artists Jamie Wyeth, Yasu Eguchi, Barbara Wood, Millard Sheets, Nita Engle and Dale Chihuly, which added to the growing Northern art scene. In 1983, an invitation from Senator Ted and Catherine Stevens, to curate a major Alaska art exhibit in Washington D.C. in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Senate Passage of the Alaska Statehood Act was unquestionably a highlight for all Alaska artists. The Alaska Art Exhibit was shown in the Senate Russell Office Building and then moved to the Rotunda for public viewing.

Our Alaska business journey was definitely educational. We recovered from the Central Building fire of 1985. We learned how to adjust to economic changes in the late 1980's as well as the recession in the early 1990's, including other bumps in the road along the way. We downsized to one gallery again, regrouped and floated to the top to steam through it all. We embraced and celebrated the new millennium, Alaska's 50th anniversary and Anchorage's 100th anniversary and some great projects in-between. Working together with community made for significant accomplishments and after 45 wonderful and successful years, now seems to be the right time for us to bid you a fond farewell.

Thank you to those community businesses who offered to lend us a hand during the tough times in the early years. Acts of kindness are never forgotten.

Thank you to our numerous supporters who have made it possible for our many talented artists to successfully live and work in Alaska for so many years.

Thank you to our community partners who helped accomplish our long time goal of making art available for the good of our community. We were able to use our publishing capabilities and large-project experience to work with numerous nonprofit organizations and programs in fundraising partnerships. Together we made a difference.

Thank you to our many business partners who invited our Corporate Design Services consultant to select significant art installations for the business environment. Alaska art provided new companies an opportunity to showcase their ties to Alaska and provide visual enjoyment to their clients around the world. It proved to be great exposure for our artists.

Thank you to all of our wholesale partners across the state who helped us exhibit Alaska art work to residents and tourists alike and spread the reputation of our artists. You are an exceptional group of people who will forever be our friends.

Thank you to EVERYONE for helping us to become "more than a gallery." Art Matters.

Most of all, thank you for 45 years of incredible memories!

With deep appreciation for your loyal friendship over all of our years,

Tennys Owens and your Artique family