Alaska Railroad solicits 2026 official art print entries

Calling all artists! The Alaska Railroad (ARRC) is seeking entries for its annual commemorative artwork program by Friday, April 4, 2025. Established in 1979, the program helps participating artists gain exposure with a connection to a beloved icon of Alaska.

Each year, the ARRC commissions an artist to produce artwork that is the basis for a limited edition print, poster and lapel pin and other gifts and materials. The annual Alaska Railroad artwork is a favorite among rail fans and Alaska art collectors, and typically produces 250 signed and numbered prints and 2,500 posters, along with matching lapel pins.

For 2025, ARRC commissioned its official commemorative posters & prints with artist Scott Clendaniel, which will be for sale in early January 2025. Clendaniel’s piece, “Alaska Railroad Buddies,” depicts some of Alaska's favorite animals aboard a GoldStar coach.

This year, artist submissions must include an Alaska Railroad theme depicting an ARRC train along one of its iconic routes. Other details for submissions include a completed ARRC Annual Art Print Contest Artist Application, artist ideas that should be submitted as a sketch no larger than 11 x 17 inches. This is mandatory. To provide some style context, artists are encouraged to include a few examples of their finished artwork, as well as provide some information about your art experience, education and achievements (some artists opt to include a CV or resume).

Once a winning entry is selected, ARRC will commission the artist to create a final version serving as the basis for the railroad’s official 2026 commemorative print, poster and gift shop merchandise. ARRC retains all rights to the artwork from which ARRC will produce at least 250 signed and numbered prints, several thousand posters, several thousand lapel pins and other merchandise.

The winning artist will receive $5,000 and is provided 10 artist proofs and 20 posters. The artist agrees to participate in print/poster sale-and-signing events in Anchorage and in Fairbanks, as well as any additional events in communities, depending on the subject of the artwork.

For more information, please visit www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/community

For artists with questions, please contact Cat Clarke at 907-265-2671, or via email at ClarkeC@akrr.com

The railroad will notify the selected artist via telephone and by U.S. mail by mid-April 2025.