2025 ~ Art Print and Poster
Alaska Railroad Buddies is the Alaska Railroad's 2025 art print program release. The artwork is based on an original painting by Alaskan artist Scott Clendaniel. The artwork captures a lively trip by four of Alaska’s favorite animals aboard a GoldStar coach.
When asked how Clendaniel conceptualized the work he wrote “these anthropomorphic animals are depicted realistically but comically, acting like human passengers politely riding the train and having a great time. Denali looms in the window and the tail end of the train is easily visible from the domed windows, offering a clear view of the caboose.”
A long-time Alaskan, Scott moved to Anchorage at the age of seven. He credits his passion for artwork being sparked by his grandmother, who gave him an oil painting kit and encouraged him to capture Alaska’s beauty. The early inspiration led Scott to pursue a formal art education graduating from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in Fine Art. In 2006, Scott pursued his dream of creating oil paintings full-time and his wife joined him three years later, becoming the business manager for Real Art is Better.
More of Clendaniel’s art can be found at:
- https://www.instagram.com/realartisbetter/
- https://www.facebook.com/realartisbetter
- https://www.realartisbetter
The Alaska Railroad releases Alaska Railroad Buddies prints, posters and lapel pins in January 2025.
The public can reserve a limited edition art print by completing this form.
ANCHORAGE: Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at Anchorage Historic Depot (411 W. 1st Avenue)
- See and share Anchorage Event Flyer
FAIRBANKS: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
at the Fairbanks Depot (1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Road)
- See and share Fairbanks Event Flyer
During the Anchorage and Fairbanks events, the depot gift shops will be open to offer other items that feature the 2025 artwork along with other ARRC gifts and apparel. Following the signing events, prints, posters and pins will remain on sale at the Anchorage Historic Depot and the Fairbanks Depot, and may also be purchased online via the Alaska Railroad Gift Shop website at https://www.alaskarailroadgiftshop.com/. Signed and numbered prints cost $60, posters cost $35 and pins cost $7.95.
Renowned artist Jon Van Zyle produced the first official Alaska Railroad painting in 1979. Since then, the annual tradition has evolved into a popular collector’s item. A catalog of the railroad's annual artwork can be found here.
