Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Kara Kirkpatrick
Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell
For nearly two decades, Kara Kirkpatrick has been a steady and generous force in Anchorage’s art community. Born in Anchorage and raised in Palmer, Kara grew up in a close-knit, small-town environment that shaped her deep appreciation for connection, creativity, and showing up for one another. After moving back to Anchorage in the mid-90s, she worked for over 15 years at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, where she experienced firsthand what it looks like to build community through shared space, trust, and collaboration.
In 2002, Kara co-founded Dos Manos Gallery alongside her business partner, Stephanie Johnson. What began as a leap of faith quickly became a cornerstone of Spenard’s creative ecosystem. Today, Dos Manos features work from roughly 120 artists and has earned a reputation as a welcoming and accessible space for both emerging and established creators. From the beginning, Kara was intentional about creating a gallery that felt safe, supportive, and approachable, especially for artists who hadn’t yet found their footing in the art world.
Kara’s philosophy is simple but powerful: a rising tide lifts all boats. She believes there is room for everyone to succeed, and that collaboration, not competition, is what allows creative communities to thrive. This belief carried Dos Manos through one of its most challenging chapters during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Kara ran the gallery largely on her own, hustling sales through phone calls, social media, and curbside exchanges. The overwhelming support from the community during that time reaffirmed what she had always known, Dos Manos isn’t just a store; it is something people deeply care about.
What Kara loves most about her work is the art itself, organizing it, displaying it, and telling the stories behind it. She speaks with gratitude about the trust artists place in her and finds joy in helping their work shine. Despite her success, she remains grounded and humble, emphasizing that life and art don’t need to be taken too seriously. “Stay humble, laugh at yourself, and keep going,” she says, a mindset that has guided her both personally and professionally.
As Dos Manos approaches its 20th anniversary, Kara is focused on the future: expanding community events, hosting artist meet-and-greets, and continuing to uplift Alaska’s creative community during an uncertain economic time. Her advice to young women is clear and encouraging: jump into your passions headfirst, don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t let anyone convince you that there isn’t room for you. Kara Kirkpatrick is living proof that when you lead with heart, community follows.