Ursa Prints is owned and operated
by Rebecca + Joe Danon.
Rebecca is a graphic designer, photographer, and screen printer. She’s also a fourth generation Sitkan, a ukulele player, and a cloud-shape analyzer.
Joe is a design collaborator, business guru, cheese lover, and logistics wizard. As a former Coastie and current Air Force Reservist, he brings a unique insight into our Coast Guard series.
Although in recent years, family health matters required them to relocate to Spokane, WA, they still spend as much time as they can in Sitka, and have deep roots there. Together with their two kids, they enjoy exploring Baranof Island and Southeast Alaska while trying to capture the uniqueness of life there.
Ursa Prints strives to be as environmentally responsible as possible, and a portion of all sales go to fund carbon removal technologies. All energy used in design and production comes from renewable sources, their materials used are recycled when possible, and the prints are made with non-toxic, water based ink.
How did we get our name?
So glad you asked!
“Ursa” is the Latin word for “bear” with derivatives of the word being “Ursine” and “Ursus.” Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (meaning Great Bear and Little Bear) are both constellations in the night sky. Seven of Ursa Major’s stars make up the Big Dipper— one of the most prominent star groups of the night sky and a major component of the Alaska State flag. Ursus Arctos Sitkensis, is the Latin genus species for the Alaska ABC (Admiralty, Baranof, Chichagof) Island brown bear. This bear is genetically distinct and unique to Southeast Alaska.
We couldn’t think of a better inspiration to draw from for Ursa Prints than the amazing coastal brown bear that symbolize so much of Alaska.
…Plus we make prints, and so do bears! Yay word play!