COEUR D’ALENE ART ASSOCIATION
T
he Coeur d’Alene Art Association believes “Art is for
everyone.” A 501(C)(7) not-for-profit community art club, they were
founded in 1961, incorporated in 1971, and are the cornerstone of
artists in CdA. This 75+ member organization is all-inclusive and
open to anyone interested in the fine (visual) arts.
“What makes this group unique is that we embrace artists of every
level,” says President and local artist Janet Launhardt. “Beginners
will find many resources and professionals can network with and
mentor other artists.” Within the format of a monthly meeting,
there are demonstrations, critiques, competitions, networking,
and education. The monthly meetings alternate time of day to
accommodate the schedules of both working artists and retired ones.
Always the third Thursday of each month, check the calendar to see
if the meeting time is 10:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. They have found a steady
meeting place the past six years at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at
the corner of 5th and Wallace.
“Each monthly meeting has a theme,” explained Launhardt. “Artists
are encouraged to participate and the members vote on the best
representation of the theme. At the end of the year, the artist with the
most monthly awards is named ‘Artist of the Year’ and featured in
our quarterly newsletter, Brushtalk.”
The benefits of membership are many. The Coeur d’Alene Art
Association rents a room, with a view from the street window, at the
Frame of Mind Gallery. Members display their art for sale, shifting
in three-month increments.
The other opportunities for members to show their art through this
association are the Coeur d’Alene Art Association booth at Art on
the Green; selected Artwalks in downtown CdA and at the Coeur
d’Alene Artist Showcase, which is a two-day event that takes over
Kootenai County Fairgrounds during the first weekend in May.
The artists’ reception is Friday evening, with appetizers and music;
Saturday and Sunday, artists interact with patrons and sell their
work.
Members have access to a library of books and videos, as well
as an equipment lending program to display art in shows. There
are impromptu workshops and field trips to attend. The goal of
this group is to encourage artists to participate, volunteer, and be
collaborative with each other. Visit their website and see their online
gallery of artists. http://www.coeurdaleneartassoc.org/gallery
One lucky North Idaho College student each year receives a $600
scholarship. Additionally, two board members of the Coeur d’Alene
Art Association belong to the Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture
Alliance.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE