Bringing the Community Together through Art!

10th annual Coeur d’Alene Artists Studio Tour returns this August By Jillian Chandler

"I believe in the power of connection, education and community. These entities can propel us toward a more joyful life, if only we seek them out.” - Kathy Gale, impressionist painter and co-founder of the Coeur d’Alene Artists Studio Tour

The last weekend of August, you won’t want to miss out on attending the Coeur d’Alene Artists Studio Tour. 2022 marks the 10th year of the tour, presented by the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance, and is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, 10am to 5pm both days. Free to the public, this is your opportunity to experience the creative process firsthand.

The studio tour affords the community the opportunity to visit 17 working studios of painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, glass artists and textile artists, from Hayden to Coeur d’Alene and into Post Falls. More than 40 artists will be showing and discussing their work, often while working on new pieces and demonstrating their unique style. “The studio tour is the rare opportunity for artists or enthusiasts, of any age, to see art being created and to meet the artists creating it,” shares Steven Shortridge, world-renowned painter and writer, who will be featured at Kevin and Patti Jester’s studio and exquisite garden. “It’s not magic, it’s passionate work. Come and see!”

Opt for the VIP Shuttle Tour, which is $50 per person each day. “It includes a lovely catered lunch in one of the studio gardens, bottomless mimosas, transportation for the group to each studio—half on Saturday and the other half on Sunday (though you do not have to do both days)—and a tour guide who gives insights into each of the artists prior to the visit,” says Ali Shute, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.

This year, with the goal of making art affordable for everyone, each participating artist will be creating a unique 6x6-inch piece of original art to sell for $95.

Prior to the tour, from August 12 through 19, there will be a preview exhibit at the Human Rights Education Institute, where each artist will be displaying a piece of art representing their style of work. That Friday evening, August 19, from 6 to 8 pm, is the preview reception. “This is a chance to meet the artists, pick up information about the tour the following weekend, and enjoy an evening of art and music with a live band,” says Ali. Appetizers will be included, along with a no-host bar.

Additional information, along with the list of participating studios and tour map, can be found online at ArtsandCultureCdA.org/artists-studio-tour. Studio Tour maps are currently available at the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

Tips for the Tour:

• Reach out. Artists appreciate conversing with people interested in their art and practice.

• Bring questions. Consider asking about sources of inspiration, artistic processes and techniques, and maybe the artist's intentions.

• Ask first. Be sure to ask before taking photos of an artist's work and before posting anything on social media. If there is a piece of art you’re interested in, ask if it's for sale!