Community of artists

In recent years, several national publications have written about a quaint resort town located in North Idaho, which until these stories started appearing was a well-kept secret. Now Sandpoint is recognized by many as a year round resort destination located in a beautiful setting. But it is more than a place where skiing and water sports can be enjoyed. One of those qualities that seem to draw people here is a characteristic mentioned in nearly every publication written about this area – Sandpoint is an artists’ community.

In an article that ran last April, USA Today wrote that one of the qualities that makes Sandpoint so appealing is “the surprising wealth of art and cultural offerings,” adding that both visual and performing artists make their home in this North Idaho town.

So in a town that is full of artists who create their work in an incredibly beautiful and inspirational setting, it is with anticipation that many people look forward to the annual Artists’ Studio Tour – a self-guided tour that takes one beyond the outskirts of Sandpoint to visit some of the studios of these incredibly talented artists.

According to artist Sally Dennison, people are anxious to return each year to this event.

This year the Eighth Annual Artists’ Studio Tour will take place on the weekends of Aug. 13-15 and again on Aug. 20-22. It is an opportunity to not only see the diverse creations, but to also visit with those artists who created the paintings, pottery, glass, photographs, jewelry and more.

Do Verdier is a local photographer who is participating in the Artists’ Studio Tour for the third year. She said it is a great opportunity for her and the other artists to share with others what they do.

“I enjoy meeting the people and getting their reaction (to her work),” said Verdier. “The whole point about art is to have an impact on people so I really enjoy seeing how my art affects others.”

During the tour, visitors are able to watch the artists in action, ask questions and obtain firsthand the stories behind the creations.

There are 37 artists in all in this year’s tour – ten of whom are new. And because it is a self-guided tour, participants can map out their own schedule.

According to Dennison there are many unique and diverse creations that one may not expect to find in a typical art exhibit.

“We will have wood and metal sculpture by Bob Brinkerhoff, sculpture and vases by Dan Earle, mixed media (acrylics, watercolor, oils) by Lucy West and reclaimed and recycled woods by Rob Payne,” she said.