COEUR d'ALENE - More than 400 artworks from 30 professional, emerging and beginning artists will be on display for public viewing at the 15th annual Artist Showcase.

The showcase, sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Art Association, runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today - with a celebratory reception from 5 to 8 p.m. - and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in building No. 3.

The showcase is free of charge. The reception will feature guest artists Joe Kronenberg, Kyle Paliotto and Patsey Parsons, who will be painting from a live model. Food, wine and refreshments will be available at the reception.

"It's a good opportunity for people to ask questions of artists," said Yvonne Benzinger, PR chairman for the CAA. "Maybe what their process is and working toward their finished art."

A number of the artists will be demonstrating their art throughout the showcase. Glass artist Debora Seaver, of Hayden, will fire up her torch and create beads and sculptural elements. Seaver makes a lot of wine stoppers that feature animal heads, including horses, dogs, cats and zebras. She creates many larger art pieces as well. Visitors can vote for People's Choice among the artists' works.

"When I set up my torch it draws quite a few people. People are mesmerized by watching because not many people around here do this," Seaver said. "I use a different kind of glass which is softer and requires a lot more heat work."

Visual artist Sandra Bergeron, of Hayden, joined the CAA about eight years ago and has participated in the showcase every year. She paints a combination of local landscapes for galleries and commercial painting. Her artwork can also be found on puzzles and wallpaper.

"I am really impressed with the quality of art that our members put forth. I believe that they are professional quality," Bergeron said. "I respect these artists. They are not just hobby artists; they truly want to grow in their knowledge of art and their application of how they interpret art."

Note cards with the artists' work featured will be available for purchase in addition to unframed artwork and slings for matted artwork. For visitors on a budget, the Bargain Boutique will display art priced at $100 or less.

Raffle tickets are available to win framed original art from CAA members along with gift certificates to Texas Roadhouse and other featured items. The raffle will take place around 4 p.m. on May 2. Tickets are $2 and can be purchased through any CAA member or at the showcase. Winners do not need to be present. The raffle supports the annual scholarship the CAA provides to an art student through the North Idaho College Foundation.

"Working as an artist is often a very singular thing. You are working on your own and by yourself," Benzinger said. "It's nice to be able to show our work and get feedback from people."

Two local high school students designed the showcase posters and flyers. The winning poster was designed by Carley Fortier of Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy. Second place went to Ocean White Bowman of Coeur d'Alene High School.

For more information contact Benzinger at (208) 676-9132.