What’s better than a beautiful summer evening stroll around town?

How about one filled with lots of great artwork, the camaraderie of your friends and neighbors plus delightful refreshments? Yes, Sandpoint’s annual block party starts today, June 17, with Pend Oreille Arts Council’s 39th annual ArtWalk.

Many diverse and talented local artists will have their work displayed at thirty downtown locations. Most of the artists’ receptions start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8, and that’s when the after-party will begin at The Bernd Barrel. It’s a fun-filled night that you won’t want to miss.

Plan your route by picking up a brochure at any of the participating businesses, and if you can’t get to all of them in one night, don’t worry, this event continues through September 9. Locations include Evan’s Brothers Coffee Roasters, Monarch Mountain Coffee, Snow River, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Whiskey Jack Pottery, Infini Gallery & Studio, Eichardts Pub & Grill, Neiman’s Floral & Garden Goods, Idaho Pour Authority, Sandpoint Reader, Baxter’s on Cedar and Petal Talk.

Take stroll down the alley between First and Second avenues to see the new wall art; then head over toward Columbia Bank where all three floors, including Tango Café will be exhibiting artwork.

Then head down to Azalea Handpicked Style, Hen’s Tooth Gallery, Northwest Handmade, POAC Gallery, Mountain Song, Ferrara Wildlife Photography and Cedar Glen Gallery, Lisa V. Maus Gallery, U.S. Bank, Pedro’s, 219 Lounge, Zero Point, Art Works Gallery, Santosha and 7B Board Shop.

Don’t forget to stop at The Bernd Barrel for a glass of wine to end this spectacular evening of art and culture.

As a little added incentive to see all the venues, pick up your official 2015 ArtWalk Passport at participants Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Monarch Mountain Coffee, Infini Gallery & Studio, Azalea Handpicked Style, Northwest Handmade, ArtWorks Gallery or POAC Gallery.

Get it stamped at six of these seven locations and then turn it in to POAC’s office before the close of ArtWalk in September for a chance to win some great prizes, including season tickets to POAC’s performing arts series.

This free event is made possible by the generosity of our local businesses and supporters of Pend Oreille Arts Council. If you would like to donate to POAC go online to www.artinsandpoint.org, or call 208-263-6139 for more information.