A founding father of today’s art scene in Coeur d’Alene has died.

Steve Gibbs, 64, the longtime owner of The Art Spirit Gallery on Sherman Avenue, passed away around 2 p.m. Saturday following a battle with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts,” said an email sent to gallery patrons notifying them of Gibbs’ passing.

The brief message — signed by gallery staff members Blair Williams, Kasey Davis, Teresa Runge, and Mason Miles — referred to Gibbs as “our dear friend.”

“Steve was responsible for making so many dreams come true. He made dreams come true for artists and collectors. He made dreams come true for all of us here, and for himself,” said Blair Williams.

Williams said when she left Coeur d’Alene in 1988 to go get her degree in arts administration, she remembers looking at the buildings along Sherman Avenue. She thought to herself that someday she would return to work in the arts in this town she loves so much.

“He made that dream come true,” Williams said.

Gibbs began a nearly 40-year career in the arts after graduating in 1977 from Montana State University with a degree in art.

In 1997, he started The Art Spirit Gallery in a small house down the street from its current location. Six years later, Gibbs bought the downtown building that is now home to the gallery.

Gibbs’ community efforts in the arts are extensive. He initiated the Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance, the second Friday ArtWalk, Kids Draw Architecture, and has actively served on the boards of the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the arts and culture alliance, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission’s public art selection committees.

Mason Miles, a member of the Art Spirit team since April, serves as the gallery’s curator. Miles said he didn’t have a chance to get to know Steve as well as many other people.

“But he was probably one of the smartest people I know. He had an amazing eye,” Miles said. “I”m just excited to keep his legacy going and see where Art Spirit goes.”

Kasey Davis, another gallery assistant, said she has never had a job she loves more than her position at Art Spirit, doing work created through Gibbs’ efforts.

Gibbs received a lifetime achievement award in October during the presentation of the Mayor’s Annual Awards in the Arts in Coeur d’Alene.

Jennifer Drake, speaking as chair of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission, asked the crowd gathered at the Hagadone Event Center to think about art in Coeur d’Alene. Then she asked the crowd members what they were thinking about. The resounding answer was “Steve.”

“It is no exaggeration to say that Steve Gibbs has had an immeasurable impact on the artistic landscape of our town,” Drake said.

Hours after Gibbs’ passing Saturday, Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer said Gibbs will be missed.

“Steve was a wonderful, caring member of our community,” Widmyer said.

Art Spirit Gallery Assistant Teresa Runge called Gibbs a “spark,” someone who touched many lives through art and his community involvement. She said she was inspired by Gibbs’ willingness to take a risk for something he loved and believed in, and she felt honored to attend events and meetings by Gibbs’ side.

“People always flocked to him with great respect and friendship,” Runge said. “We all knew he was admired by all, but once he was diagnosed with ALS, and we started having the fundraisers, people would come in and share so much with us and him as well.”

Williams said she will be assuming the leadership role at the gallery,

“But we’re all gallery assistants,” Williams said. “It remains Steve’s gallery. We just happen to know what he likes and wants. I just want to make sure we do great by his legacy as we take it into the future.”