SANDPOINT — Local artist and art educator Leata Judd has been selected to create the original artwork for the 2017 Festival at Sandpoint fine art poster.

Best known for her whimsical papier mache and clay creations, Judd was chosen by a committee of her artistic peers, made up of the Festival’s past poster artists. Her selection was announced at the Festival’s WineFest benefit event last weekend. The artist says she is “honored and overwhelmed” by her selection.

At 87 years young, those closest to her describe Leata Judd as “the brightest star in the galaxy of Bonner County.” Born in San Diego, her love of sculpture and clay is in her blood. She watched her dad dig clay out of river bands along the roadsides for this clay sculpting, so she considers herself a “chip off the old block of clay!” She and her husband Tom had four children and now seven grandchildren. They moved to the Bayview area from San Diego in 1981, and she moved to Sandpoint in 2010 after her husband passed away.

Although her forte is papier mache and clay, her many creative mediums have a whimsical air portrayed in the faces composes — whether it be baskets, purses, mugs, planters or yard art. Her sense of humor is revealed in her expressionistic and realistic pieces. Judd’s works grace the walls and halls of many exhibits and galleries in Sandpoint through the Pend Oreille Arts Council venues including Art Walk. Her recreation of the historic Sandpoint depot is on display at the Bonner County Museum.

Judd is especially unselfish in volunteering her time and talent, sharing her art knowledge with students at the Lake Pend Oreille High School and for 24 years at Southside Elementary in the Kaleidoscope art program. As a mentor and role model in art and life, nothing stops her from faithfully attending LPOHS’s daily art classes — through snow sleet, ice, rain, and up the steep flight of stairs to the second floor of the 100-year-old school — to volunteer for the students who adore her. She is the grandmother that many have not had. Her positive outlook on life, cheerful demeanor and inimitable laugh are infectious. Admirers use words like vivacious, exuberant and dedicated to describe a woman whose humility and generosity know no bounds.

The Festival will unveil Judd’s original artwork at the much anticipated Poster Unveiling event on Thursday, July 13, at Dish at Dover Bay to kick off the Festival’s 35th annual summer concert series set for AUG. 3-13 at Memorial Field in Sandpoint. Festival organizers are thrilled with the selection: “I know that Leata’s artwork will evoke the fun and positive energy that the Festival brings to our community each year because that’s who she is — Leata Judd is positivity incarnate!” said Festival Executive Director Dyno Wahl

The artwork will be displayed on posters and other Festival memorabilia during the season, and the original will be auctioned off to benefit The Festival at Sandpoint, a non-profit arts organization. For Festival info and tickets, visit www.FestivalatSandpoint.com or call 208-265-4554.