Art Spirit to host local author

The Art Spirit Gallery will host a Meet The Author event featuring the book launch of “The Battle for Cougar Bay” by Theresa Shaffer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Art Spirit Gallery, 415 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Shaffer will read from the book, alongside a display of works by Wes Hansen, creator of the book’s art. 

The book's synopsis: In 1992, a Hawaiian developer proposed a subdivision on Cougar Bay's northern shore, just 2 miles south of Coeur d'Alene. Dedicated, tenacious locals took on the seemingly impossible goal of stopping the "Cougar Beach" development. Unlikely allies — environmental activists and a cantankerous landowner — banded together.

Private and public groups stepped up. In 1997, The Nature Conservancy purchased major shoreline areas and created a nature preserve. The sanctuary remained unaltered until more private land was gifted to the Bureau of Land Management and Kootenai County. After 13 years of heroic perseverance, the Cougar Bay Nature Preserve became a reality. Idaho Wildlife Viewing Guide calls it one of the state's best wildlife viewing sites. Shaffer chronicles the battle to preserve this oasis for locals, visitors and wildlife alike.

Shaffer, a retired educator and administrator from the University of Idaho, is a passionate advocate for land conservation. Her first book is a tribute to the community’s dedication to preserving natural beauty for future generations.

The artwork is also viewable at theartspiritgallery.com/exhibitions.