COEUR d’ALENE — For 18 years, the Arts & Culture Alliance has made connections between artists and art aficionados alike of all backgrounds. Patrons of the arts showed their support for the nonprofit while dressed in their western best during the Under Western Skies fundraiser Sept. 23. The event raised $25,000 for the nonprofit.

Abby Light, program coordinator for the Arts & Culture Alliance, said watching the empowerment of young artists in the Coeur d’Alene community grow and use alliance scholarships to achieve new levels in their art has reignited the fire powering the agency’s mission.

“We got to highlight high school student and artist Jos Benak and her amazing work producing a student art exhibition with the funds she received from our Jack Bannon Scholarship last year. She spoke about the positive impact the scholarship had on her life as well as the importance of upholding art in our community,” Light said.

Light said the funds raised during the gala will go toward operating costs to keep community programming like the Riverstone Concert Series and toward developing and strengthening newer programs like Art Connect. Art Connect brings art and workshops into assisted living facilities throughout the area to create new memories and explore their creativity as part of a partnership with Auburn Crest Hospice.

“We were able to raise essential funds that will help us continue to provide free and accessible arts-based programs in Coeur d'Alene throughout the year,” Light said.

Having a stable of local artists in the Coeur d’Alene area to pull from gave the fundraiser a personal stamp, with painters and sculptors creating art in front of guests throughout the event.

“We were able to reach our fundraising goals, people had a great time and we feel extremely grateful to our sponsors and everyone who came and showed their support,” Light said.