If you’ve ever taken part in an art walk, artist studio tours, listened to bopping tunes during the Riverstone Summer Concerts or had one of your kiddos participate in the Kids Draw Architecture program, a chance to give back to the Arts & Culture Alliance is taking place this weekend.

The nonprofit is ready to host a boot-stomping good time from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 3912 Spokane Bridge Road, Liberty Lake at the Rockin’ B Ranch. The Under Western Skies fundraiser features a western theme and attractions include a mechanical bull, a “Yellowstone” costume contest, and live sculpting and painting.

Board member and local artist Tanden Launder said he doesn’t think folks realize the full scope of community programming that the Arts & Culture Alliance adds to the Coeur d’Alene community. Their impact through programs like Music for the Wise and Art Connect keep seniors in assisted/independent/memory care living facilities active and engaged in the arts.

“I think a lot of the community interacts with our programs, but might not know that we’re the ones spearheading it and funding these programs. We’ve been more of a behind-the-scenes entity, but this gala changes that,” Launder said.

The event should be a fun western party that will showcase the talents of local artists as they practice their craft in person, Launder said.

There will be a silent auction and a live auction with Rose Backs of Elite Auctions, and artists Cheryl Metcalf and Rebecca Anderson will be creating artwork that you can watch come to life in real time.

“Under Western Skies really captures how western culture is predominant here in North Idaho, and it’s a popular thing with some of the shows that are going on. Support the alliance by buying a ticket and going to the fundraiser. We would love to see everybody there on Saturday. Engage with people who have a like-minded interest. Even buying a ticket helps the alliance a great amount,” Launder said.

The goal of the nonprofit is to keep Coeur d’Alene grounded as an art town and keep paving the way for people of all ages to stay engaged with art. Launder said that as someone who lives and works and creates art downtown, he was moved to see the programs being offered by the organization and sought out ways to connect with the Arts & Culture Alliance in a more active way.

There are thousands of people who interact with the community-oriented programs connected to the nonprofit each year and with this gala, the alliance is hoping to bring more folks in for a look behind the scenes.

“They go through all parts of the community from kids to the elderly to music. It keeps artists fed and it keeps art really moving and going,” Launder said.

Launder’s work encapsulates western themes with cowboys and Native Americans through contemporary mixed media western art styles, and he will have items on offer through live and silent auctions at the event.

However, the part of the event that he’s most looking forward to is rooted squarely in fun. “I’m excited about the mechanical bull,” Launder confessed.

The Tamarack Ridge Band will round out the western theme with their powerful tunes and dinner is provided by Scraps BBQ. Tickets cost $50 per person and are available at www.artsandculturecda.org/westernskies.