Meet Abby Light, local artist, director of the Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance and current vice chair of the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission.

Whether it’s through Second Friday ArtWalk, the Riverstone Summer Concerts or the Mayor's Awards in the Arts, Abby helps to connect and uplift people through the arts. Her own artwork is a reflection of the joy and humor she finds in people and everyday life. 

1) What background do you have in the arts community, and what motivated you to lead the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance?

I started as the program coordinator at the Arts and Culture Alliance in 2022 after working as a museum educator and volunteering at arts nonprofits in Calgary. I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from the University of Idaho in 2012. I knew I wanted to work in the arts but took some twists and turns to figure out how. Moving back to Coeur d’Alene was an opportunity to find a connection within a smaller arts community and be part of something positive in the place that I grew up in and love. 

Working alongside previous Arts and Culture Alliance director Ali Shute was an amazing learning experience for me. Because of her support and encouragement from our board of directors, I felt confident moving into this role. What motivated me was wanting to put new ideas into action and help continue the evolution of our programs and overall mission. There is a lot of potential in what we can continue to offer to the community, and I feel lucky to have landed in this role surrounded by amazing people!

2) Who are some of your favorite artists/creators, local or otherwise?

There are so many great artists in our area: I love fiber artist Helen Parsons, painters Kathy Gale, Shelle Lindholm, Meidi Karampour, Clancie Pleasants and the list goes on. Fernando Botero, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jim Henson are a few of my all-time favorite artists/creators whose work is a huge inspiration to my own. 

3) How does art speak to you?

Art speaks to me through emotion, nostalgia, interior design, film, music, storytelling, fashion and nature. 

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a kid at heart and love vintage toys, doll houses, cartoons and playing with my nieces. I grew up with a love and appreciation for '60s and '70s pop culture and aesthetics and used to work at a vintage shop in Calgary styling windows, displays and photoshoots.

5) Why should a community value the arts, from pen and ink drawings to the grand stage productions?

Art makes life better, more interesting, more fun and makes us more human. On a smaller scale, art is a healthy and necessary tool for self-expression, telling stories, managing emotions/mental health and interacting with others. On a giant scale, art creates connection across communities and across the globe. It allows for shared understanding that goes beyond culture, geography and language. The arts are an essential part of any healthy community for these reasons and so many more! 

You can support the Arts and Culture Alliance by becoming a member, making a donation, sponsoring a program or by attending Second Friday ArtWalk and the Riverstone Concerts (both free!). Visit artsandculturecda.org for information, and make sure to check out the community calendar to see more arts events in the area. The next Second Friday ArtWalk is Aug. 9, 5 to 8 p.m., and concerts are every Thursday throughout July and Aug. from 6 to 8 p.m. in Riverstone Park. Follow @artsincda on Instagram for the latest updates!

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Do you know someone in Kootenai County who makes our community awesome? Send Fast Five suggestions to Devin Weeks, dweeks@cdapress.com, to highlight locals who contribute their time and talents to make North Idaho such a special place.