Meet Jeni Hegsted, the founder and executive director of Emerge CDA.

Jeni has worked in the arts for the past 17 years. While working for St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho, she was instrumental in bringing awareness to homelessness through art installations, volunteer artists and special events while running an active arts program. Jeni founded Emerge in 2015 with a vision to uplift and support aspiring artists in her community, creating a space where the arts can be celebrated, taught and inspired. Jeni is a strong advocate of inclusive spaces and equal rights for all.

Jeni has received accolades for distinguished service including the 2014 Inlander Peirone Prize, 2014 Mayor’s Arts Awards for excellence in arts education, 2020 Hayden Chamber H.A.Y.D.E.N arts award and 2023 Soroptimist Woman of Distinction.

1) What exactly is Emerge and who benefits from the classes, events and exhibits you offer? 

Emerge is a nonprofit community arts program with the purpose to serve and uplift aspiring artists while engaging the community in the arts through classes, events and exhibits. Emerge benefits everyone! Inclusive art spaces re-enforce a sense of community, bring people together, expand perspectives and support the artist in all of us.

2) Where did you come up with the name "Emerge?"

I came up with the name Emerge because I have always felt it's such a beautiful thing to watch humans/artists cultivate their concepts, skills and talents, and then watch as they bring it all together, emerge and present their art to the world. I love that we all have different times of emerging throughout our life.

3) What would you want people to know about our local arts and entertainment scene?

Our local arts and entertainment scene is thriving! It's worth paying attention to. Coeur d'Alene has so many incredibly talented individuals to engage with whether it's during our local ArtWalk, taking an art class or attending live music nights at your favorite bar/restaurant. Supporting local artists feels good and it improves our local economy. It has a ripple effect that benefits our whole community.

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

I can't draw to save my life. People often assume I'm an artist, which I am, but I can't draw or really paint. I'm a three-dimensional artist who needs to create with my hands. I mostly create installation and ceramic pieces.

5) Who are some of your favorite artists and how does their work inspire, move and speak to you?

Urgh, too many to choose from. Locally, Chris Grubb, his sculptures are so emotional and relatable. Jen Erickson, she creates softly colored paintings with concepts of lost memories. I always want to jump inside her paintings and have my memories put back together. Lastly, Beth Cavener, she showed locally 20 years ago but has become internationally known. Beth's animal sculptures pack so much raw emotion you can't be unmoved by her work. She inspires me to create for myself first and the world second.