Meet Robert Perry, a local artist and lifetime learner, originally from Coeur d’Alene.

Robert has primarily resided in the Northwest, including Seattle and Alaska, before returning home. When he retired, he decided to attend college “rather than sit around and grow mold,” as he put it. He has attended classes at North Idaho College for the past 10 years, feeding his passion for creating art. He has been a member of the NIC Aspiring Artists Club since he started attending classes and has been instrumental in its development for the benefit of all students. On a couple of occasions he served as an artist instructor at the Emerge gallery and community arts center. He is a visual artist, proficient in photography, sculpture, painting and ceramics and has shown his work at the Art Spirit, Emerge, Terrain, Magpie and Blackwell galleries.

1) What is the NIC Aspiring Artists Club and when/why did you get involved?

I’ve always had a passion for art, but early on I realized it was difficult to get started and somewhat harder to support yourself with it. I deferred myself to other means of making a living but never lost my passion. The college experience rekindled my artistic drive and provided opportunities to show my work at student art shows and Art on the Green, as well as local and regional galleries and art shows. It’s somewhat been a long road, but now I have a lifetime of experience that translates into my artwork. I don’t think I could have made a better choice. The path I’ve traveled led me home and I’m exactly where I should be.

I initially joined the NIC Aspiring Artists Club for the camaraderie of other artists and the opportunity to participate in Art on the Green. The club essentially was founded by student artists as a sort of support group for amateur artists transitioning to professional artists. During its progression and growth, we went on field trips to galleries and events that were art related. Eventually, we held art shows every semester and invited the local galleries to officiate as jurors, wherein student work made its way into those galleries. This provided validation of their work to the artist and a path forward making a connection with a gallery, which became a form of student development. I must give a shoutout to Blair Williams and Chelsea Cordova at Art Spirit, Jeni Hegsted at Emerge and Elin Kovash at Magpie galleries for their willingness to work with us in this fashion. They really helped make a difference.

2) When did you first start dabbling in the arts and what is your favorite medium?

I think I first started dabbling in the arts around first grade elementary school. It must have been the flavor of the paste or crayons, I’m not sure which. Seriously though, it was in my teens as I remember I used to get into some serious drawing while listening to music. Since that time, art and music have always been a huge part of my life. I’m not sure what my favorite medium is as I enjoy sculpture, ceramics, photography and painting. Currently, I really enjoy mixed-media compositions using acrylics for underpainting oil and cold wax over that to finish, which lends itself to interesting abstract compositions. What I enjoy most is the joy of creating regardless of the medium. The elements of visual art are consistent within all the various disciplines. Another thing that I really enjoy is getting lost and losing track of time when immersed in the creative process. There is nothing like it, especially when listening to your favorite music.

3) Who are a few of your artistic influences and why?

I would have to say that there are literally hundreds of different artists who influenced me during my lifetime. Every time I set foot inside a gallery or art show, I’m influenced by everything I see. However, I would have to say that during the past 10 years Michael Horswill, who just retired from teaching at NIC, has had the most profound influence on me artistically. I enjoyed four years in his sculpture class and attended intermediate drawing and professional practices classes he taught. He was a mentor to me during those years and I feel ever indebted to him.

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

I’m not sure if anyone is going to be surprised who knows me personally, but I support Monday Night Dinners and volunteer there whenever they hold one. It’s a great time where folks come together in the spirit of community and enjoy good food, music and company. I usually run into a lot of artists and musicians I know, and I enjoy the atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone. It is a great time. Look it up on Facebook. As far as the picture goes, I’m the guy right down front with his arms raised.

5) Where do you find the best inspiration for your work as an artist and your role as a leader?

I draw inspiration for my artwork from life and honestly sometimes from other artists. I mean I’m overwhelmed by some of the art I see in the world. It serves to inspire me to excel at my own creative projects or at least try to step up my game. I think growth is determined by intention. It’s a process, you just got to want it.

I don’t see myself as a leader anymore so much as I do as a mentor. I am usually busy doing my own thing, but I find it refreshing when I can help someone, or provide insight, answers or help when its needed.

I’ll have some of my work at Magpie gallery this July and the club will have a booth at Art on the Green this summer, shoutout to Anne Solomon for looking out for the Aspiring Artists Club!

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