FRIDAY EDIT: Art makes Coeur d'Alene, and the world, a better place

Coeur d’Alene is known for its art.  

And that's a good thing.

Take a look around, wherever you are, and it’s likely you will see artwork. Whether walking around downtown Coeur d’Alene, taking a stroll at Atlas Waterfront Park or biking on the North Idaho Centennial Trail by the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, art awaits. Great art, we might add.

The Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission does an outstanding job highlighting art, which, by the way, is a strong contributor to the area’s economy through many shops and galleries.

Despite its impact, art deserves a bigger stage and we're glad to provide it.

This October, the city of Coeur d’Alene invites the community to “Celebrate the Arts Within You” during the National Arts and Humanities Month, a monthlong series of events, exhibits, and performances honoring the creative spirit that enriches our region.   

National Arts and Humanities Month, established by Americans for the Arts, is the nation’s largest annual celebration of arts and culture.   

Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy opportunities to explore the visual arts, music, theatre, literature, and cultural heritage that make Coeur d’Alene thrive. 

The celebration kicks off on Oct. 1 with a launch event featuring local artist Dale Young, performing an improvisation on the Native American flute, and Jennifer Passaro, Coeur d’Alene’s Poet Laureate, presenting an original poem. Together, they offer a powerful opening that reflects the heart of our community’s creativity. 

Highlights of the monthlong celebration include: 

29th Annual Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards – Oct. 22 at the Hagadone Event Center, honoring outstanding achievement and leadership in the arts. 

Visual and Performing Arts Showcases – Featuring the talent of local artists, musicians, writers, and performers. 

Community Workshops and Presentations – Encouraging participation, creativity, and cultural dialog. 

Mary Lee Ryba, chair of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission, said art and humanities are at the heart of what makes Coeur d’Alene such a special place as well as drivers of economic vitality, education, and community well-being. 

“We are proud to celebrate the artists, educators, and organizations who enrich the quality of life in Coeur d’Alene,” she added. 

We couldn’t agree more.

Perhaps George O'Keeffe, considered an influential artist of the 20th century, said it best when it comes to why art matters.

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for."

Imagine that. People talking less, creating more.