Festival at Sandpoint reveals 2026 fine arts poster

The Festival at Sandpoint has announced the selection of its 2026 fine arts poster, “Shadow Serenade” by Cyndie Hammond. 

Hammond's colored pencil piece “Shadow Serenade” is a vibrant representation of the natural beauty of Sandpoint and its surrounding landscape, inspired by her experience and memories of the area’s lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests, Festival officials said.

“Memories and joy underpin all my pieces, especially this one,” Hammond said. “My work is an invitation to the viewer, a visual feast of exuberant color and light to evoke personal memories, the warm, often forgotten snapshots of happiness, comfort, and celebration.”

Each artwork includes two to twenty layers of colored pencil, with the final piece requiring up to 45 hours, depending on the complexity.

“My work is an act of meticulous building, where layers of brilliant color accumulate to form surfaces that pulse with energy and optimism,” Hammond said. “By pouring this heartfelt intention into every stroke, I hope to connect the viewer to the profound, enduring embrace of joy, not as a fleeting moment, but as a rich, layered, and resonant experience.”

Hammond has donated her original art piece, with auction proceeds supporting the Festival’s nonprofit mission. Those interested can bid online now at fasfineartposter.ggo.bid. The auction for Cyndie’s original artwork will conclude on Aug. 9 at the end of the Grand Finale.

The original art piece will be displayed at the Festival office at 525 Pine Street until July 24, then at the merch booth during the 2026 Summer Series concerts from July 30 through Aug. 9. 

Hammond is a third-generation North Idaho resident, with her grandfather having homesteaded on the south end of Lake Pend Oreille just east of the Long Bridge. She taught special education for eight years and fifth grade for a decade across North Idaho and Eastern Washington classrooms. At 54, she earned her doctorate in education and served as executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Baccalaureate Center for Lewis-Clark State College. Today, she is enjoying being a grandparent and creating art. Browse more of her art at @cjhammondart on Instagram. 

The Festival at Sandpoint is a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual Summer Concert Series in Sandpoint. Beyond its performances, the Festival is committed to offering year-round accessible music education and community programming.

Information: festivalatsandpoint.com