Coeur d’Alene truly supports artists, according to recipients honored at the 30th annual Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards on Wednesday night.

“Coeur d’Alene and all the people in it have surprised me every day and every year that pass by,” said Scott Michaelson, recipient of the Excellence in the Arts Award. “Living a life as an artist is not always easy, if it wasn’t for their support I wouldn’t have been able to do it. I wouldn’t have been able to pursue those dreams.”

Michaelson received the award for his work in the community and as a musical director and pianist in high school theater. Last year’s recipient, Jenny Shotwell, presented the award.

Michaelson was among seven honorees recognized before an audience of fellow artists and supporters at the Hagadone Event Center. The evening also featured performances by the Shotwell family, Coeur d’Alene Poet Laureate Jennifer Passaro, members of Chorale Coeur d’Alene and several other actors and musicians.

Nearly all recipients and presenters emphasized the importance of community arts programs and thanked Coeur d’Alene for its support of the arts.

“The arts and humanities connect us, they preserve our stories, inspire our children, and enrich our community,” said City Councilmember Amy Evans, who presented Michael Koep with the Support of the Arts Award. “Michael understands that music is about more than entertainment, it connects people, it strengthens community and enriches our lives.”

Koep was honored for bringing free concerts to the community through KOEP Concerts. He is also an artist in his own right, as an author and rock drummer.

“I had many people supporting me in my journey as an artist,” Koep said, “and there’s nothing quite like that feeling.”

Koep emphasized the importance of supporting artists and encouraged audience members to show appreciation for their favorite artists in their own ways.

“If there’s an art gallery you really like, if there’s a painting you can’t stop thinking about or a song that haunts your dreams, reach out to those folks,” Koep said.

One of the city’s newest arts organizations, the North Idaho Film Festival, received the Emerging Arts Award from Joe Alfieri, a founding member of Shakespeare CDA, last year's recipient.

“North Idaho film festival brings something valuable to our region by connecting artists, audiences, local venues and businesses,” Alfieri said. “The festival helps strengthen our economy and gives our community another great reason to gather, exchange ideas, and celebrate the arts.”

Rake City High School music instructor Tim Sandford also received the Arts in Education Award. Evangeline Collett and Karsten Towery received Student Excellence in the Arts Awards.

Former mayor Sandi Bloem presented Anne Solomon with the Sandi Bloem Arts Legacy Award for her accomplishments as executive director of Art on the Green.

The evening’s emcee, North Idaho College assistant theater professor Adam Kroeger, closed the event with a personal reflection.

“I’ve lived in several places in the country, I’ve had the privilege of living all across Idaho,” said Kroeger, “and the community and support of the arts in Coeur d’Alene is unique. It is special, and it is important.”

  

    The Shotwell family performs at the 30th Annual Coeur d'Alene Arts Awards. AUDREY HERRIN/Press

 

   Select members of Chorale Coeur d'Alene perform at the 30th Annual Cd'A Arts Awards.