Chamber celebrates new Sandpoint Center for the Arts

The Sandpoint Center for the Arts, once known as the red building on the corner of Sixth and Oak, is a hub for arts education and local arts and is home to the Arts Alliance and Red Tail Gallery.

The Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization founded in June 2006 to fill a niche in the greater Sandpoint area’s arts community for arts education. The first three years were dedicated to establishing the art center, and the organization hosted classes in a room at a local school. After a year, they found a home at the historic building which is now The Sandpoint Center for the Arts.

The Arts Alliance beings fall classes on Sept. 28, New this year, youth can drop in for a one-day class. Instructed by artists in the area, the classes cover everything from drawing, photography, papier mache, pottery and water color and oil painting to jewelry making, basket weaving, stained glass, and more. Youth classes are held from 3:30-5 p.m.

The organization additionally offers an ongoing Artists Salon comprised of intermediate to advanced artists who work collaboratively to exchange ideas and technique. And those looking for a flexible schedule will appreciate the pottery wheel studio pass and stained glass studio pass which allows artists access to the studio to work on their pieces on their own time.

The Arts Alliance is always seeking volunteers and is recruiting board members.

On Thursday, from 6-8 p.m., they will host an open house. Those interested in volunteering or becoming board members are welcome to attend, and a brief presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

Their next upcoming event at the center is the Holiday Soiree on Dec. 11-12 featuring locally made holiday gifts, live music, art activity for all ages, and other scrumptious delights.

The Sandpoint Center for the Arts is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

Information: 265-2787 or visit www.ArtsAlliance.info.