POAC preps third annual Art Party

By DAVE GUNTER

Feature correspondent

SANDPOINT — As the Pend Oreille Arts Council gets ready to host its third annual Art Party this coming Saturday, the timing seems ideal to take the pulse of the local arts scene.

Kathy Hubbard is the secretary for POAC and a spearhead for this year’s event in her role as committee chair. As the organization gears up for what has turned into an important, annual fundraiser — not to mention a very fun night out — we touched base on what the Art Party does for POAC, as well as what POAC brings to the community.

Q: Has the format for the Art Party changed at all? It appears to be a pretty successful formula, based on attendance.

A: Not really, we try to update it a bit each year, but it’s basically the same. We had such positive feedback the first year that we’ve been reluctant to make significant changes.

Q: I hear that the last two years sold out — what was the size of those events?

A: Other groups put around 185 people in that room, but we’ve never wanted to do that. We had about 100 people for year one and about 135 last year. I’m hoping we’ll have 150 this year.

Q: Where does this event fall in the greater constellation of POAC fundraising?

A: For most of POAC’s history, the Arts & Crafts Fair has been the biggest fundraiser of the year. Season tickets to our Performing Arts Series have traditionally made up the difference between what the events cost us and grants that we’ve received.

In the last several years, grant funding has been reduced — not just to POAC, but all of the Arts — so we’ve been dependent on local businesses to help cover costs. Recessions have made money tight in that sector, as well, so, thankfully, the Art Party has been successful enough to let us continue all of the educational programs that we sponsor and our Performing Arts Series.

Q: How much money do you hope to raise this year?

A: I’d be thrilled with $20,000 to $25,000.

Q: Are those funds used for programs? Operations?

A: Yes, the funds raised this year will go to our educational programs Kaleidoscope and Ovations.

Kaleidoscope is the hands-on art classes volunteers teach at all Bonner County elementary schools that don’t have their own art teacher. This program is co-sponsored by Community Assistance League and POAC. Our portion of the funding is around $5,000.

Ovations is the outreach educational program in the middle and high schools. Each of our Performing Arts Series has an educational component. Either students are brought to the Panida to see a performance, or the performers go to the schools to teach interactive workshops. We need to raise around $10,000 for the Ovations program this year.

Q: Tell me more about the annual awards categories at the Art Party — what are they and how are the recipients selected?

A: Three years ago, POAC’s board thought it would be a great idea to honor the businesses and individuals who are most involved in our success. These people unselfishly give of their time, their expertise and their talents. And some are very generous when we put our hands out for monetary assistance! Board members are ineligible for these awards. The Appreciation Awards are given in six categories and they’re chosen by consensus of the board of directors.

Q: Is POAC still building on its focus on local performing arts?

A: As for focusing on local performing artists, we plan to make the Celebration of Community an annual event. Everyone seemed to like having several diverse genres performed in one evening, and the welcome reception, which allowed patrons to mingle with the ‘stars,’ was enjoyed by all.

Q: How would you compare the general health of the local arts scene with, say, 10-15 years ago?

A: I’ll go out on a limb and say that 15 years ago, POAC was the local arts scene. Today, performing artists have more opportunities — the 219, Eichardt’s, the winery, the brewery, DiLuna’s, The Hive, etc. There are lots of places where you can catch live music.

What POAC has always strived to do is to bring culturally diverse performances that aren’t mainstream and not what one could typically find in a rural community. I think we set the stage, so to speak — pun intended — for local establishments to provide entertainment. So, my answer is that the arts scene is much healthier and robust than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

Q: What’s the next big event coming up after Art Party?

A: After Art Party comes ArtWalk. Receptions are on Friday, June 29. I think we have 20 venues downtown that will be filled with a tremendous amount of incredible artwork. It always seems to me to be the kick-off to summer.

Q: Speaking of summer, the Arts & Crafts is one of the most popular events of the season. How will the move from City Beach the show in terms of format, layout and logistics?

A: We’re beginning to get our arms around moving the Arts & Crafts Fair out of City Beach. There are some distinct advantages, the first one is parking — people can park at the city lot, Sandpoint Center lot and at Bonner General’s lot at Cedar and Third — plus it’s a huge advantage for packing in and out for the vendors. They’ll basically be able to drive right up to their booths.

The fair will be on Main Street from Jeff Jones Square to First Avenue, and across Second Avenue. The Farmer’s Market is going to extend their hours on that Saturday to take advantage of our big draw.

We currently have around 90 vendors, which is fewer than we had at this time last year, somewhat because of the move, but we’ll fill in the blanks before the show opens on Aug. 11.

Q: Have you got one last pitch for why people should attend the Art party next Saturday?

A: We’d like everyone to come out and help fund POAC activities so we can continue to bring arts and culture to the Sandpoint area. It’s a fun event. We have tons of art on silent auction, we have a grab bag for original artwork. We have entertainment including the Jazz Ensemble from the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint and a gourmet dinner. It’s really a great evening and a terrific way to support the arts and art education in our local schools.

POAC’s Art Party is scheduled for this Saturday, June 9, at in the Columbia Bank Atrium. Doors open at 5 p.m.

A gourmet dinner will be catered by Tango Café, with adult beverages provided by Trinity at City Beach and the 219 Lounge. Along with a silent art auction and mystery original art grab bag, the POAC team will be revealing the 2018-19 Performing Arts Season for the first time.

The cost is $85 per person and reservations are required. Make yours online at artinsandpoint.org, call POAC at 208-263-6139, or stop in at the POAC office on the second floor of the Cedar Street Bridge.