Sandpoint group leads way for new artists

SANDPOINT — He’s got a wild mind, while she’s a linear thinker. He’s a mind-mapper and she prefers an outline. So when these two friends began to brainstorm on a hike to Scotchman Peak, what started out as a string of random what-ifs in the mind of Adrian Quinn became codified, organized and readied for implementation by the time Cherie Coldwell was done processing things.

What they came up with was a new organization designed to support and empower women who create art in anonymity. The group, called the Aspiring Female Artists of Sandpoint, has had one meeting so far. In that short time, they’ve managed to create a robust social media presence, schedule a showing in early May and arrange for a continuing series of pop-up shows after that.

“The whole thing started when we realized all these people were making art in their kitchens and laundry rooms and having no way to show it,” Coldwell said.

Forming a group removed the onus of being a solo act and put a new spin on the concept of strength in numbers.

Even before the hike, the idea was starting to find its way forward. Quinn was having a beer at MickDuff’s Beer Hall when he met one of these lone artists and, later, had a chance to view her work. He was impressed enough to start thinking about how she could get it in front of an audience.

“I guess it’s human nature,” he said. “When you create something, you normally don’t have a lot of confidence in yourself. You need some big mouth like me to come along and say, ‘It’s brilliant!’”

As the word started to spread, Quinn added, he and Coldwell began to meet a collection “talented people who were stumbling and spinning their wheels.”

With her background in working with the media and experience leading the 21st Century Community Learning Center program in Priest River — a federally funded enterprise whose purpose is to provide academic and enrichment programs to underserved urban and rural populations — Coldwell was prepared to, in her words, “add structure to the sometimes unstructured environment” of those seeking a way into the art world.

“I just took the ball and ran with it,” she said. “I like being involved in the community and I know how to do these things. I’m such a linear thinker and that’s why I admire artists so much — I get to live vicariously through them. I get to be their left brain.”

“More established artists have already been down this path,” said Quinn. “For those who are just getting started, this might be a way for them to become more aggressive about marketing their work.”

There are eight artists involved at this point, representing painters who work in oils, acrylics and watercolor, as well as mixed media and photography. Coldwell envisions bringing in sculptors and other mediums to round out the mix.

“I’m hoping to have all forms of fine art represented,” she said. “We would love to have as many women as possible join us.”

Female artists from high school age on up are encouraged to become involved. The concentration on women was the result of what Quinn saw as a need in the fledgling artists community.

“Several of Adrian’s friends were creating art at home and he was impressed with what they were doing,” said Coldwell. “He thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to give them a voice?”

Besides promoting the work of Aspiring Female Artists of Sandpoint online, Coldwell and Quinn also have arranged for public showings in downtown venues. The first will be held on May 2, when the walls of the Pend d’Oreille Winery Tasting Room will become a gallery for these artists.

“The entire collective will get to show in turns throughout the month of May,” said Coldwell. “That way, they all get a full week to show their pieces.”

Subsequent plans call for additional pop-up shows to take place at MickDuff’s Beer Hall and the Pend Oreille Arts Council has been contacted about ways to include this new collective in some of its showings and arts-related events.

Finding venues for these up-and-coming artists might prove to be the easiest task facing Quinn and Coldwell. Luring these creative women from their private space and into the public arena, meanwhile, could be a higher bar to clear.

“We want these artists to know they don’t have to be on a professional level,” Coldwell said. “If they’re doing something that brings them joy, there are people in the community who will appreciate it.

“My biggest message,” she added, “is don’t let fear hold you back.”

For more information on Aspiring Female Artists of Sandpoint, bios of participating artists, examples of their work, its meeting schedule and upcoming shows, visit the group online at Instagram or on Facebook.