Monday, June 23, 2025
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Sandpoint's ArtWalk celebrating 48 years of creativity

| June 6, 2025 1:00 AM

Now in its 48th year, Pend Oreille Arts Council’s annual ArtWalk returns to downtown Sandpoint on Friday, June 13, with festive opening receptions from 5 to 8 p.m. 

The event features 27 participating venues, each paired with a local or regional artist to showcase original work all summer long. 

Held every summer since 1977, ArtWalk has become one of Sandpoint’s most cherished community traditions. “It feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer,” said POAC Visual Arts Coordinator Claire Christy. “Locals come out to support their friends and neighbors, and there’s this beautiful mix of familiar faces and new ones. Every year I hear people saying ‘Happy ArtWalk!’ and it fills me with joy. It’s like a big family reunion where we all emerge from winter to celebrate the arts and this town we love.” 

Each location will host a unique exhibition and offer light refreshments, with several venues planning special experiences for opening night. One exciting newcomer, AM Gallery, will feature the Ross Hall Collection alongside live jazz guitar and a wine tasting. At Sotheby’s International Realty on Second Ave., visitors will find Randy Wilhelm’s whimsical Sandpoint Series, which has become a beloved visual tribute to the community. Lake Life Wellness, now in a brand-new location on Main Street, is showcasing the flowing watercolors of Jean Spinosa. At the POAC Gallery, art lovers can view work by Jenni Barry, recently named 2025 POAC Artist of the Year. 

Beyond the art, ArtWalk serves as a powerful connector between artists, businesses, and the public. “It takes a village,” Christy explained. “POAC is the catalyst that brings the venues and artists together. I try to create ideal pairings, matching the art to the vibe of the business, so everyone involved feels seen. It’s a lot of work, but I love every minute of it.” 

The event continues to evolve year after year, with new venues joining and fresh talent stepping into the spotlight. For businesses, it’s a way to become more deeply rooted in the creative culture of Sandpoint. For artists, it’s an opportunity to share their work with a broader audience, often sparking new relationships, connections, or sales. 

Printed ArtWalk brochures, complete with a map, artist listings, and venue details, will be available beginning Tuesday, June 10, at all participating venues and the POAC Gallery (313 N. Second Ave.). A digital version of the brochure, as well as full event details, can be found at artinsandpoint.org/ArtWalk. 

Exhibitions will remain on display through early Aug. 31, giving residents and visitors ample time to enjoy the work and explore downtown Sandpoint at their own pace. 

ArtWalk 2025 locations (location, address, artist)

• AM Gallery, 301 Cedar St. Suit 106/107, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Ross Hall Collection, Jon Morse, David Baranski, Jill Smith

• Art Works Gallery, 214 N. First Ave.., Laurie Carlson, Dan Carpenter, Kim Cash Foster Cline, Pat Congleton, Kem Hughes Davis, Sally Dennison, Julie Ellis, Mark & Lynn Gardner, Dave Gonzo, Tyler Horton, Julia Komsky, Denys Knight, Kathryn Larson, Maia Leisz, Travis Martucci, Cyndi Morgan, Louise Munro, Brandon Puckett, Ray Schmidt, Debbie Todd, Beth & Paul Viren

• Azalea Handpicked Style, 322 N. First Ave., Brim & Band

• Barrows-Young Studio, 323 N. First Ave., Second Floor, Alison Barrows-Young

• Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Laurie Carlson, Karen Straight

• Bleeding Hearts Tattoo Emporium, 105 Main St., featuring a collective of alternative artists from all around the world

• Burlwood Dreams, 201 N. First Ave., Ron Lawson, Larry Book

• Cedar Street Studios, 334 N. First Ave., Second Floor, Suite 202, Matt Lome

• Eichardt's Pub, 212 Cedar St., Lori Reid — Maloiart

• Grace & Joy Clothing Co., 102 Cedar St., Penny Otlley

• Hepler Law & Consulting, PLLC, 111 Cedar St., Suite 6, Holly Pennington, Jasan Lagrimanta

• Lake Life Wellness Center, 200 Main St., Jean Spinosa

• Lisa V Maus, 109 Main St., Lisa V Maus

• Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak Street, Cole Golphenee

• Misty Mountain Furniture & Gallery, 502 Cedar St. Suite D, Craig Dixon, Doug Flückiger, Carol Hayes, Terrie Kremer, Lori Moore, Cindy Morgan, Steven Scarcello, Sara Taylor

• Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, 110 Main St., Heather Mehra-Pedersen

• Nieman's Floral, 211 Cedar St., Catherine Earle, Sohini, Elle Summerday

• Northwest Handmade, 308 N. First Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Rebecca Anderson, Vance Bergeson, Jenny Benoit, Joe Degel, Sam Frazier, Maria Larson, Carolyn Lynch, Lori Moore, Ron Orcutt, Judy Pederson, Steve Puyleart, Michelle Elayne Smith

• Outdoor Experience, 314 N. First Ave., Nichole Grimm, Ed Robinson

• Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., June: Jeff Rosenkranz, July & August: Heather Mehra Pedersen

• The District Bistro, Martini Bar, & Wine Shop, 313 N. First Ave., Angela Cochran

• The Old Power House, 120 Lake St., Airgunnerz by Jeanette Da Silva, Jaden Dickinson, Homeschool Academy, Lesley Gadsby, Kerry Hansen, Marié MacRae

• The Speak Easy, 323 N. First Ave., Genevieve Webster

• Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty (Cedar Street Location), 503 Cedar St., Suite 7, Cole Golphenee

• Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty (Second Avenue Location), 120 S. Second Ave., Randy Wilhelm

• Yellow Goat, 324 N. Second Ave., Madeline Albertson

    "Redwoods," one of the pieces by Jenni Barry, is among the works that will be displayed as part of the upcoming annual ArtWalk program. The program kicks off Friday, June 13.