For Immediate Release: April 15, 2025

CdA Arts Commission seeks Artists for “ArtCurrents”

 The City of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is seeking artists to participate in its “ArtCurrents” program.   Artists submit applications for placement of their sculptures around downtown Coeur d’Alene and Riverstone for a period of one (1) year, with an option to renew for a second year.  The displayed works should be created and displayed with the intention of selling within the year, with the City of Coeur d’Alene receiving a 25% commission from the sale. The Arts Commission has set a minimum cost for the piece at $7,000 with a maximum cost of $30,000 to make the art accessible to a variety of buyers.

The selected artists or artist’s teams will be paid a stipend of $1,000.00 for the first year.  A second stipend of $1,000.00 may be paid to the artists at the start of the second year should the Arts Commission choose to retain the piece.  ArtCurrents pieces are displayed along Sherman Avenue, Lakeside Avenue, City Park, and the Riverstone area.

Public art is a distinguishing part of our public history and our culture. It creates and enhances neighborhood and community identity. It adds to the visual landscape and character of the city.  It turns ordinary spaces into community landmarks, promotes diverse dialogue and, most importantly, is accessible to everyone. ArtCurrents is looking for creative artists who capture the spirit and atmosphere of the environment in which we live. We are interested in seeing high quality, thoughtful art pieces with an emphasis on excellent craftsmanship. Pieces are encouraged which center on themes or interpretations of the Northwest in any form and are family-oriented. These artworks may be in any medium that will withstand the elements year-round and can be abstract or realistic. ArtCurrents provides high visibility outdoor gallery space for each piece chosen throughout high traffic streets, parks, and public spaces in town. These pieces enrich the beauty of our city landscape while providing exposure to the artist with the intent of selling the piece.  

Applications must be received through the CaFÉ website (www.callforentry.org) no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on June 30, 2025.  The call is entitled: “Coeur d’Alene Art Currents 2025”.

Installation of the artwork will begin in October.

For more information about the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission, visit our website at www.cdaid.org/arts. #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2025

CITY OF COEUR D’ALENE ARTS COMMISSION

UNVEILS “SID” THE GREEN ENERGY DRAGON

The City of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is proud to announce the installation of its newest public artwork, “Sid” The Green Energy Dragon, created by Spokane artist Melissa Cole.  This vibrant sculpture is nestled along the Centennial Trail and Spokane River at the Coeur d’Alene Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF).

As a publicly owned facility, the AWTF operates under some of the most stringent effluent discharge regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Using advanced tertiary treatment technologies, the facility processes nearly four million gallons of wastewater daily before safely discharging to the Spokane River.

In an effort to engage and educate the public, the City’s Wastewater Department and the Arts Commission sought a creative and interactive way to raise awareness about the wastewater treatment process---specifically, the role of biogas.  A byproduct of our wastewater treatment, biogas is used as a heat source, with any excess safely burned off. “Sid” The Green Energy Dragon visually represents this process, incorporating an open flame into its whimsical design to symbolize the transformation of waste into energy.

“Sid” The Green Energy Dragon is warmly named after Haldo Sidney “Sid” Frederickson IV, who had an award-winning career at the AWTF and was dedicated to advancing more efficient and effective wastewater treatment technologies.  Sid served the City of Coeur d’Alene for 30 years, working in the wastewater department from 1991 to 2016.  Born in 1945 in Richmond, Utah, he passed away on November 13, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and commitment to environmental stewardship.

The sculpture also features an educational component, including a glass mosaic illustrating how anaerobic bacteria convert waste into methane.  Students from the Coeur d’Alene Boys and Girls Club contributed to the project by creating mosaic elements integrated into the artwork.

“Coeur d’Alene is providing a fun and imaginative way for the community to learn about the AWTF and the role of biogas,’ said Mayor Woody McEvers.  “This sculpture is not only a beautiful addition to our public art collection but also an opportunity to educate and inspire.”

The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for “Sid” The Green Energy Dragon will take place on April 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., at the AWTF, located along the Centennial Trail at 1080 Hubbard Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. ###

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2024

 
MAYOR’S AWARDS IN THE ARTS RENAMED TO COEUR D’ALENE ARTS AWARDS TO CELEBRATE REGIONAL TALENT AND CULTURE

The Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is excited to announce that the Mayor’s Awards in the Arts will now be known as the Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards.  The name change reflects the City’s commitment to celebrating the region’s abundant creative talent and the cultural vibrancy that defines Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding communities.

The new name emphasizes inclusivity and regional pride, shifting the focus from a single office to the broader community.  By adopting the name Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards, we aim to honor not only the incredible contributions of our artists but also the diverse cultural landscape that makes our region unique

While the name may be different, the mission remains the same: to recognize and promote artistic excellence in all its forms.  The Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards will continue to showcase the best in local arts, from visual art to music, theatre, dance, and more.

We look forward to celebrating the extraordinary talent of our region at the next Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards event, and we invite everyone to join us in recognizing the vital role the arts play in enriching our community.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter! ###

For Immediate Release:  September 19, 2024

28th Annual Mayor’s Awards in the Arts

The City of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is pleased to announce the following winners of the 28th Annual Mayor’s Awards in the Arts: 

The Arts Commission is delighted to extend a special invitation to you for the upcoming 2024 Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, a night of celebration and recognition of artistic excellence.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Hagadone Events Center, 984 S. Floating Green Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Don't miss this chance to celebrate the arts, recognize extraordinary talent, and be part of an unforgettable evening. The event will be emceed by the one and only Stephen Shortridge and showcase the talents of some of the best artists in the Inland Northwest including Summer Ward, Aspire Theatre, Jim Phillips, the brass quintet of the CDA Symphony, and the Northern Dance Academy.  Jennifer Passaro will be inducted as the City of Coeur d’Alene’s inaugural Poet Laureate. Sculptor Cheryl Metcalf will create art in real time and Emerge art students will display their art.  Jojo Dodge will entertain during the social hour, all ensuring a night to remember!

The Mayor’s Awards in the Arts are presented by the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission and the City of Coeur d’Alene to recognize and encourage excellence in the arts and to stimulate and support awareness of the arts throughout the city.

We encourage you to RSVP today as seating is limited.  Thank you for your continued support of the arts in Coeur d’Alene.  We look forward to sharing this exceptional evening with you.

Please RSVP to Arts Commission Chair Mary Lee Ryba at [email protected] by October 1, 2024.

For more information contact Jo Anne Mateski, Arts Commission staff support, at [email protected] or (208) 666-5754.