2012 The Heart of it All-Best Art Gallery

Art Spirit

It may not be the only gallery in North Idaho, but Art Spirit at 415 Sherman in Coeur d’Alene is certainly the most diverse.

“We consistently showcase a wide range of original art to an equally wide range of art enthusiasts. Every month is a completely new exhibition, some of which have become crowd favorites like the annual Clay Invitational in May and the Small Works show for the holidays,” said the very understated owner, Steve Gibbs, who feels honored by the community’s support since 1997.

Visitors to the gallery will see just about any form of art, from all styles of paintings and thick bronze sculptures to delicately ornate glass or shadow-thin cloths hanging from the ceiling. Predictability is never present, unless you count the courtesy of your host. Looky-loos are most welcome. Gibbs speaks softly but carries a surprisingly big community stick, boosting not only support for local artists but also a respectable injection into the local economy.

“We employ artists. In the last nine years, we have written $2.25 million in checks direct to the artists, 85 percent of whom live within 50 miles of the gallery. We have shown over 260 artists in 133 shows, each with a second Friday opening reception for the community and artists to meet.”

Shows are planned about two years in advance. That gives the featured artists time to build a full and new body of work. Buyers also tend to be locals; most sales are to repeat purchasers. Art Spirit’s community spirit also extends to activities with children in area schools.

“We want ‘The Art Spirit’ to be alive and well in our community,” Gibbs said. “We love sharing our passion for art.”

The Art Spirit (208) 765-6006 or TheArtSpiritGallery.com