Mayor's art awards to be presented Wednesday

COEUR d'ALENE - The city of Coeur d'Alene is celebrating those who have improved art in the community in grand fashion, and everyone is invited.

Mayor Sandi Bloem will present the 17th Annual Mayor's Awards in the Arts at 6 p.m. Wednesday at The Hagadone Event Center.

The annual tradition, hosted at the Event Center for the first time, recognizes and encourage excellence in the arts to stimulate and support awareness of the field throughout the city.

"It is a privilege to recognize the individuals and organizations in our community that make art accessible to everyone," Bloem stated.

Dale Young won the Excellence in the Arts category; Shaina Nomee won Support of the Arts and Skip and Debbie Peterson will be recognized for Education of the Arts.

Excellence in the Arts recognizes artists who have made a significant contribution to the awareness of the arts in Coeur d'Alene, evaluated on their community participation, previous recognition received, and the quality and originality of their work.

Support of the Arts celebrates individuals or organizations based on the length of their commitment to the arts, the type of support they give and their overall involvement in support of art.

Arts in Education, recognizes individuals or organizations for their efforts to strengthen public arts education in the geographic region of School District 271.

The award is given based on years of commitment to and advocacy for arts education.

The Mayor's Awards in the Arts are presented in conjunction with the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission. This event is open to the public.

Info: Steve Anthony, 769-2249.