Williams to serve on state arts commission

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Blair Williams is taking her arts administrative talents to another level.

The owner of The Art Spirit Gallery on Sherman Avenue has been appointed by Gov. Butch Otter to serve on the Idaho Commission on the Arts.

"I'm extremely honored and it's certainly one of those bucket list moments," she said.

Williams was nominated by the commission's executive director, Michael Faison.

"I've done my best to stay involved in the arts in the region and state," said Williams, who has owned the Coeur d'Alene gallery for two years. "They recognized my interest and passion for the arts."

Williams will represent the five northern counties. The board works on arts advocacy, policy and programs statewide.

Williams' term will expire on June 30, 2022.

"Arts can play a strong role with not just the culture, but community development," Williams said. "Arts play a larger role than we give it credit for in the development of who we are, what we do and why we do it."

Williams said she's looking forward to networking with people from other areas of the state to promote the arts.

"I love connecting people," she said.

Williams, who is not an artist, has been serving in various arts roles in North Idaho for about 30 years.

She has served with the Performing Arts Alliance, Coeur d'Alene Arts and Cultural Alliance and Art on the Green, among other groups, and has collaborated with the University of Idaho to develop an arts administration degree program in Coeur d'Alene.