Closet artist supports education
Teri Dupey's first painted piece for Coeur d'Alene Christian School's annual Spring Auction raised $400 for the school, located in Dalton Gardens. The buyer had it framed and returned it to Dupey as a gift. (Courtesy photo)
Coeur d’Alene Christian School elementary teacher Teri Dupey moonlights as a closet artist. Her works hang in select family and friends’ houses or are hidden away in her own home. The only time the public witnesses her creativity is on the evening of Coeur d’Alene Christian School’s annual Spring Auction. For 17 years, she has created art to support the school she’s passionate about.
“Besides teaching, it’s my way of contributing to the school,” Dupey said. “I love seeing the excitement on all the faces that night.”
Her artistic contributions to the school’s fundraising efforts take many forms. Sometimes it’s refurbished furniture or re-imagined home decor.
Small paintings or framed pieces round out some of her class baskets, such as 2017’s Spiderman and Superman portraits, and a repurposed TV stand-turned- dress-up-station for a Super Hero package. Larger pieces depicting the night’s theme often go for hundreds of dollars during the live bidding.
Dupey has also provided her art skills as a service. Last year she offered to serve as instructor for a painting birthday party for eight children.
“My first painted piece for the auction was a jungle collage of mostly frogs. It was auctioned off for $400,” Dupey said, with a smile. “The buyer then had it matted and framed and returned it to me as a gift.”
Her artistic abilities were passed on to her youngest daughter, who served last year as art teacher for Coeur d’Alene Christian School.
Dupey hinted at the two pieces she’s finishing for this year’s auction. One is a simple, sentimental nod to a classic book character. The other is a watercolor and ink nostalgic painting, leaning toward Americana. Regular auction attendees anticipate the reveal of her projects, the art works often still drying days before their debut.
“I get inspired when thinking about the audience, auction participants, and what they might enjoy,” Dupey said.
The best way to see this year’s pieces and curate some unique Teri Dupey works is to attend this year’s event.
The “Back at the Ranch”-themed auction and dinner will be Friday, Aupril 12 at 6439 N. Fourth St., Dalton Gardens. A barbecue dinner will be served from 5 to 6 p.m. Dinner costs $10 per person or $25 per family. The silent auction tables open at 6 followed by a live and Dutch auction at 7.
All donations and gifts directly fund the school.