Fine art flair at the fair
Ken Cook, superintendent for the arts at the North Idaho State Fair, holds a photo of his cat, Cali. The shot is one of four that he entered this year.
ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — Hobby photographer Ken Cook says looking at the hundreds of photos displayed at the North Idaho State Fair inspires him.
“I like the challenge of comparing my work to others,” Cook said. “It helps me see what I can do differently.”
Cook entered four of his photos this year, and though he didn’t win any ribbons, participation seemed to be enough reward.
As the superintendent for the art pavilion since 1999, Cook has had many opportunities to appreciate the talent in the community.
“And this is just the fair!” he said.
Cook has been enjoying photography for about 40 years. His first camera was a Minolta with eight different lenses he’d received as a gift.
“But it used film,” he said, chuckling. “I upgraded to digital just like everyone else.”
The large majority of photos entered are now taken with cell phones, Cook said. Though he now shoots with a digital Canon camera, he said he uses his cell phone sometimes.
One of his entries is a glowing sunflower from Cook’s Coeur d’Alene backyard. Having turned around from getting that shot, his cat Cali hopped up right into the frame as if planning to pose for him, he said.
That culminated in another beautiful, and unplanned, photograph.
“Most of the photos that are worthwhile are taken by accident,” Cook said.
Some of Cook’s photos are of wildlife, the night sky or of his grandchildren. He also enjoys taking photos of the eagles at Wolf Lodge Bay.
“A lot of it is just being in the right place at the right time,” he said.
The art pavilion is full of artwork by people of all ages.
Some have been practicing their art forms for decades, while others are just learning, Cook said.
The Grand Champion photography winner, Edward Santos, has only been shooting photos for about three years, Cook said. “And the kid’s artwork is incredible,” he said.
Fewer people entered artwork this year than in past years, Cook said, but all in all, it's worked out well. The 10-day fair format has made the experience better for visitors, he said.
“People aren’t as crowded and it is much easier to really look at everything this way,” he said.
And there's a lot to look at.
The art pavilion houses photography, fine arts, literary arts and industrial art, which includes woodworking, upcycled projects, glass and metal.
“The talent in the community is unbelievable,” Cook said.