Arts and Culture Alliance welcomes program coordinator
Multidisciplinary artist Abby Light will be starting a full-time role as program coordinator for the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance. Courtesy photo
The Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance has found a fit for its new program coordinator position.
Abby Light, a multidisciplinary artist from Coeur d’Alene, has taken on a part-time role with the nonprofit organization, which will transfer into a full-time position.
“We believe Abby is going to do great things with the programs we offer,” said Ali Shute, executive director. “I believe she will bring a freshness to the art community that will appeal to the younger people.”
Shute said the Alliance has been operating with only one staff member for the last eight years and is pleased to be in a position to add another person.
Established in 2005, the organization provides programs and activities to the community including the ArtWalk, Riverstone summer concert series, Arts Buzz and more.
Light said she plans to help promote more emerging artists and student artists who are just starting their careers. She said another goal is to build up the organization’s social media presence to further promote arts and culture to the community.
“I grew up here, going to ArtWalk and checking out all the local bands, so I was just really excited to get back into that scene,” Light said. “I’m excited to bring a more youthful perspective.”
Light spent the last eight years in Calgary, Alberta, following her graduation from the University of Idaho with a bachelor's of fine arts in studio art and design with an emphasis on painting. She worked as an educator and program developer at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.
“I just saw great opportunity,” Light said. “Everything I learned up there I feel like is really valuable to bring to this position.”
Light said Calgary has a vibrant art scene, which gave her a lot of insights. However after being away for eight years, Light said she felt like the timing to come back to her family and hometown was just right.
Light has been doing professional art after finishing college for about 10 years.
“I love the inner world side of art,” Light said. “It’s just kind of my own kind of private little fantasy world.”
Light said she has always been into the tactile side of arts, with interest in sculpting, painting and making little figurines.
“I just love that,” Light said. “It’s a kind of world-making thing that’s what really draws me in.”
Light’s art can be viewed on her website, abbylight.com.