BLOCK PARTY
Musicians rock out during a past Pop-Up Show. Now called the Block Party, Emerge will host a huge community arts event July 8.
Courtesy photo
Art enthusiasts enjoy works of art during a past Emerge Pop-Up Show. This year's event has a new name, the Block Party, and will be held at Emerge from 5 p.m.
Emerge will throw the ninth annual Block Party from 5 p.m. to midnight July 8.
Formerly the Pop-Up Show, the Block Party will take place at Emerge, 119 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
The show is a unique art experience that has become a much-anticipated event. The Block Party not only features and supports local visual artists, but also film and performance artists. Emerge recruits participants through local schools, supporting galleries, art groups and small businesses to find a wide variety of local artists. Emerge also provides support and development workshops to help artists prepare their work.
A panel of professional artists and members of the arts community select the art for the show. More than 300 pieces will be shown and available for purchase. The Block Party has grown every year. More than 4,500 people walked through during the last event.
More than 145 local artists will be featured this year. Emerge's new location provides plenty of space for the art display, film room, interactive art space, bar and large outdoor performance stage, with a full lineup of music from up-and-coming local musicians, poets and dancers.
The Block Party serves as one of Emerge’s biggest annual fundraisers through art and merchandise sales, donations, bar proceeds and community sponsorships. It is at the heart Emerge's mission to provide low-cost and free arts education and support to youth and adults in the community. The funds raised during the Block Party will help cover the cost of Emerge's monthly art exhibits and supply materials for art classes. The funds also allow Emerge to continue providing professional development support and tools to further careers in the arts.
