Emerge's annual Block Party starts at 5 tonight

One of Coeur d'Alene's biggest community arts celebrations returns tonight as Emerge hosts its 11th annual Block Party.

The show, which goes from 5 p.m. until midnight, is a unique art experience for the Coeur d'Alene area. The Block Party not only features and supports local visual artists, but also performance artists. Emerge connects with local schools, supporting galleries, art groups and small businesses to find a wide variety of local artists, and provides support and development workshops to help artists professionally prepare their work. The art is selected for this show by a jury of professional artists and members of the arts community. Over 300 pieces will be shown and available for purchase, putting money back in the pockets of local artists. Each year the show expands. Over 4,500 people walked through during last year's event.

While Emerge shows usually feature three to four artists, the Block Party features over 145 local artists. Its location at 119 N. Second St., with the addition of neighboring spaces, provides thousands of square feet for the art display, film, interactive art space, bar and outdoor performance stage. The lineup of includes up-and-coming local musicians, a silent disco, food trucks, a beer garden and an interactive mural.

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 of the Emerge mission to provide low-cost to free arts education and support to youth and adults in the community. Funds raised during the Block Party will be used to cover the cost of monthly art exhibits and supply materials for art classes. They also allow Emerge to continue providing individuals with professional development support and tools to further their careers in the arts.