Supporters rally behind Coeur d'Alene Arts Alliance at annual meeting

The Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance welcomed new and returning members Thursday night at MODUS Fine Art Gallery during the organization's annual membership meeting.

About 50 attendees enjoyed charcuterie and wine provided by Graze and Rosé while mingling and taking in the final evening of MODUS' "Botanical Kaleidoscope" exhibition, featuring artwork by Neicy Frey and Toby Keough.

"It's a lot of familiar faces, people who have supported the arts for years," Executive Director Abby Light said. "But I also see a lot of new faces."

Throughout the evening, attendees were encouraged to purchase or renew memberships to support the Arts Alliance's programs for another year. 

"We always have a pretty solid foundation, but every year we're always looking for new members," Light said. "That's what keeps our programs going and helps with operational costs."

Light introduced attendees to board members and highlighted programs supported by memberships, including Art Walks, the summer concert series and the Living Lake Project. She acknowledged Living Lake Project artists Duncan Menzies, Gabrielle Lewis and Christina Villagomez among the attendees. Light said the project has helped bring new members and increased visibility to the Arts Alliance this year.

"I think that's a new one that people are keeping their eye on," Light said.

Attendees JD Smithson and Don Cunnington used the event as an opportunity to purchase memberships and admire the work featured in the "Botanical Kaleidoscope" exhibition.

"We decided to come make an event of it instead of just doing it at home on my phone," Smithson said.

Cunnington, a local artist whose work is often featured in Art Walks, said the gathering allowed him to meet Light in person for the first time.

"Abby is incredible," he said. "She's been a motivator for me to be a better artist."

Another attendee, Ken Roberge, said he and his wife have been Arts Alliance members for years. They each maintain separate memberships and renewed both.

"We've always supported the arts," Roberge said. "I'm not an artist, but I support artists because I love art."

As a Coeur d'Alene native, Roberge reflected on the growth of the local arts scene over the years.

"This was a blue-collar town when I grew up," Roberge said. "As it's transitioned into a world-class resort, it's added a lot of light and life to everything."

Info: artsandculturecda.org

    Attendees at the Arts Alliance membership event Thursday night at MODUS Fine Art.
  

    Duncan Menzies at the Arts Alliance membership event on Thursday with other members.
  

    Attendees at the annual Arts Alliance membership event Thursday evening at MODUS Fine Art Gallery.