Coeur d'Alene, ID

Every 2^nd Friday of the month from April to November, the art galleries along with several restaurants in downtown Coeur d’Alene participate in an Art Walk. This is one of those events that you really won’t know what you’re missing until you finally go. Filled with good art, hands-on demonstration, food samples and free wine tastings, Art Walk fills the sidewalks of Sherman Ave. with adults and children alike.

All of the galleries are open for you to browse their current exhibits and several of them have a special presentation going on. Some of these presentations feature an artist currently showing in their gallery. The artist will sometimes be present to do artwork right in the gallery and as in the case of the Story Woods gallery, the artist was actually personalizing paintings for anyone who came in to buy. Summer’s Glass, a fused glass studio located next to Hudson’s Hamburgers, offers a free workshop during Art Walk. My children and I joined in the fun making small fused glass Christmas tree ornaments. The pieces are fired and available for pick-up the next week.

The last time my family went to Art Walk, it was also Art from the Heart, which is an art festival that takes place in various parts of town for a week. Art from the Heart was sponsoring a performance by Opera Plus! during the Art Walk, and I was not disappointed. Wonderful Italian music, ranging from Polkas to Operas, was presented in the Coeur d’Alene Resort Shops. Opera Plus!, a non-profit organization that is trying to bring culture to the masses, does free concerts throughout the year and will present selected parts of operas and even Klezmer music.

Did I mention the wine tastings during the Art Walk? Several restaurants including Brix, The Wine Cellar, and Barrel Room No. 6 along with most of the galleries showcase some of the areas finest wines and champagnes. Outdoor seating is available at the restaurants for those who would like another glass or to sit and enjoy a meal with your wine.

Art Walk is a great opportunity for families and individuals to learn a little more about art and see some of it in action.

Tips:

While strollers may seem like a good idea outside on the sidewalk, many of the galleries are too small to accommodate them.

To find a good parking spot plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early to beat the rush.