POAC’s annual Arts and Crafts Fair brings area creators to downtown Sandpoint
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The streets of Sandpoint will be packed once again, as about 5,000 visitors and locals descend on downtown to enjoy the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s Arts and Crafts Fair. The 53rd annual fair will run Saturday, Aug. 9 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and cover Second Avenue and Main Street across from Farmin Park.
“There’s so much to discover at the fair this year,” said POAC Arts Coordinator Claire Christy. “From exciting new artists to longtime favorites, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
The fair will include more than 120 booths with artists working in myriad media, including painting, ceramics, photography, woodworking and more. There will also be interactive elements located near the fountain, such as art stations by POAC, the Sandpoint Waldorf School and Athol Ironworks, as well as live demonstrations.
Courtesy photo
Among the featured artists will be renowned area sculptor Dave Gonzo — who has contributed to the city’s Silver Box Art on Loan program and created the interactive “Vessel of Intention,” which will be on display during the POAC fair.
The large sculpture “invites fairgoers to plant symbolic seeds of the change they wish to see in their community and the world,” according to the artist.
“The ‘Vessel of Intention’ is more than just a sculpture — it’s an evolving act of collective hope and creativity, encouraging reflection, connection and action through art,” Gonzo stated in a recent news release.
All the proceeds from each sale support the individual artist, making it an important event for area creators. Additionally, all booth fees go to POAC’s educational programs, such as Kaleidoscope and Ovations.
Ovations focuses on classes and workshops with performing artists to introduce K-12 students to the stage. Kaleidoscope Art lessons are the counterpoint, developing students’ foundational fine arts skills. Kaleidoscope serves about 900 students per year in the Lake Pend Oreille School District and has given the freedom of artistic expression to more than 20,000 kids over the past 30 years.
“This event is a celebration of creativity and community. It’s a weekend full of art, inspiration and connections, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone downtown,” said Christy.
For more information, visit artinsandpoint.org.
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