New pieces selected for Sandpoint Silver Box Art on Loan Project

By Reader Staff

The Silver Box Art on Loan Project is back with another annual cycle, after Sandpoint officials announced the selected artists and sculptures for 2025-’26.

Now in its eighth year, the public art program temporarily displays pieces from chosen artists for one year, each of whom receive a $1,000 honorarium with funding provided by the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency’s Public Art Fund.

Intended to “grow, support and promote local public artists,” this year’s selections include three sculptures, placed on specially built pedestals installed around downtown:

“Skyward Grace,” by Denny Henson, of Sandpoint, located at Farmin Park on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Oak Street; “Kingfishers,” by A. Lee Harris, of Bonners Ferry, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Oak Street at Umpqua Bank; and “Beauty of Duality,” by Dave Gonzo, also of Sandpoint, located at Fourth Avenue and Church Street, adjacent to the U.S. Post Office.

Henson’s piece is western red cedar, accented with stain, acrylic paint and sealed; Harris’ piece is welded steel with a powder-coated structure featuring paint and found elements; and Gonzo’s piece is of steel and copper.

Each year’s winning artists are chosen following a request for proposals; reviewed by the Sandpoint Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission; and presented to the Sandpoint City Council for approval.