About POAC

Our Mission

The Pend Oreille Arts Council exists to facilitate quality experiences in the arts through educational programs and presentations that benefit the people of North Idaho.

History

When it comes to the arts in and around Sandpoint, the Pend Oreille Arts Council has been the go-to organization for the past four decades. Our success is due to the efforts of a “working board” and an army of dedicated volunteers.

We started in 1978 with only a handful of concerts, a few art exhibits and the newly adopted Arts & Crafts Fair. Momentum and interest continued to build as audiences became larger and the number of events grew in size and scope. In 1986 we started Artwalk, our annual summer-time tradition where Sandpoint businesses and galleries join with local artists in Sandpoint’s downtown core.

As we enter our fifth decade of promoting the arts, POAC is now directly responsible for a year-round slate of events that take place on-stage, in schools, at downtown public spaces and parks and in our many community galleries.

Based on continued support from the community, we have expanded the number of galleries showing the work of local and regional artists, as well as the number of artists taking part in our annual Arts & Crafts Fair.

Sandpoint, Idaho, has a robust arts and music scene, making it the ideal location for POAC and providing a strong base of support for our work in this unique and wonderful community we call home.

We receive support through grants from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Western States Arts Federation, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, and other public and private entities. POAC also receives generous support from local businesses and individuals who believe the arts are a worthy investment in their community.

POAC is administered by two full-time staff members and a volunteer Board of Directors. Committees for performing arts, visual arts, fundraising, and marketing are led by board members and supported by volunteers.

Our Office —
313 N. 2nd Ave, Ste B
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208.263.6139

Board Members

Dyno Wahl, President
Nancy Hastings, Vice President
Kathy Hubbard, Secretary
Pierce Smith, Treasurer
Molly Behrens
Kris Contor
Carol Deaner
Amy McTavish
Marcella Nelson
Penny Ottley
Jan Rust

Staff

Tone Lund, Executive Director
Claire Christy, Arts Coordinator