Artists face off for ArtFest fundraiser

Last year, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture asked area artists to decorate birdhouses. The birdhouses were then auctioned off at ArtFest as a museum fundraiser.

They’re doing it again this year, only instead of birdhouses, the artists are lending their artistic skills to plain masks.

The masks have been on display since mid-May and feature the talents of Chris Bovey, Ric Gendron, Melissa Cole, John Richardson and Tammy Gabbert, among others. They’ll be sold in a silent auction at the ArtFest Info Booth. Bids will be accepted through the weekend, with the winners announced Sunday afternoon.

It’s all a part of the artistic fun this weekend at ArtFest, once again held in Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition. The 31st annual art fair features the popular kids’ make-it area, dozens of juried art booths, live entertainment, food booths and more.

The entertainment kicks off Friday at noon with the popular duo Sidhe. Other Friday performers include Plaid Cats (1:30 p.m.), Arvid Lundin & Deep Roots (3 p.m.), Savannah Blain (4:30 p.m.), Floating Crowbar (6 p.m.) and Step Brothers (8 p.m.). Saturday features the Masterclass Big Band (noon), Spare Parts (1:30 p.m.), Jim Bury Band (3 p.m.), Angela Marie Project (4:30 p.m.), Free Whiskey (6 p.m.), Robbins Rebels (7:15 p.m.) and Too Slim and the Taildraggers (8 p.m.). Sunday’s lineup features Philip Boulding (11 a.m.); the EWU Concert Jazz Orchestra (noon); Acuff, Sherfey and the Saddle Tramps (1:30 p.m.); and Soul Proprietor (3 p.m.)

There also will be voting for the Art for the Park intersection art installation project. Painted in May, the four large-scale paintings were crafted by professional artists, assisted by teams of volunteers. ArtFest patrons are encouraged to vote with monetary donations; the mural that collects the most cash wins, with proceeds going to support the winning artist and improvements to the 125-year-old Coeur d’Alene Park.