The Pend Oreille Arts Council has selected painter Connie Scherr as its 2026 Artist of the Year, recognizing her contributions to North Idaho’s creative community nearly five decades after settling in the region.
Scherr’s work will be on display throughout July at the POAC Gallery, located at 313 N. Second Ave. in Sandpoint. A public reception opens the exhibition on Friday, July 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Studio Practice and Regional Recognition
The honored artist has worked in watercolor and oils since moving to North Idaho in 1977. Scherr employs the alla prima technique, completing paintings in a single sitting—a disciplined approach that captures immediacy and spontaneity. Her work has appeared in regional venues including the Schweitzer Artists’ Studio Gallery and multiple POAC exhibitions. Her paintings were also featured on the poster for the Artists’ Studio Tour and Festival at Sandpoint, further cementing her visibility within the local art scene.
The POAC recognition highlights Scherr’s sustained engagement with the region’s cultural landscape. Whether through studio exhibitions or community art events, her presence has helped define North Idaho’s artistic identity over four decades.
What Comes Next
Residents interested in viewing Scherr’s work can visit the POAC Gallery during the July exhibition. The public reception on July 3 offers an opportunity to meet the artist and explore the full range of her current work. For more information, call the gallery at 208-263-6139.
The recognition also underscores broader artistic vitality in Bonner County. Recent public art initiatives, such as Clark Fork’s 960-square-foot mural rooted in local history, reflect a community committed to celebrating creative expression and regional storytelling.