Spokane, WA, July 26, 2024 – Art on the Green has been a highlight of the summer season in Coeur d’Alene for over 55 years, bringing together artists, musicians and performers for free entertainment, handcrafted works of art, food and drink, and family-friendly activities. 

This year, in recognition of Innovia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” the Foundation is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities, like Art on the Green, that bring people together. As part of this investment, Innovia is proud to sponsor the 2024 celebration, organized by the Citizens’ Council for the Arts to gather the community around a shared love of art.

The 56th year of Art on the Green will take place Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4 on the grounds of North Idaho College (NIC) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. The event’s all-volunteer team has planned an exciting lineup of free activities, including music and cultural performances, handcrafted works of art for purchase, a beer garden, a food court, an outdoor Juried Art Show and a Children’s Art Garden for children of all ages to enjoy. 

For more information about the event schedule, visit artonthegreencda.com. 

A founder of Citizens’ Council for the Arts, Sue Flammia worked on Art on the Green since its inception. Before her passing in 2015, she once said, “Art on the Green is a great place to be together. There we are the best we can be — creative, peaceful and harmonious people of all ages coming together to celebrate each other, the arts and community.” 

Art on the Green has a rich history dating back to 1968, when the first Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival in Coeur d’Alene was held on the Rotary tennis courts. The unshaded black tops and 100-degree heat caused one of the paintings to melt and buckle.  In response, the festival was moved to the pine-filled grounds of North Idaho College in 1970, where the new colors of the landscape inspired the festival’s new moniker “Art on the Green.”  

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia actively seeks opportunities to enrich communities by promoting vibrant and accessible experiences in arts and culture. 

“Communities that value and support the arts inspire an environment where creativity can flourish,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We are proud to sponsor such a historic and beloved festival that celebrates the unifying power of art in our community.” 

“We appreciate Innovia’s sponsorship of the main stage this year,” says Art on the Green volunteer Anne Solomon. “We had to pay to rent a stage since a windstorm destroyed NIC’s existing structure in 2021. This support allows us to focus more resources on children’s art activities. We are so thankful for the support of Innovia and our community!” 

Innovia’s investment in Art on the Green is part of a series of events and activities Innovia is gifting to communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho in celebration of the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary in 2024. More information about these events can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

Celebrating Community in 2024  

Together with media partner NonStop Local KHQ, Innovia is Celebrating Community, a year-long, region-wide celebration of the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have faithfully served the needs of communities for 50 years in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Each month, Innovia will gift the region with free, inclusive, family-friendly activities and experiences to commemorate the Foundation’s past, present and future of bringing people together to transform lives and communities. Event details will be released at the beginning of each month throughout 2024.  

50th Anniversary Calendar of Events  

In addition to Innovia-sponsored community events, the Foundation has launched an online calendar where individuals and organizations can submit information about celebrations and activities in their community. The calendar is open to any events within the Foundation’s region that are free or low-cost, family-friendly and have a broad community appeal. Calendar entries can be submitted at innovia.org/fifty.   

Photo Drawing  

Community members who attend Innovia-sponsored community events this year are invited to submit their photos from the event for a chance to win a photo drawing. Winners will be selected in March, June, September and December to receive a $250 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Entries can be submitted by posting photos on Instagram with the hashtag #innoviacelebratescommunity or by submitting through an online form. Full drawing details and rules, including the online submission form, can be found at innovia.org/fifty.  

About Innovia Foundation  

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact. Our mission is to ignite generosity that transforms lives and communities. We envision vibrant and sustainable communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Each year, Innovia Foundation invests $10 million into our communities through grants and scholarships. 

Innovia Foundation is proud to partner with NonStop Local KHQ for community coverage of these family-friendly free events.