For some, the first day of summer is simply what the calendar says: June 20.

For others, it’s the first day it reaches a certain temperature, or the first time they can hit a local farmers market.

For others, especially in the art community, it’s only when they get to browse artist booth after artist booth at ArtFest that summer feels as if it’s really begun.

The festival celebrates 40 years with this year’s event, Friday through Sunday at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

ArtFest organizer Amanda Souza, who also acts as the MAC’s membership, donor services and database manager, has helped with ArtFest since starting part time at the MAC in 2022, the same year the event moved back to the museum’s campus from nearby Coeur d’Alene Park.

Being back on the museum’s campus makes th

See Full Page