SANDPOINT — When she was an art-inclined kid, Claire Christy was presented with numerous opportunities to participate in extracurricular athletics — but few to express her creativity or hone her artistic skills.

Today, in her role as arts coordinator at the nonprofit Pend Oreille Arts Council, Christy oversees “Expressions”: a series of month-long teen classes hosted at the organization’s downtown Sandpoint gallery designed to offer students a chance to practice artistry outside of school.

“We just thought it was a good way to fill that need in the community,” she said.

Since the program launched in March 2024, community experts have come forth to teach courses centered on drawing, painting and other art forms.

“We're definitely open to anyone who might have an idea for a class or some

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