Sandpoint cuts the ribbon on Silver Box installation ‘At Rivers Edge’

The city of Sandpoint celebrated the installation of the first of three pieces in the 2023-’24 Silver Box art-on-loan program with a ribbon cutting Sept. 13, welcoming the sculpture “At Rivers Edge,” by Bonners Ferry artist Anna Lee Harris, to the pedestal at the corner of Oak Street and North Fifth Avenue.

“I like it,” Harris told the Reader, referring to the prominent location. “I think this is a perfect place.”

“At Rivers Edge” is constructed on a base of up-cyled metal decorated with hand-painted fish, topped with Idaho rocks and an otter carved from European granite, then placed atop a piece of Washington basalt. A fabricated osprey flies above the sculpture, held aloft on three blue-painted poles and featuring a bright metal “nest.”

The other two pieces selected for the sixth annual program are “Natural Wavelength,” by Cincinnati-based artist Ursula Roma, and “The Spirit Tree,” by Dave Gonzo, of Sandpoint. The former is due to be installed at the corner of Church Street and Fourth Avenue on or around Wednesday, Sept. 20, and will actually be a laser-cut, powder-coated replica of Roma’s original work. The latter is scheduled for installation at the corner of Oak Street and Fourth Avenue.

The pieces will be on display until Sept. 21, 2024 and are for sale — Harris’s and Gonzo’s sculptures going for $8,000 and the replicated Roma piece priced at $7,500. Under the terms of the program, the city is entitled to a 10% commission for any pieces sold while on display. Each artist received a $1,000 honorarium upon selection of their artwork.

“The arts in this town are flourishing and being a part of that brings so much joy to me,” said Gonzo, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting. “I’m very grateful to be a part of Silver Box.”

— Words and photo by Zach Hagadone