ALLIUM SPRING CHORUS

People may call the massive metal sculpture at the Third Street entrance to Coeur d’Alene’s McEuen Park “the dandelions,” and with three slender stems each topped by a globe of little star shapes, the artwork does resemble dandelions about to unleash their seeds.

But the 14-foot stainless steel sculpture by Massachusetts artist David Tonnesen is actually an ode to Idaho’s wild onions, thus the artwork’s actual title: Allium Spring Chorus

Allium Spring Chorus is one of numerous public art pieces the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission has selected for installation over the years. It’s also one of the most popular, including with children.

Every September, Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance Executive Director Ali Shute has worked with local architects, artists and landscape designers to lead area children on a drawing expedition as part of the national Kids Draw Architecture program. In addition to drawing buildings and other architectural elements, the kids draw public artwork.

“The Allium is one of the favorites, has always been a favorite,” Shute says. “I think [that’s] because it’s in a really good location,” she adds, “and it’s just pretty.”

The simplicity of the design makes it easy for kids of any age to draw it, Shute says. “And it represents something that grows here in the wild.”

Not only do the little star-shapes — the “seeds” of the allium plant — move gently and subtly in the breeze, but they also shimmer in the sun.

“They definitely catch your attention.”

— CARRIE SCOZZARO

Best Art Gallery Terrain

Though it began as a one-night-only visual and performing arts extravaganza in 2008, Terrain has since evolved to include a permanent space where some of the many, many artists who originally found their footing through its flagship pop-up have since exhibited. It’s a must-do during First Friday art walk and one of the few places in Spokane to experience an always fresh take on truly contemporary regional art. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

3rd PLACE: Marmot Art Space

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Art Spirit Gallery, Coeur d’Alene

BEST TV ANCHORPERSON MARK HANRAHAN, KREM

Mark Hanrahan joined KREM in 2015 and has been cranking out news ever since. The reporter and anchorperson, who won a Tom McCall Award for excellence in journalism at his previous job in Portland, knows how to deliver the nightly news with calm confidence — and just the right amount of humor. (NS)

2nd PLACE: Sean Owsley, KHQ

3rd PLACE: Tim Pham, KREM

Best Artist Chris Bovey

“Accessible and stylish.” (Eric L.); “Chris so beautifully and perfectly captures the heart and vibe of Spokane and the surrounding areas with his vintage-style artwork. His art is fun, connecting and unifying.” (Lance H.)

2nd PLACE: Ric Gendron

3rd PLACE: (tie) Audreana Camm, Ben Joyce

Best Author Jess Walter

“Love The Cold Millions.” (Jill K.); “Too good for Spokane, but he still stays anyway. Everything he writes is amazing.” (Jennifer L.); “Master of his craft.” (Lori B.)

2nd PLACE: Sharma Shields

3rd PLACE: Tom J. Bross

BEST BOOKSTORE AUNTIE’S BOOKSTORE

“Creaky floors! Also, great location, great selection, and I love the staff picks. They’ve never steered me wrong.” (Melissa L.); “A great vibe, very helpful, and the store is just a great place to get lost and wander. (Darn T.)

2nd PLACE: Page 42 Bookstore

3rd PLACE: Wishing Tree Books

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST BOOKSTORE THE WELL-READ

Moose

“Everyone is so friendly and so helpful; it’s so peaceful, and they have so much variety!” (Jordyn S.)

Best Public Art Piece Garbage Goat

Winning best public art piece in a region where there are literal tons of public art is a big deal, especially when it’s rather small compared to other behemoth sculptures nearby in Riverfront Park. Maybe it’s the metal sculpture’s lifelike size that’s charmed visitors since Sister Paula Turnbull created it for Expo ’74. Or its unique ability to “Hoover” trash. Either way, visiting this diminutive metal sculpture is a quintessentially Spokane thing to do. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: The Joy of Running Together (Bloomsday Runners)

3rd PLACE: The Childhood Express (Big Red Wagon)

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Allium Spring Chorus (Dandelions), Coeur d’Alene