“Memories and joy underpin all my pieces, especially this one, “Shadow Serenade.” My work is an invitation to the viewer, a visual feast of exuberant color and light to evoke personal memories, the warm, often forgotten snapshots of happiness, comfort, and celebration.”

In the quiet space where patience meets passion and through a commitment to bold, highly saturated color, my art is meant to transcend the typical expectations of colored pencil, pushing the boundaries of realism and abstraction. I am driven by a deep, singular exploration of joy, approaching it not as a fleeting moment, but as a labor of love: a rich, layered, and resonant experience.

Each piece is an intimate accumulation of meticulous layers, where brilliant color is applied to form surfaces that pulse with energy and optimism. By pouring this heartfelt intention into every stroke, I hope to connect the viewer to the profound, enduring embrace of joy, a power that is as simple as it is lasting.

Each artwork includes two to twenty layers of colored pencil, beginning with a sketch inspired by personal experiences, memories, or a conceptual perspective. The finalized sketch is reverse transferred to paper, then colors are repeatedly layered and blended with a colorless pencil and, sometimes, a blending solution for depth. Black or white ink lines may be added for exaggeration or depth. The process takes eight to 45 hours, depending on the drawing’s complexity.”

-Cyndie Hammond

*Featured art pieces are samples of Cyndie’s previous work, not the 2026 Fine Arts Poster.

Cyndie is a third-generation North Idaho resident, with her grandpa having homesteaded on the south end of Lake Pend Oreille just east of the Long Bridge.

She taught special education for eight years and fifth grade for a decade across North Idaho and Eastern Washington classrooms. 

At 54, she earned her doctorate in education and served as Executive Director of the Coeur d’Alene Baccalaureate Center for Lewis-Clark State College. Today, she is enjoying being a grandparent and creating art. 

Email: cjhammondart@gmail.com

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Cyndie has donated her original piece to be auctioned, with proceeds supporting the Festival at Sandpoint’s year-round music education programs and non-profit mission. 

Bids on the original framed artwork can be placed at the Festival at Sandpoint office from July 8 to July 24 and at the merchandise booth during the 2026 Summer Series. The auction concludes at the Grand Finale on August 9. 

Approximately 20% of the Festival at Sandpoint’s annual revenue is comprised of donations. Participating in the annual fine arts auction is a great way to support a local nonprofit and hopefully add a one-of-a-kind piece by a local artist to your collection