posters

Sitting in my dad's yellow leather chair, copying illustrations out of encyclopedias, is one of the earliest memories in my lifelong passion for art. 

In my early 20s, while at college, I journeyed on two canoe expeditions to the Arctic Barrens, now known as Nunavut. After traveling about 1,500 miles, truly wild places and their importance compelled me to become a passionate environmental steward. 

Moving to Sandpoint when I was 22, after a stint of picking apples in Chelan, WA, was the smartest thing I have ever done because here I became the proud mother of Zach and Jake Hagadone, the loves of my life. My incredible daughter-in-law, Danielle, and my adventure buddies John and Eleanor, the best grandkids ever, became my other loves. 

Earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in educational administration from the University of Idaho provided me with the privilege to serve as a public school teacher as well as a principal for 28 years. 

Along my career path, I also earned a master’s in zoology from Miami University, which enabled me to deepen my interest and practice of environmental education. An integral part of the program was traveling to three conservation hotspots around the world: the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the pristine rainforests of Guyana, and the coral reefs of Belize. 

In addition to these learning adventures, I worked with other incredible individuals to lead middle-school and graduate students to the rainforests of Costa Rica for more than a decade. Hiking through intact ecosystems inspired those students — and me— to learn about that verdant haven.

My lifelong association with the natural world, resplendent with pattern, texture, detail, and color, dictates my intricate and stylized art approach. Traditional watercolor, colored pencils, and digital photography lend themselves to my desire to capture the gift that is nature. My lifetime service in education creates an almost innate desire for me to continue to share information about our world through my creativity. 

Aside from a series of watercolors found in private collections, I am constantly compelled to create art out of almost anything. No medium is out of bounds: wood, clay, rocks, acorns, and even plastic bottle caps. 

Besides working on my art, my membership in the Mighty Monarch Conservation Group and the Pend Oreille Chapter of the Master Naturalists allows me to continue with my conservation work. 

While I have moved from encyclopedias to real-world experiences to find my subjects, my desire to share the flora and fauna surrounding us will never waver. 

May we all work to preserve these gifts.

Perky Smith-Hagadone’s art piece “Wild Cantata” was selected as the Festival’s winning Fine Arts Poster for the 2025 Summer Series.

The winning art piece will be revealed on July 8, following the Festival’s annual Sponsor Appreciation event.

The artist’s donation of this original piece is not only a tradition but a fundraiser for the non-profit organization’s mission.

Her original art piece will be available for auction, with bidding beginning on July 8 and concluding at the Grand Finale performance on August 3.