ART
examine the creative process one podcast at a time North Idaho Women
By JOE BUTLER Photography by JOEL RINER
O ftentimes, to fully appre- ciate something, you need to stick around for the end. And if you’ve ever listened to the Ali and Callie Artcast, you know this to be true. At the close of every epi- sode of their local arts-focused pod- cast, co-hosts Ali Shute and Callie Cabe offer the same words of en- couragement: “Whatever you do to- day, make sure it’s creative.” Every guest over the last five sea - sons has shared some aspect of art and creativity. But the wrap-up really captures the spirit of what makes this podcast special. Each fun-filled 30- to 40-minute conversation shares what’s hap- pening in North Idaho arts and features interesting interviews with community members. Produc-
er Kristin Kilmer makes sure the technical parts of the show come to- gether and the conversations don’t veer too far from the main topic. As of fall 2025, there have been 185 episodes of the Ali and Callie Artcast. Though the trio likes to take a break over the winter, they are already making plans for 2026. Their goal is the same every year: “Knock people’s socks off with tales of art and culture in the Pacific Northwest and sometimes beyond.” Those tales come from interesting people they find who contribute to the region’s culture, from writers, winemakers and coffee roasters to sculptors, gallery owners and even burlesque dancers. In the end, the creative team hopes each podcast educates and inspires everyone to get out there and create.
“It’s also important that we have fun,” Shute said. “We’re living in such a serious world, so we need to laugh.” >> Getting started The Ali and Callie Artcast began, somewhat, because of public anger over public art. In 2019, Shute, a longtime visual artist, was executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Al- liance, a non-profit that promotes community arts and culture and co- ordinates with area public and pri- vate arts organizations. Cabe, who has a performing arts background, was also part of the Alliance. It’s no secret that art of any kind attracts “varying opinions,” to put things diplomatically. Because art by nature is always open to individu-
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