Virginia Lynn Virginia Shawver Contemporary Artist

Virginia Shawver, Contemporary Artist

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has been home for more than 20 years. That is when I first met Steve Gibbs at his Art Spirit Gallery. Then, the gallery was in a quaint home on East Sherman Avenue. Steve told me of the artist community here and that Coeur d’Alene was a place to grow. For me, that has proven true.

I was born in Redding, California, and have been a lifelong student of the arts. Wherever I lived and worked, I enrolled in fine art classes at community colleges. I was mentored by some amazing and talented artists who inspire the work I do today. They include Mr. Howland (my high school art teacher who inspired my consistency with art and always believed in me), John Harper, Richard Wilson, Marc Wurmbrand, Greg Kondos, Gary Prunner, Wayne Thiebaued, and Jim Nelsen.

For many years, I have worked in the arts as a volunteer, managing and curating galleries, or showing in galleries as an artist. I work as a teacher of Fine Arts at Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities and offer private art lessons while raising my children. Being a teacher, parent, and artist has helped me persevere through life with purpose and direction. I enjoy helping others discover their passion and grow artistically.

I work out of my home studio. You can often find me with paint on my face and wearing paint-stained coveralls my dad used to wear when he worked as a welder. I am planning a new studio space so my family can again use the basement as living space, and I can have a place of my own with privacy and natural light. I am excited to see how this new environment will influence my art.

Virginia Shawver Resume

  • Art Spirit Gallery, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho - 2023

    Art Spirit Gallery, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho - 2022

    Moscow Contemporary Gallery - 2021

    Pritchard Art Gallery, University of Idaho - 2020

    Emerge Art Gallery, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho - 2018, 2021

    Arlon Rosenoff Gallery, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho - 2018-2019

    Devin Galleries, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho - 1998-2000

    Coeur d’Alene Galleries, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho - 1997-2000

    Impressionistic Art Gallery, Sandpoint, Idaho - 1997-1998

    Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum, Lewiston, Idaho - 1997-1998

    Ash Can Gallery, Sacramento, California - 1996

    Tower Gallery, Sacramento, California - 1995-1997

    Crafton Hills College Art Gallery, Yucaipa, California - 1994-1995

    Shasta College Art Gallery, Redding, California - 1987

  • Rebel Junk, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

    Farm Chicks, Spokane, Washington

    Mad Hatter, Spokane, Washington                                                   

    Country Living Magazine Show, Ohio

    Where Women Create Magazine Show, Minnesota

    Vintage Barn, Rathdrum, Idaho

  • Private collectors throughout the United States

  • Shasta Collage, Redding, California - 1986-1987

    San Diego City College, San Diego, California - 1988  

    Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa, California - 1992-1993

    American River College, Sacramento, California - 1995

    North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho - 2013-2014

Commissions welcome! Contact Virginia to learn more.