Entry No. 42 — the Coeur d'Alene file — filed under: oddities
Emerge CDA
A downtown 501(c)(3) collective art studio with 10 pottery wheels, a kiln and glazing station, plus a darkroom and printmaking gear. Beyond six-week pottery and private printmaking workshops, they're known for genuinely offbeat one-off classes; past sessions have included a Build-A-Bat taxidermy workshop where you assembled your own preserved-bat wall mount with supplies and direction provided.
The story
Formed in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Emerge CDA operates out of 119 North 2nd Street in downtown Coeur d'Alene, quietly functioning as the town's counter-narrative art hub [1.4.8]. On paper, it is a collective studio stocked with ten pottery wheels, a high-fire kiln, a dedicated glazing station, printmaking gear, and a working darkroom. But the real pull isn't just the standard six-week ceramics or printmaking classes—it's the off-kilter, one-night pop-up workshops that pull in people looking to make something far weirder than a mug.
Their most infamous session to date was the Build-A-Bat taxidermy workshop, where participants were handed preserved bat specimens, mounting supplies, and step-by-step direction to assemble their own framed wall display. Beyond dark oddities, Emerge hosts annual community events like the INK! Print Rally and a massive summer Block Party that shuts down 2nd Street between Sherman and Lakeside, showcasing over 150 regional artists spanning film, sculpture, and performance. You didn't hear it from us, but if you're looking for the creative underbelly of a lake town better known for resort golf courses, this block is where it lives.
What it's like
Stepping into the space on 2nd Street feels part community gallery, part working production floor—you'll smell wet clay, printing ink, and darkroom chemicals depending on which area is active. The gallery front is relaxed and uncluttered, usually staffed by working studio members who let you browse original prints and handmade ceramics without bothering you. If you're targeting a specialized one-night workshop like taxidermy, seats sell fast; register early by emailing programming@emergecda.com. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but always confirm studio hours before making the trip.
The move: Watch their event calendar for a weird one-night workshop like Build-A-Bat taxidermy, then mount your matching specimens side by side at home.
📍 Before you go The quirky one-off workshops (taxidermy, etc.) are scheduled and fill up; email programming@emergecda.com to register. Open Tue-Sat 10am-6pm.
- 📍 Coeur d'Alene
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 119 N 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Honey Eatery & Social Club (Social Club basement) — After wrapping up a workshop or gallery walk, head a block over to Sherman Avenue to decompress with a drink in this low-ceilinged speakeasy-style basement bar.
- Inland Candle Co. — Just around the corner on Lakeside Avenue, this tiny 400-square-foot shop makes a quick craft-focused stop for small-batch soy candles poured in recycled glass.
- Gizmo-CDA Makerspace — If Emerge's clay and print setups whet your appetite for raw tactile creation, visit North Idaho College's campus where Gizmo offers heavy-machinery making from blacksmithing to laser cutting.
- Guardians of the Lake (Giant Feathers) — Combine your downtown gallery stop with a brief outdoor detour to Northwest Boulevard to examine these two 25-foot metal osprey and swan feather sculptures up close.
Good to know
What kind of creative equipment is available inside the studio?
The physical studio space is equipped with ten pottery wheels, a kiln, a glazing station, printmaking tools, and a darkroom for traditional film photography.
How do I register for unique one-off classes like taxidermy?
Because specialty one-night classes fill up rapidly and aren't always on standard automated scheduling systems, you should monitor their event calendar and email programming@emergecda.com directly to lock in a spot.
Is Emerge CDA a retail store, a gallery, or an active workshop?
It operates as all three: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit collective studio hosting multi-week and one-night classes, a gallery space showcasing local artists, and a storefront selling original prints and ceramics.
Where is the studio located and what are its regular hours?
It is located at 119 N 2nd St in downtown Coeur d'Alene and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., though hours should be re-confirmed prior to visiting.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · spokesman.com · guidestar.org
last checked: 2026-06-24