The Art Spirit Gallery’s latest exhibition featuring AI-generated images spurs backlash from the local art community

The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, faced backlash from the local art community after announcing an exhibition titled "No Permission Needed," featuring AI-generated images by Mike Baker, CEO of Heritage Health. The exhibition, which opened on Nov. 12, sparked nearly 200 comments on Facebook, with local artists calling the work "disgusting," "slop," and "unethical." Four artists protested outside the gallery during the city's monthly ArtWalk event on Nov. 14, and a subsequent panel discussion on Nov. 22 included Baker, gallery owner Blair Williams, former NASA scientist Denise Yost, and Jen Jackson Quintano. Williams noted that three artists have severed ties with the gallery over the show.