First Market
May 7, 2010 
4 Comments
Tomorrow, er, today is First Friday Art Walk in Spokane. For the past two weeks now I’ve been collecting emails and newsletter announcements inviting me to the latest and greatest that Spokane’s surprisingly vital and diverse art scene has to offer. I’ve been meticulously calendaring a course throughout downtown so that you don’t have to.
One that particularly caught my eye was an architectural exhibit at the Garage Door gallery showcasing the Pacific Bridge Development project. Nystrom | Olson | Collins has hosted local artists in the past for First Friday, but this is the first time they are displaying their own work.
Their purpose in participating on First Friday is to display their creative edge as a component of Spokane’s art and design culture, as well as provide an opportunity for the public to learn about and critique a project that will function as a key bridge between Downtown and the University District.
The Pacific Bridge development project is a mixed use development consisting of residential, commercial and retail uses located at the “Gateway” to downtown Spokane. The project consists of three phases to create low income and living wage jobs while revitalizing one of the City’s most underutilized and underserved neighborhoods. The property lies within the boundaries of the University District and enjoys one of the most recognized and heavily traveled locations in Spokane’s central business district.
The presence of the Spokane Public Market will greatly enhance the long term stability of the neighborhood while allowing local farmers and artisans the opportunity to interact with buyers in a year round indoor/outdoor venue. It is anticipated that that the market will be a community gathering place where individuals and families will be able to take advantage of locally grown and manufactured goods.
The developer BR3 development group in partnership with Spokane Neighborhood Economic Development Alliance will develop business incubator opportunities. This concept will provide small start up businesses the opportunity to lease inexpensive office space on a short term basis allowing maximum flexibility for long term growth.
Success of this development will create a diverse mix of uses which will add necessary density to the neighborhood in order sustain an active, secure and vibrant 24 hour presence. With the reintroduction of one or more residential components comes the requisite lighting and other security enhancements to ensure not only the viability of the project but the perception of a more secure environment. This housing is not intended to be high-end but rather a combination of workforce and low income units.
- New Members Group Show at the Saranac Art Projects
- Art at the Globe with Matt Bogue, Jason Bagge and Travis Masingale
- First visit to the new J.F.Thamm Gallery on Washington
- Concept Home featuring Ben Joyce (my inner yuppie made me do it)
- Tiffany at Second Space (always a big deal) a.k.a. INK
- This Garage Door thing (see above)
- Where I would go if I weren’t riding my bike: Ruby Slipper
- More complete listings and details.
Happy art marketing!
About the Author
This will be helpful! I often wander aimlessly (only with my Inlander in hand) hitting whichever gallery I encounter first (or bar). Tonight I’ll have to step away from our gallery and check out a few of these suggestions.
Also tonight for First Friday, drop by Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie for artful dining by guest chef Lynette, or for art-goers Sante is offering complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres for the first time.
It’s a Mother’s Day art installation, complete with handmade Mother’s Day cards available.
Bring your Moms, Spokane!
Jane that is so cool to know, thanks for sharing!
When people say Spokane doesn’t have much of a creative community, clearly they are just uninformed. There is something for everyone. Spokane is moving along just fine.