New Originals

Some of the very same cultural creatives who were involved in bringing you Terrain, Intoxicated Dreams and the Noise Conference are now teaming up for a first-ever collected works art event at the Spokane Boxing gym on East Sprague. What is a collected works show, you ask? Basically it is where local art collectors package, transport, display and curate their personal collections for public enjoyment.

The purpose is to educate local art consumers about the diversity and accessibility of local original art, elevate the status of collecting local art, and cultivate critical taste among Spokane’s growing art community.

Design by Nick Tibbets

It’s been said that the key to persuasion is to “show not tell.” I hope New Originals will create an atmosphere in which everyday people can realize the value of supporting local artists as a means of personal expression.  For the price of a pair of designer jeans (or less) you can replace that tacky poster in your apartment with something that challenges, inspires, and lasts a lifetime.

Artwork by Jeremey Vermilion

Unlike many of the other First Friday exhibits that will open tomorrow night, New Originals: Collections, Champs, & Champagne is a one night only event. There will be live boxing, performances by several popular local bands, and general revelry in a part of town that too often doesn’t get its fair share of love. For the nay-sayers who like to think they’ve seen and done it all, the exhibit will also include a large body of new work by emerging artist Jeremey Vermilion. It warms my heart that our art scene is sophisticated and altruistic enough that it can offer a deserving new artist what amounts to a debut show.

Artwork by Jeremey Vermilion

Unlike the two paintings I’ve included here (couldn’t resist giving in to this curious interpretation of Spokane fetishism), most of what will be on display will not be your run-of-the-mill ho-hum traditional Spokane art. Expect a lot of pop art, photography, and things heavily influenced by graphic design. There will be some graffiti inspired paintings, things that look like they could be tattoos, and an all around eclectic mix of styles. Like KYRS on canvas.

Not only does this show represent collaboration between a few different social spheres that were previously more separate from each other, it represents several decades of local “alternative” art history.

Thanks goes to the organizers, the artists and these local sponsors:
Community-Minded Enterprises, Audio Affiliated, Silhouette Lighting, Spokane Boxing, Platform Booking, Caterina Winery, Big Sky, TheSomShow.com, Aaron Schaber Design, Mojo Reprographics and Object Space.

• RSVP and invite your friends to New Originals on Facebook.