As for the rest of you Spokanites, we need to have a serious talk. Only 54 percent of ya’ll are registered to vote. Of that 54 percent only 51 percent of you voted in the last election. That leaves about 72 percent of the population that isn’t voting. What’s up with that? Perhaps you don’t think it matters. If that’s the case, consider this: In 2008 John Driscoll beat my personal nemesis, John Ahern by 74 votes. That would mean that if only 74 people hadn’t voted John Ahern would be in office. I’ll let you imagine the consequences.

Have I convinced you? Probably not, so here’s my secondary pitch:

This weekend at Elkfest in Browne’s Addition, NextUp (Greater Spokane Progress) and the Washington Bus have jumped on the voter engagement band wagon. There will be popsicles in exchange for the completion of a civic engagement quiz and the opportunity to dunk an elected official if you register or pledge to vote. This isn’t a partisan deal, we are trying to engage every citizen in government so we all have the right to complain when things go wrong.

The NextUp/ Washington Bus Booth will be at Elkfest, 1931 W. Pacific Ave., all three days of the festival. You can check Elkfest out on Facebook or last.fm. Did I mention that Elkfest is a music festival, too? Put on your dancing shoes. Oh yeah, did I mention that it’s free? ‘Cause it is.

See you there!

From the EWU Flickr photostream.

But what does it say about a culture when the heart of that society resides in a shrine to sex-driven conspicuous consumption?* Since there are few public meetings that take place in the mall, maybe it isn’t fair to say that RPS is the heart of Spokane. All political activity has been sequestered behind the sign-in desk across the street at City Hall. If the park is the recreational center, the mall is the commercial center, and City Hall is the civic center, I would like to posit that the Museum of Arts and Culture be recognized as our region’s cultural center.

While this is an obvious statement to some, I don’t think enough people see the museum in this way. It is interesting to think about the effects of these four areas of society being separated in terms of physical space, but my real purpose here is to invite you to participate in BeGin! at the MAC, tonight from 6-8pm. BeGin! is a series of open house-style happy hours to celebrate the resources that the museum provides to the public, and to remind folks that the museum depends on their support.

With live music, appetizers, drinks available and good people, these events are a guaranteed good time. They are similar in demographics to the Spokane Metro Magazine parties that were wildly popular until the publication’s eventual demise. Let’s not allow our precious museum to experience the same fate. BeGin! is also part of an effort by the museum to cultivate new audiences and foster an environment of participation that helps the institution stay responsive and relevant to the public’s interests.

I believe that at this time The MAC is in a sort of courtship with the younger generation of Spokane. We’re trying to find new ways to speak their language…to let people know that their voice matters and that the MAC is listening. Creating an environment where the public feels welcome – where they feel like they are a part of something – is a huge step in the right direction. In my opinion, establishing this atmosphere is just as important as the programs we promote or the exhibits we choose, as we journey towards our goal of becoming a cultural hub for the Spokane Community. -Ginger Ewing, Museum staff organizer.

Whether you’re going for the party or going to support an essential cultural institution, at least you will be there for BeGin!

• The Museum of Arts and Culture on Facebook.
• RSVP to BeGin! on Facebook.

*Small locally owned and operated businesses like Anemone paper flowers are a notable exception. I’m referring to chains like Abercrombie & Fitch.

Spokane is like one of those hologram pictures that you got in the Cracker Jack box as a kid. If you hold it one way it appears to be one image, yet when you shift your viewing angle you get an entirely different scene. There are so many layers, so many different expressions of faith here I am often pleasantly surprised by their diversity.

Just the other day I was treating myself to a little retail adventure in a lovely second hand store called Area 58. Such thrifty retro shops renew my imagination and invite me to remember a past to which I did not belong. You can always find something strange and interesting in these eclectic stores. This time I found a statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion. I thought to myself, “How oddly fantastic! A statue of Guan Yin in Spokane!”

Despite the fact that the majority of local churches are some branch of Christian, Spokane is the kind of place where non-Christian religious relics may be found. The ideal of religious pluralism is to have many different religions on the ground, with the people who profess them living more or less peacefully with each other. This does not dilute the essence of the different faiths as some deterrents might claim, rather it can enhance the perspectives and worldviews of people where religious pluralism is thriving. Not to mention it makes for far more interesting thrift shopping.

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!

Bloomsday spirit down in Peaceful Valley.

One thing I love about Bloomsday is all the funny shenannigans people come up with to grab each others’ attention. For the majority of people doing Bloomsday it isn’t about setting a record, its all about getting outside to stretch your legs and be a part of something fun and kind of silly.

Many folks are on no kind of exercise routine whatsoever, and Bloomsday is an annual tribute to something they know they should be doing year round. It is humbling to walk through a river of imperfect bodies and be reminded that we all suffer from the same mortal ailments.

Home embankment on Doomsday Hill overlook.

Wouldn’t it be rad if the Spokane Arts Commission (or some other similar entity) obtained permission from the home owners to pay a local artist to do some kind of Bloomsday themed mural on this wall? It must be at least 10×50 feet in area. Just an idea.

Design by Carson Schultz

Instead of describing their project as a gigantic armor-plated (albeit awesome-looking) cardboard slug slinking across the floor of River Park Square Mall, it is “a spatial intervention that is intended to intercept the public’s attention and inform them about National Architecture Week and the creativity/abilities of local architects.” It is similar in purpose to a 2-dimensional display our staff refers to as “Stonehenge,” cobbled together by Gabriel Brown for CME.

While the young architects are bristling with off the wall ideas unbridled by years of experience in an often painfully pragmatic industry, they also have undergone intensive study of architectural history. In the April issue of Inland Architect, a yAIAg member describes the profound influence the Expo had on Spokane’s landscape in a column titled “The Hometown Tourist.”

Designed and fabricated by Jeff Hyslop, yAIAg and several students from WSU-Spokane’s Masters of Architecture program.

Dare I detect a hint of 60′s/70′s prism preoccupation in this sculpture’s design? I love the patterns in the skylights on the ceiling of the Pavilion, and the shapes and colors of the floor tiles in the women’s restroom at Suki Yaki Inn and the breakfast area at Shangri La.

When one of the graduate students working on this installation was asked by a little kid “What is that?” he responded, “A question machine.”  I think that is a great way of looking at and approaching this project. It is a way for us as future architects and designers to push ideas on an attainable scale, while contently asking questions and challenging preconceptions. In this case architectural questions like, what is circulation, how can information be displayed, what is structure, and how does form evolve, and what makes a form engaging. -Jeff Hyslop

As a city that juxtaposes the Public Health Building with the Courthouse, I think we have something to say about architecture. For better or for worse. Either way there are a growing number of groups interested in alternative building and design, with several more invariably on their way.

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.

Artistic Japanese manhole covers.

With all the attention paid to the recent idea of putting notifications near storm water drains for Earth Day, I wonder if the winning design will pay heed in some way to protecting the river. I think it would add some dimension to our local identity if the image ingrained in such a civic symbol did not include one of the stereotypical icons of the area. Marmots, Clock Towers, etc. etc. You know what they are. We love them, but we also overuse them.

Marmot mural by Tom Quinn

The tight age limit for this competition is another example of having too narrow of an understanding of what it means to support and recognize “youth.” Because a lot of services and programs are mediated through or significantly impacted by the school system, our culture has unintentionally created an arbitrary cut-off point at age 18.

Now that we are in a knowledge-based economy, functional adulthood is getting pushed further and further out, like it or not. If you are one of the many young Spokanites that are beyond “high school age” but did not make the immediate transition to college, good luck trying to integrate with your community. Many local youth serving agencies see the dire need of young people who are over 18, and thus regularly serve an audience up to around age 22. More on the cultural consequences of this mindset later.

For now I’d like to close with the language on a flier that was tucked in peoples’ utility bills (not so for those of us who prefer paperless billing):

The design should be welcoming and an enhancement to the visual appearance of the City of Spokane manhole covers. The design should appeal to a broad age range and should be uplifting and stimulating to the spirit, intellect and physical senses. The design should be reflective of the City of Spokane and communicate a sense of place. Designs can reflect the environment, nature, water, water quality or the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Designs may not be offensive or serve as commercial advertising particular goods, services, or businesses.

]]> http://spovangelist.com/put-a-lid-on-it/feed/ 3 http://spovangelist.com/from-spokane-with-art/ http://spovangelist.com/from-spokane-with-art/#comments Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:03:38 +0000 The Spovangelist http://spovangelist.com/?p=1842 The RiverSpeak Arts Collective has kept up with a great series of monthly creative challenges designed to inspire collaboration and build community. Last month was a Limerick Challenge, and this month is a Postcard Challenge.

“Spokane Has Art” is not the Deviant Art group that proclaims:

This group is to support the belief that Spokane art exists.
Feel free to invite other Spokanites and ask questions.

Spokane Bus by Justin Aerni

“Spokane Has Art” is an invitation to send original art to friends in other cities with the phrase incorporated into the postcard design. It is a simpler version of the Spocare Package idea I pitched back in June.

How often can we say it? Spokane DOES have excellent arts venues and opportunities, but so often we are judged by our big-city neighbors. It’s time to set the record straight by sending a little artistic love snail-mail style.

For April’s Creative Challenge, we’re asking our members to create artistic postcard images (about 4″ x 6″) that will be printed and sent to artists and art collectives in other cities.

You may use any visual medium you wish, as long as it is your own, original work, and the words “SPOKANE HAS ART” are incorporated on the postcard.

1. CREATE your “Spokane has art” postcard
2. SCAN your postcard image
3. SUBMIT/UPLOAD it at http://riverspeak.net/challenge by April 15th

We look forward to receiving your submission!

If you live outside Spokane and would like to receive a handmade postcard, send your name and mailing address to thespovangelist [at] gmail [dot] com and I’ll do my best to hook you up!

• Show your support for this project on the Facebook event here.

It is always a gamble with the Best of categories. Some are here today gone tomorrow, others are irreverent, random, or just blatantly designed to drive ad sales. But think of it from the newspaper’s perspective. You can only have so many titles under each meta-category, and you have to hit a sweet spot with things that aren’t a foregone conclusion that a decent number of folks are actually familiar with.

Artwork by ANeMonE

I find it telling that 6 out of 14 of the people topics are TV and/or sports related. Personally, I’d like to see more of the following:

• Best Community Safety Officer
• Best Environmental Advocate
• Best Public Health Proponent
• Best Social/Economic Justice Crusader
• Best Neighborhood Leader

I’m sure that some acknowledgment for these people exists in various nonprofit groups and professional societies, but it is a whole different ball game when probing the mass mind.

I attended my first GU match in 2008 and had to ask a lot about the teams and their players. My friend’s father, who had been patiently answering my questions eventually shot back, “Are you even from around here?”

Photo courtesy of the Spokesman-Review.

So it is with humility that I admit I wasn’t familiar with former coach Dan Fitzgerald before reading his bio in the “Best of” and learning about his untimely recent death. My grandfather died unexpectedly in his 60′s and it scarred my mom and her sisters irrevocably, so my heart goes out to Fitzgerald’s family and fans. Just to consider that he died in the line of duty while at a Ronald McDonald house fundraiser, this seems like a fitting tribute to someone who contributed so much on so many different levels.