First Friday: Art Walk offers local holiday gift options
First Fridays are when Spokane’s downtown galleries and businesses throw open their doors to debut new exhibitions free to the public. This December’s Art Walk beckons busy holiday shoppers with the added bonus of buying local when knocking out that list.
The New Moon Art Gallery will feature a group show of some of Spokane’s favorite local artists, including Kim Long, Lisa Maddux, Melissa Cole, Ric Gendron and Tim Lord. The exhibition, “Fantastic Circumstance,” will evoke natural wonder with glimmers of magical realism. Also on display and for sale at New Moon are handmade, well, everything: necklaces, earrings, ornaments, hats, gloves, scarves, aprons, fiber wall hangings, stained glass, sculptures, clocks and chairs. A colorful display of local goodness ready to fill stockings. Reception is 5-9 p.m. at 1326 E. Sprague Ave.
Your cup will runneth over at the annual “Cup of Joy” exhibition at Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery. To create this year’s hand-thrown vessels, Trackside Studio invited more than 35 artists across the country to participate. Arrive early to grab the mug you want and hold on for dear life. It’s always a joy to find the perfect carafe to tickle your fancy at “Cup of Joy.” Some believe that tea and coffee actually taste better in cups handmade by an artist. Less bitter. From 5-8 p.m. at 115 S. Adams St.
Take a shopping break to catch Square Top Theatre’s multimedia installation next door to Trackside at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery. The installation “Laura, or Scenes From a Common World,” bridges film, literature and fine art. It was created by Gonzaga University Theatre & Dance professor Charles Pepiton, Spokane Arts commissioner Rebekah Wilkins-Pepiton, New Mexico State University photography professor Wes Kline and Norway-based writer Damon Falke. The story of one woman’s struggle to overcome her wounded past features a re-edit of the original, award-winning 2016 experimental film along with accompanying prints that combine relief printmaking techniques and handmade ink pours on paper. Opening reception is 5-8 p.m. at 115 S. Adams St.
Lucky Leaf Co. marijuana shop will feature the fascinating collages of Ian Sears, which he creates out of many tiny pieces of paper. Artist James Barret will display ray gun and robot sculptures to rival any toy soldier or plastic weapon sold at Christmas. From 8 a.m.-midnight, 111 W. First Ave.
For those looking to buy edgy and cute small gifts, Saranac Art Project’s Small Works Sale fits the bill. Check out Melanie Lieb Taylor’s “lover’s eye” necklaces and other Saranac collective artists’ cards, cups, coasters and posters priced affordably and locally made. Opening reception from 4-9 p.m. at 25 W. Main Ave.
Artist Jerry Simchuk will be at Pottery Place Plus to show his latest wildlife art and woodcarvings. Ask the artist about his processes in wood, bronze and resin castings, and shop in the heart of Spokane’s local and handmade stuff. Next to Auntie’s. From 5-9 p.m. at 203 N. Washington Ave.
AS2 Gallery, sister to Coeur d’Alene’s Art Spirit Gallery, continues its Holiday Small Works Show & Sale on Friday night at Spokane’s Wonder Building. From 5-8 p.m. at 835 N. Post Ave.
Take a break at Iron Goat Brewing Company and enjoy artist Kay West’s latest show “Time and Space.” In between her many obsessions – painting, jewelry and woodwork, to name a few – West found time to photograph rust and deteriorating surfaces. Her close-ups hang on the walls so we can ponder what time has wrought together. Over beer. From 5-8 p.m. at 1302 W. Second Ave.
Artist West also is part of a two-person show at Robert Karl Cellars along with Terri Grove Griffin. Both painters explore nature on their canvases from interesting perspectives. There also will be wine to purchase by the glass or bottle. From 5-8 p.m. at 115 W. Pacific Ave.
Three hotspots in Kendall Yards come to mind: first, head to Marmot Art Space to see the Northwest exhibition debut of Palestinian-American artist Manal Deeb. The Fairfax, Virginia-based artist’s explorations into her own psychology reveal deeper truths about women’s identities. Deeb, who has shown all over the world, layers photographs, calligraphy and fabric patterns to tell a beautiful story on canvas. Her first trip to Spokane will include the artist’s reception from 5-8 p.m. at 1202 W. Summit Pkwy.
Just around the corner from Marmot is Spark Central, which will host a show by students from Eastern Washington University’s Art as a Social Act class. They have prepared interactive activities and art displays that touch on the social aspect of art. From 5-7 p.m. at 1214 W. Summit Pkwy.
Stroll just another block down the street in Kendall Yards to Craftsman Cellars to enjoy a glass of wine and lose yourself in the abstract worlds of painter Todd Mires. His layering techniques can beam you onto strange lands. From 2-8:30 p.m. at 1194 W. Summit Parkway.
Check out all the First Friday listings by Downtown Spokane Partnership at downtownspokane.org/first-friday.