A first-rate art tour

Art is everywhere you turn during First Night Spokane.

Throughout downtown there will be places to view artwork, watch it being made or try your hand at creating it yourself.

Two dozen art venues stretch from the Red Sky Gallery near Carnegie Square on the west to the DoubleTree Hotel by the Convention Center on the east, and from the Interplayers theater on the south to Riverfront Park on the north.

“First Night people will have an opportunity to see a variety of art,” says Conrad Bagley, visual arts coordinator for the event. “They will also have a chance to express their own creativity by making art.”

Because there is so much going on, some people may want to plan their route carefully; others may just let the evening unfold organically.

Whichever way you decide, here are a few options:

First Avenue near Monroe Street features venues in the Montvale Hotel, the former Music City Building and several art galleries.

The old Music City is an “Adults Only” area.

“There is nothing raunchy here,” said Bagley, “just maybe art that is a little more edgy. It’s a place for adults to hang out where they don’t have to compete with a lot of children.”

The younger set has special art venues just for them at “Kids Night Out,” which runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at various downtown locations.

The Spokane Transit Authority Plaza at Post and Riverside will be packed full of interactive activities for kids of all ages. They include a gigantic Firestone tire to be painted, Northwest Papier Mâché Guild demonstrations, Art Cars and a chance to fuse glass into colorful objects.

Glass artists Cindy and Clark Summers plan to bring a small glass kiln from their shop in Coeur d’Alene.

“We’ll be demonstrating how to make fused glass items and help people create a little piece for themselves,” said Cindy Summers. “We’ll fire it for them free.”

Once you’re finished in the STA Plaza, venture over to the Ridpath Hotel and Bank of American Financial building for more art demonstrations. Tom Quinn will be in the Bank of America lobby drawing caricatures of kids.

There will be outdoor demonstrations on the four corners of Main Avenue and Wall Street by a wood carver, blacksmith and two metal welders.

Riverfront Park will be bulging with fun activities including raku pottery firing, a perennial crowd pleaser.

Across the street in River Park Square are a number of art events including painting demonstrations, a Balloon Bonanza and hands-on art projects.

While in that area, drop in on the downtown Spokane Library for art displays by the Coalition of Responsible Disabled and painter Karen Mobley.

The big art display in the sky goes off at 11:50 p.m. with choreographed fireworks in Riverfront Park to bring in the New Year.

The fun continues on New Year’s Day when First Night button holders are admitted free to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.