A night of unique demonstrations, displays
Once again First Night Spokane provides a unique setting for viewing a variety of art displays, watching art being made or making it yourself.
Among the highlights of the evening will be the “Fire and Ice” demonstrations around Main Avenue and Post Street.
Local firefighter Ron Weston has created a fire-breathing dragon from recycled metals and tools.
There also will be live glass blowing by Erlendson Glass artists of Coeur d’Alene, ice carving by Michael Noble, lampworking and metal forging demonstrations.
Serendipitous happenings will include free-standing “Artistic Doors” placed throughout the downtown streets, face painting by Valerie Woelk and plein air artist Erin Wert painting outdoor scenes.
Two painters set to demonstrate how they create art indoors are Lorraine Krank and Irene Dahl of Spokane.
“I’ll be finishing a couple of my latest copperplate paintings,” said Dahl.
Prior to painting, each plate has been “aged” with acid washes and attached to a wood panel.
“The acids result in dark and rich green patinas,” Dahl said.
She and Krank are sharing the Holley Mason Building lobby across the street from the Interplayers Theatre, 174 S. Howard St.
Immediately inside the Interplayers doors is a display of fabric and glass artwork. In the Gellhorn Gallery on the second floor is an exhibit of Gay Waldman’s computer- manipulated florals and architectural photographs.
Not listed in the official schedule is Gallery of Thum’ at 106 S. Madison St.
“Live stroll-in musicians will be playing through the night,” says gallery representative Cecile Charles.
The gallery will be open until 1 a.m.
The Spokane Transit Authority Plaza at Post Street and Riverside Avenue will feature Albatross Studio’s boat construction and a spinning and weaving demonstration by Lydia Quinones.
Once you’re finished there, venture across the street to Bank of America where perennial favorite Tom Quinn will be drawing caricatures of kids.
Also in the bank lobby will be exhibits by Spokane Camera Club and Inland Empire Bonsai Society.
First Avenue near Monroe Street features several art galleries including the Avenue West Gallery.
“Artists are coloring outside of the lines and working out of the box,” says gallery painter Dian Zahner. “No ‘boxed in’ look for us.”
Don’t forget your camera for “Kodak Moments” in front of the 26 brightly painted fiberglass ponies, tigers and giraffes wandering downtown streets. The menagerie of carousel creatures was decorated by local artists as a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane.
All indoor art events are included in the price of the First Night button – $12 through Saturday, $14 on Sunday. Outdoor events are free.
The big art display in the sky goes off at 11:50 p.m. with glittering 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.