Mall shop showcases area artists

A Spokane Valley musician who turned promoter of the area’s art scene last September has found a lucrative niche.

Seth Everts started with a kiosk in the Spokane Valley Mall, marketing wares by area artists and musicians. By November, he had his own storefront called Art, Music and More and was able to showcase larger artwork and even books and films.

Now, he’s branching out into a greater online presence and contemplating moving to a larger location within the mall.

“There are so many independent artists. … I talk with all the artists and everyone is in the same boat,” says Everts, 26, a percussionist who played in Spokane until traveling east to work with AmeriCorps. He returned home last summer.

“What I do is help the artist get exposure and help the public have easy access to it,” he said.

Everts says his goal is to be the marketing and business representative for his clients so they can focus on their creative endeavors.

He coordinated an art walk at the mall in June and is organizing another at NorthTown Mall in September.

In addition to promotions and sales for clients, Everts offers free space at his store every Saturday to artists and musicians to display their talents.

Among the art at his shop are oil on canvas, metal sculpture and photography as well as the music, books and film. Everts represents about 30 artists who pay a membership fee and 25 to 40 percent of sales, depending on the marketing package.

“People really like the energy here. It’s growing and growing,” he said. “If you come in at least once a week, there will be new art.”