Gallivanting galleries: First Friday showcases what Spokane art scene has to offer

A supportive way to de-stress after a long week is to enjoy local art. Spokane’s galleries, wineries and shops throw open their doors every First Friday to welcome visitors seeking some needed respite. And, yes, entry is free. For a listing of all the artists and venues open on First Friday, see page 9 or visit www.downtownspokane.org.

Cheney native Owen McAuley will show works exploring the other-worldliness in the ordinary at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery. His canvasses, mostly oil and charcoal, explore themes such as erosion, entropy, isolation and the interaction between humans and the land. McAuley, who has lived in Austin, New York and Seattle, has shown his works across the U.S. His art is represented in private collections in the U.S. and in Europe and has been featured in numerous publications such as New American Paintings, Juxtapoz and Perla. 115 S. Adams St. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Kolva’s next-door-neighbor, Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery, will exhibit new works from recent kiln firings by Chris Kelsey, Mark Moore and Gina Freuen. 115 S. Adams St. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Just around the corner, a one-minute walk away, Ben Joyce returns to Barrister Winery. The artist will display his latest multimedia abstract paintings of a bird’s-eye view of familiar places. Food, wine and live music also on the menu. 1213 W Railroad Alley. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Barilli Cellars celebrates nature with vivid photographs by Kathryn Alexander at 608 W. Second Ave. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cougar Crest Estate Winery will exhibit a collection of black-and-white photographs by Ira Gardner. The artist was inspired by his explorations into the soulful sounds of Miles Davis and by his own quiet journeys to iconic landscapes with his camera. 8 N. Post St., Np. 6 Peyton Building. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Main Avenue will be a lively stop Friday night. The Saranac Art Projects is the location for “Reflection/Refraction,” a series of new works and collaborations by Lisa Nappa and Chris Tyllia. The artists investigate the visual qualities of light as it passes through water, clouds, glass, our eyes and imaginations. They remind us that subtle, calm reflections can often lead to a deeper understanding of the world around us. 25 W. Main Ave. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Next door in the Saranac Building, the Spokane Humane Society will host a show produced by inmates at Airway Heights Corrections Center. Through the Pawsitive Dog Prison Training Program, inmates are paired with pets from the Spokane Humane Society and put in charge of their training. The program benefits both ends of the leash. The paintings at this show were all done by inmates – some show dogs, some show prison life, some are originals and some are prints. Some are for sale. Proceeds go to the program. 35 W. Main Ave. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Avenue West Gallery, in the Kendall Yards neighborhood, will display woodcut prints by member Steven Belzman and watercolors by Bari Cordia Federspiel. 907 W Boone, Suite B. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Several venues are showcasing photography this First Friday, including two other Kendall Yards businesses. William Grant & Framing will host award-winning photographer Robert Charloe. The Kalispel Tribe member has won many awards and recognition, including a black-and-white photo chosen as the signature image for the 2009 PBS Native American Indian history documentary series “We Shall Remain, America Through Native Eyes.” For those looking to learn from a master, Charloe will teach composition through perspective at Spokane Art School next year. 1188 W. Summit Parkway. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Walk a block further west to see photographs by Barb Worley at Core Pilates and Wellness, which will celebrate its fourth anniversary. 1230 W. Summit Parkway. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

More photographs with a grittier feel will adorn the walls at Community Pint, which will showcase works by Nick Spanjer. His portraits of nature, music and familiar sights in and around the Northwest always need closer inspection. 120 E. Sprague Ave. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A 10-minute walk east of Community Pint brings you to The Clay Connection, which will feature artists Ken Glastre and Damon the Woodturning Vet. Galstre is recognized as a musician with Big Red Barn and Two Bit Jug Band. But his photographs show his skill at capturing the interplay of sand, rock and water. Damon turns natural wood into beautiful works of art. 714 E. Sprague. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Walk east again, for 10 more minutes, to reach New Moon Art Gallery and its showcase of fiber art and jewelry. Included will be wall hangings and playful baskets by Michele Mokrey and Teresa Droz, stunning wood crafted jewelry by Larry Keyser, whimsical painting by Gina Corkery and artisan jewelry by the Jewelry Guild. 1326 E. Sprague Ave. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Richmond Art Collective is host a closing reception for Menagerie. Juliana Brielle and Lauren Hovik will perform an excerpt from “Rapport | A Collection of Interactions,” a dance choreographed by RAC member, CarliAnn Forthun Bruner. Menagerie features works by Brian Deemy, CarliAnn Forthun Bruner, Grace June, Hannah Koeske, Ira Gardner, Julie Gautier-Downes and Reinaldo Alexander Gil Zambrano. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Terrain Gallery has a fierce show by two exciting artists from Coeur d’Alene, Kimber Follevaag and Sylvia Darcy, called “Cage Doll.” Follevaag has tread new ground in her earlier fiber works, stitching together unlikely materials such as metal and photographs. Darcy’s background includes photographing images in black and white on film, and then producing them in her own darkroom, like the old days. She keeps it old-school despite digital pressures. Together the duo explores barriers that have held women back, and personal powers that women have drawn on to flourish. The artists hope to promote conversations that further the definition of what it means to be powerful and what it means to be free of cages. 304 W. Pacific Ave. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Local artists Todd Mires, Lauren Urlacher and Matt Smith will show new works at the Liberty Building. Light snacks and refreshments will be available on the second floor. Stop by and then head downstairs to Pottery Place Plus where artist Kay West will showcase her hand-textured jewelry and photos of metals textured by time. After the art shows, also on the main floor, will be a First Friday 3-Minute Mic at Auntie’s Bookstore starting at 8 pm. All three events are at 203 N. Washington