Artists look to the community for a helping hand

With the governor’s stay-home order extended until May 4, Spokane artists are facing an unprecedented challenge with one simple solution: You. Ginger Ewing, co-founder and executive director of Terrain, said things have changed drastically for the creative community in the last month “to say the least.”

“As a nonprofit, as with many others, we operate on really thin margins,” Ewing said. “We can make projections as much as possible, and operate within those guidelines, but, obviously, COVID-19 has just run us amok.”

Ewing said the pandemic has her feeling like she’s failing the 70 artists who work in collaboration with Terrain and rely heavily on their income through the organization’s programs.

“We have had to temporarily furlough our staff, reach out to our partners and ask for rent deferment or relief,” Ewing said. The organization is getting creative when it thinks about how to stay afloat while continuing to support artists.

“We’re looking to get our shop online. Getting the goods of 70 artists online in a quick and efficient manner is a massive feat for our organization,” she said.

Ewing has solid, yet simple advice on how to keep the community thriving: “Directly support artists through social media and visiting their websites.” Ewing also suggested donating to artist relief funds such as the Spokane Artists and Creatives Fund through Spokane Arts at spokanearts.org/opportunities/spokane-artists-creatives-fund.

Rose Honey of Ink and Honey Co. also sees social media as a way to support artists. “Connect to your artist if you like one of their pieces or if you’d like to commission them to make you something,” Honey said. “Spread the word, like their posts, tell them you love them and share with your friends.”

Nonprofit organization Richmond Art Collective has announced another way to support local artists with the opening of its online exhibition and art sale, “Processing the Now.” Featuring works made by Richmond members in their homes, the sale begins May 1 with works available for pickup at the art collective, 917 W. Broadway Ave. Proceeds from art sales will support member artists who have lost their primary income due to the pandemic.

Also consider donating to other local arts organizations, like the Spokane Symphony or Friends of the Bing. One way to make a donation to a local performing arts group that won’t cost you anything extra is to donate the cost of the ticket you purchased for a now-canceled show instead of getting a refund.