Through Oct. 18
BLITHE WITH ME
Visiting artist and Whitworth alum Anna Baer, who exhibits under the name Olive Green Anna, returns to Spokane to present an exhibition of her large, colorful abstract paintings. Hear about her journeys, influences and how she learned to let go. Whitworth University, Bryan Oliver Gallery, free, Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm, whitworth.edu/art (CARRIE A. SCOZZARO)
Through Jan. 4, 2020
MAKOTO FUJIMURA: SILENCE-MYSTERION
The newest exhibit at Gonzaga's Jundt Art Museum features the work of contemporary artist Makoto Fujimura, who's made a career channeling themes of nature, faith and his own Japanese heritage into abstract, impressionistic paintings. You'll see selections from Fujimura's Silence & Beauty series, large canvases featuring deep blues, fiery reds and icy whites, which the artist has said are meant to evoke the feeling of overcoming trauma and the majesty of the world. You might not see those influences right away, but his art is filled with details that only gradually reveal themselves the longer you stare. Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga, free, Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, gonzaga.edu/jundt (NATHAN WEINBENDER)
Through March 14, 2020
POLLY APFELBAUM: FREQUENTLY THE WOODS ARE PINK
This show featuring the work of renowned American artist Polly Apfelbaum currently at WSU's art museum marks a couple of firsts. It's the first West Coast exhibition of her work, and the first of her shows dedicated solely to her printmaking. While we can quibble over calling Pullman "West Coast," there's no arguing the appeal of the explosively vibrant colors bursting from the 60 or so prints that make up Frequently The Woods Are Pink. Her work is geared to show that seemingly disjointed colors and shapes can meld beautifully, and perhaps the same is true of society in general. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, free. Tue-Sat 10 am-4 pm, museum.wsu.edu (DAN NAILEN)
Sept. 23-Oct. 25
TALES OF THE AMERICAN & VISITING ARTIST LECTURE SERIES
Hosted by Spokane Falls Community College, this multimedia exhibition features a documentary about a storied 1900s-era hotel in Los Angeles, further transformed by artists. Two of them are also participating in the annual Visiting Artist Lecture Series. See the artwork and film at SFCC; attend the lecture at any of three locations. EWU Art Department, Oct. 16, noon; SFCC Building 24, Oct. 17, 11:30 am; the MAC, Oct. 17, 6:30 pm; free, spokanefalls.edu/gallery (CAS)
Sept. 28
LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER ARTIST STUDIO TOUR
Once a year, artists open up their studios to share their process with the public, typically in a self-driven, self-paced tour. The Little Spokane River tour features five locations, multiple artists per location, and an opportunity to see art in the making. Bring a friend, grab a map and be prepared for a rare look behind the scenes of some of the region's favorite artists. Free, 10 am-5 pm, littlespokanestudios.com (CAS)
Oct. 3-4
TERRAIN
In the '50s and '60s, artists used to stage "happenings," events that might include performance art, installations, spoken word, visual art and more. Terrain (above) is like that. And more. This is a must-see-and-do for fall arts weekend and marks the last time they'll be in the Jensen-Byrd Building! Jensen-Byrd Building, Oct. 3, 6-11 pm, $25; Oct. 4, 5 pm, free; terrainspokane.com (CAS)
Oct. 4-Oct. 26
FAIRY TALES
Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs, Rapunzel. Fairy tales (above) are as familiar as our pillows — life's lessons told through stories of good and evil and fantastical characters. View fairy tales reimagined by Amanda Caldwell, Brian Deemy, Grace June, Hannah Koeske, Ira Gardner, Julie Gautier-Downes, Susan Vander Kooi and Tayler Parkin. Richmond Art Collective, free, Fri 4-8 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm, richmondartcollective.org (CAS)
Oct. 4-26
A STROKE OF NATURE
Spokane powerhouse artist and arts advocate Karen Mobley had an idea for an exhibition: herself and five other powerhouses — Lila Girvin, Caren Furbeyre, Louise Kodis, Melissa Lang and Megan Martens-Haworth. Terrain said, naturally! Terrain Gallery (Washington Cracker Co. Building), free, Thu-Sat, 6-8 pm, terrainspokane.com (CAS)
Oct. 5-Jan. 12, 2020
NORMAN ROCKWELL'S AMERICA
His images might be some of the best known in American culture, yet there's more to illustrator Norman Rockwell than meets the eye. This traveling exhibition shares all the saccharine images that graced the Saturday Evening Post for 60+ years, as well as paintings and drawings reflecting the artist's burgeoning commentary on social injustice during his lifetime. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, $5-$10, Tue-Sun, 10 am-5 pm; Third Thursday, 10 am-8 pm; northwestmuseum.org (CAS)
Oct. 18
MONSTER DRAWING RALLY: BENEFIT FOR SPOKANE ART SCHOOL
You: dressed up in your funky finery. More than 30 artists (above): scrambling to make a drawing in their one-hour time slot, probably accompanied by an occasional swear word and a lot of hilarity. It's live theater, except with art, and the finished drawings are up for sale, too (at a crazy low price of $50). Your admission, which benefits the school, also gets you good eats and one free adult beverage. Montvale Event Center, $20, 5-9 pm, spokaneartschool.net (CAS)
Nov. 8-Jan. 4, 2020
SMALL WORKS INVITATIONAL
It's an annual favorite with twice the fun this year as the Coeur d'Alene gallery will host two separate receptions. In addition to works by more than 50 artists, look for new work to appear as existing items are purchased and removed at this popular end-of-year exhibition and sale. The Art Spirit Gallery, free, Tue-Sat, 11 am-6 pm, theartspiritgallery.com (CAS) ♦
