Spreading Out

The Visual Arts Tour goes big in February, stretching beyond downtown.

There's an easy way to do the Visual Arts Tour — February's supersized First Friday — and that's to make a few lazy laps around the core of downtown Spokane and then head to dinner. These days, with more venues hosting art on their walls, you need to venture out. Here's a look at what's happening in different pockets this weekend.

All venues are open from 5 to 9 pm on Friday, Feb. 5; some venues are also open on Saturday and Sunday.

Featuring art in wineries, a special performance by the Spokane Symphony and continued screenings as part of the Spokane International Film Festival.

1213 W. Railroad

Showcase of artists from the Art Spirit Gallery's collection (mixed media)

For the second month, Coeur d'Alene's revered Art Spirit Gallery is lending some of its best pieces, spreading the art love from the Lake to the Lilac City. Twenty artists are featured, including notable Northwest artists Harold Balazs, Del Gish, Mel McCuddin, Kay O'Rourke, Morse Clary and Victoria Brace. As it does each month, Barrister hosts the Beacon Hill Bistro Buffet (Fri, 6-8 pm) and live music (Fri, 6:30-10 pm) by the bluesy "Lonesome" Lyle Morse. And you're in a winery, so you'd be remiss not to sample some of Barrister's award-winning vintages. If you miss Friday's reception, art viewing is also offered Sat-Sun, noon to 5 pm.

808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Group show (painting)

The City Hall gallery hosts "World on Fire," a collaborative show featuring the artwork of Ken Susynski, Veronica Reeves, Fiona Lau, Laura Walton Allen and Lisa Daniels. All five Pacific Northwest painters find their creative voice in abstract expressionism, an art style established more than 70 years ago. This show takes place Friday evening from 5 to 9 pm; if you miss it, the gallery is always open during weekly business hours, Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm.

321 W. Eighth

Gwyn Griffith (digital art)

For the first time in decades, the elegant, historic mansion on the slope of the South Hill opens its doors for a public art showing. The 128-year-old mansion displays the digital collage artwork of Gwyn Griffith, who recently relocated from Boston to Spokane. Guests can take tours of the mansion and its grounds as live music fills the halls. You can also purchase a drink during this reception, which runs Friday from 5 to 9 pm.

1020 W. Riverside

Group show (mixed media)

This is the first in a five-part series of art shows organized by the American Indian Community Center of Spokane. Featured in the inaugural show is photography by Jeff Ferguson of the Spokane Tribe; mixed media by Stefanie Marchand Reuben of the Colville Tribe; mixed media by Jacob Johns of the Hopi Tribe; and art by Joeseph Arnoux of the Blackfeet Tribe. This show, on Friday from 5 to 9 pm, also features electronic dance music by PandaCat.

Also on the west side of downtown (or close enough): Barili Cellars, Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Kress Gallery at River Park Square, Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox (Spokane Symphony concert), One Source Design Studio, Patit Creek Cellars, Bing Crosby Theater (SpIFF film screening), The Observatory

Saranac Art Projects features a collaboration with Terrain artists.

DOWNTOWN: EAST

There's a lot to see on the east side of downtown Spokane, whether at the bustling intersection of Main Avenue and Division, or farther east along East Sprague, which has received a cultural shot in the arm as of late.

1326 E. Sprague

Vicky Cavin (painting) and Linda Hall (mixed media)

The colors of Vicky Cavin's pastel pieces, many of which feature people in motion and themes of spiritual connection, are stunning. She also has a deft touch when it comes to wildlife. This recently relocated gallery is also featuring the encaustic mixed-media work of Linda Hall, who uses found images, paint and wax in her dream-like creations.

1818½ E. Sprague

Bernadette Vielbig (mixed media)

Perhaps it's a little cruel to turn art patrons onto a super-cool and creative Spokane artist just as she packs up and leaves town, but this Fare Thee Well show by mixed-media artist Bernadette Vielbig is worth your time as you head east on Sprague. The show features bronze pieces, paintings, installations and other media from Vielbig's 12 years working and teaching in Spokane. From 6 to 8 pm on Friday, she'll be performing her live piece "Dance, Theremin."

39 W. Pacific

Audreana Camm (painting)

This Spokane artist first made a name around town by painting to live music; for this show at Marketplace, you can take a look at her other pieces. The acrylic paintings feature typical, everyday objects that Camm has put a whimsical spin on. The 26-year-old from small-town Idaho has been active in the Spokane art scene for a few years now; her work has hung on the walls of a number of galleries and restaurants.

25 W. Main

All Together Now (mixed media)

Collaboration in the arts almost always leads to something worthwhile, and that's certainly the case with this show that combines artists from Saranac Commons collective with artists whose work was shown at last fall's Terrain 8. The collaborations range in style, medium and creative process. The teams include Alan Chatham and Chris Dreyer, Bradd Skubinna and Ashley Bowman, Lisa Ralston and Rachel Smith, and Kurt Madison and Kathleen Ryan, among several others. Opening reception runs from 5 to 9 pm.

Also on the east side of downtown: Auntie's Bookstore, Cello, the Washington Cracker Co. Building, East Sprague Gallery, Liberty Gallery, McCarthy Art Company, Pottery Place Plus, Richmond Art Collective, Robert Karl Cellars, Satellite Diner, The Bartlett

The Glover Mansion features the work of Gwyn Griffith.

NORTH OF THE RIVER

From photography to Andy Warhol prints and art created by homeless youth, check out these local art exhibitions reflecting all walks of life.

907 W. Boone

Lisa Marie Fleming (photography)

Photographer Lisa Marie Fleming is new to the area; her varied portfolio, which includes digitally enhanced and altered photos, will be featured alongside her traditional photography pieces. This exhibit is open both Friday, from 11 am to 9 pm, and Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm.

200 E. Desmet

Multiple artists (lithographs, screenprints, engravings, etchings, etc.)

In honor of the 20th anniversary of Gonzaga's Jundt Art Museum, an extensive collection built up over 20 years will be on display until this April. On Friday and Saturday, Jundt curators will lead free tours of the exhibition Fifty Masterworks from the Print Collection of the Jundt Art Museum at 6 and 8 pm. Featuring 50 pieces of work from notable artists including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Rembrandt van Rijn and Francisco Goya, the variety of screen prints, engravings, lithographs, and other media will be on display through April 2.

809 W. Garland

Crosswalk Youth (mixed media)

From a homeless shelter to a gallery showing, the various expressive artwork of Crosswalk Youth will be featured at the Spokane Art School through the month of February. The Torn Felt — Felt Torn exhibit gives these young artists from different backgrounds and places in the Spokane community a chance to showcase their work, in addition to working through the creative process of making a piece of art. Crosswalk aims with its ArtReach program, in collaboration with Torn Felt, to give a voice to the disadvantaged youth of the community through paintbrushes and pastels.

Also north of the river: Bellwether Brewing Company, Blue Door Theatre, Marmot Art Space, Spark Center, Spokane Handweavers Guild and The Sign Art Studio. ♦