Terrain: A Celebration of Spokane’s Creative Spirit
Origins and Evolution
In 2008, five friends—Ginger Ewing, Luke Baumgarten, Patrick Kendrick, Mariah McKay, and Sara Horner—gathered at Empyrean Coffee House in Spokane to brainstorm an event dedicated to local creativity. This idea blossomed into Terrain, which began as a one-night showcase called The Wonderground Collective. Today, Terrain is a thriving arts organization that has transformed the cultural landscape of Spokane.
Ewing recalls the early days fondly, reflecting on the organization’s unexpected growth: “We were all in our respective careers and being told a similar story: to find success and enjoyment, you’d have to leave Spokane.”
Eighteen years later, Terrain has proven that boundless creativity can flourish in this misunderstood midsize city. Besides the flagship showcase every October, Terrain hosts seasonal art markets, runs a gallery, and offers business training for artists, ensuring that Spokane remains a vibrant hub for creativity.
The Flagship Event
Terrain’s inaugural event took place at The Vault on Wall Street, and within an hour, Ewing and her team realized they had ignited something special. Initially featuring 30 local artists and attracting 1,200 attendees, Terrain 17 has since expanded to host over 1,000 pieces from 523 artists, drawing between 5,000 and 7,000 attendees annually.
The showcase, held in the historic Jensen-Byrd building, transforms into an immersive art experience complete with live music and local vendors. This year’s event is set for October 2, running from 5 PM to midnight.
Building a Creative Hub
Terrain continuously asks, “What do Spokane’s creatives need?” Over the years, the organization has expanded its offerings based on community feedback, from establishing art markets to opening a dedicated gallery space.
Currently, Terrain operates using a “scattered site model.” Over the past decade, Ewing and Operations Director Jackie Caro have envisioned a cultural hub that consolidates various artistic initiatives under one roof. This vision has gained traction since moving the flagship event to the Riverside location, which they believe has the potential to become a dynamic creative space.
Community Engagement and Future Goals
The vision for the cultural hub includes a public marketplace, creative incubator spaces, and performance venues, ensuring that these spaces cater to various artistic needs. Plans also include shared office spaces for nonprofits, event spaces, and studios for artists.
Ewing and Caro emphasize the importance of community input during development. They want to create not just a building but a supportive environment where artists can thrive together. Their long-term goal is to secure funding to bring this vision to life, transforming Spokane’s creative scene.
Challenges Ahead
While the community supports Terrain’s endeavors, fundraising remains a significant challenge. With a projected economic impact of $1.4 million from its programs, Terrain requires continuous investment to sustain its initiatives. Successfully securing funding from local and federal sources is crucial for future projects.
As they initiate their fundraising efforts, Ewing and Caro invite all who believe in Terrain’s mission to support this ambitious project.
Join the Celebration
Experience the magic of Terrain 17 on October 1 for a preview night or on October 2 for the main event, both held at the Jensen-Byrd building. These events promise to showcase Spokane’s vibrant creative community, featuring local artists and musicians.
For additional details and tickets, visit terrainspokane.org. Don’t miss the chance to witness the evolution of Spokane’s art scene, and remember to show appreciation for the creativity around you.
