We <3 You Spokane!

Sometimes there aren't words that feel big enough. Truthfully, we're struggling with exactly what to say. We know many of you are exhausted, grieving, and overwhelmed with the devastating fires that are ravaging our city and surrounding region. We are too. 

And while we don't have a perfect message or easy answers, we love this community and will do everything we can to help. We'll also continue creating opportunities that bring us together and, if and when you're ready, experience a little joy.

Here's what you can expect from us in the coming days:

• We're reaching out directly to artists we know have lost their homes or have been displaced to offer one-on-one support.

• We are a part of a network of grassroots organizations who are coordinating a shared response. If we can't meet a specific need ourselves, we'll do our best to connect you with someone who can.

• We're also launching a Terrain X fundraiser on August 14th, with 100% of the proceeds going to community members impacted by the fires. Keep an eye out for that!

• This Friday, during our First Friday gallery reception, we'll have baked goods, community, and art to enjoy for anyone who needs a little respite—whether you've been directly impacted by the fires or your heart is simply hurting for Spokane. Please swing by.

  To everyone who has lost a home, been displaced, or is navigating the uncertainty these fires have brought—we're so very sorry.

  If you're an artist who's been impacted, and have the capacity (we completely understand if you don't), we'd be grateful if you'd take this very brief survey. We've already had partners from across the state reach out asking how they can help. This survey will help us better understand what's needed, coordinate support, and advocate for additional resources on behalf of impacted artists.

The poem The North Side of the Lilac City, by Mary Ellen Talley, feels especially meaningful in this moment. It's the pink rose bush— and all the memories and places that make a neighborhood feel like home —that we're all rallying around to rebuild. Much love to you all.

I am from the pink rose bush
inside the fence on Walton Street,
swim lessons at the Shadle Park pool,
Kick the Can in the vacant lot
on Walnut Street, sledding down Cedar Hill,
and riding bikes before helmets.

I am from the chicken coop
near rows of corn at Grandpa’s farm
off Francis and merry-go round rides
on the corner of Wellesley & Division
where my brother worked weekends.
I’m from root beer floats at the A&W
and correcting spelling papers
for my fifth grade teacher mom.
I’m from lilacs on May altars,
Popeye and The Mickey Mouse Club
on a black & white TV,
Pollyanna at the Garland Theater,
ice skating backwards
at the Spokane Coliseum,
and my fourteenth birthday
at Pattison’s rollercade.

I am from caddying for dad at Wandermere,
Friday night football at Joe Albi Stadium,
and catching the Monroe Street bus
to North Central High for All-City Orchestra.
I am from playing paper dolls in the back end
of a tan station wagon before seat belts.

Posted with permission. Originally featured as part of former Spokane Poet Laureate Chris Cook’s In the Neighborhood Project.