The Terrain Art Festival in Spokane Brings Artists From Around the World to the Pacific Northwest

Have you heard about Terrain? The annual one-night-only event in Spokane is one of the regions largest gatherings of artists from all over the world. Featuring nearly 400 artists, Terrain has firmly established its name as one of the top destinations for art lovers in the Pacific Northwest. Back2Besa host Besa Gordon headed across the state to check it out for herself.

“The art is just amazing,” Gordon said. “It was well worth the drive over.”

One of the focuses of the festival is to create opportunities for up-and-coming artists. Festival organizers were intentional about opening doors to artists who may have not had the opportunity to have their work seen, placing them beside more established names.

“I think it’s really the community that makes Terrain really special,” artist Frances Grace Mortel said. “Here in this abandoned building, for two days we turn it into this magical place.”

The sentiment of magic was echoed throughout the interviews conducted by Gordon.

“This is a place your imagination runs wild,” said Wendy Levy of The Alliance for Media Arts and Culture. “You walk around this space, and you wonder ‘where are these people’ all day long. There is so much energy, activity, and connection.”

The festival also featured performance pieces and music alongside the traditional visual art displays. The melding of cultures and mediums had both artists and organizers excited.

“It’s become this space where pole of different colors and ethnicities have really come together and shared what their journey is like,” Artist Quinn Carl said. 

For Terrain Executive Director and Co-Founder Ginger Ewing, the event was a reminder of the beauty held in the Spokane community.

“I really do think that when you come and experience this event, there’s healing that happens in your soul,” Ewing said. “You feel connected to your humanity and your community.”

This segment originally aired on Back2Besa. Make sure to tune in to Back2Besa at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and stream the replay at 10 am on Sunday on FOX 13+ for more great stories.