The Alliance of Art Community: Civil Unrest & Art Activism
“Why is being part of an art community important to you?”
Spokane Washington hosts an annual art show called Terrain. Taking over an abandoned building downtown, the event is home to hundreds of art activists like Burgita Hendron. Sculptor and painter, Hendron tells us “Art is not produced in a vacuum. Art exists in the context of the era and community that it is a part of, so art feeds off itself, without other people’s participation, it’s not really art, is it?” Emphasizing the need for community; art is a participation sport.
Artist Burgita Hendron and art piece mannequin
Hendron & Mannequin Speak Loudly Without Words
A mannequin holding a bloody heart stands beside Burgita, the two feminine figures creating a doubly powerful image. Impactful words cover the mannequin’s body, calling out the constant turmoil women are faced with in today’s society. “Smile more” and “Be thinner,” frequent demands made of women everywhere.
And one needn’t look much past Spokane’s borders to find reason to get angry. With derailing events like Roe v Wade as a shocking and tragic example of the need for Activism feminist or not. In this age of civil unrest and global upheaval, art speaks more than volumes. Art speaks diplomacy and morality; it is a voice for the voiceless.
Protest sign from No Kings Rally Spring 2025
Protests across the United States have popped up in most major cities, resisting the new fascist regime as trump and his republican team dismantle democracy. Peacefully rebelling, the American People have found unity in their rage. Art and activism are uniting the United States once more. Like airing political dirty laundry, the sitting president calls for the arrest or execution of Democratic lawmakers to make protests illegal. Killing freedom of speech like an arrow through the public heart. In response peaceful protesters are creating clever and cutting artistic poster boards to get their messages across.
Artistic Community and a Pathway to Peace
Tact and diplomatic action in the form of Art activism blurs the lines. Between being arrested for freedom of speech or speaking volumes without words, the difference is unclear. Turning inwards towards community, artists are building a bridge that connects even the most divided of populations. “Whatever your community is, it is the lifeline. Artists are the truth tellers. Community instills the drive to get closer to the truth.” says Spokane Poet laureate Mery Smith. Truth these days is a rare gem to find.
Terrain Main Stage 2025
Next week, Spokane Community College Art Professor Carl Richardson will share his opinion on Art Activism, and answer the question, “Why is Art Community important to you?” With over forty years embedded deep in the world of artistic creativity, Carl is also the sole Curator for the massive annual Art Show, Terrain.
Why bother, you might be asking… well…
Historically speaking, Art Activism has left its mark countless times over. Websites like MyArtBroker.com tell chronological and historical tales of art activism. “Throughout history, artists have used their work to challenge the status quo and inspire change. The earliest examples of protest art can be found in ancient Egypt, where artists used their work to criticize the pharaohs and the ruling class.” Much like the billionaire class versus the rest of the world in the year 2025.
Take Ginger Ewing, a local superhero and force to be reckoned with, Ginger is the Founder of Terrain. Her remarkably busy schedule is making waves with every step. Time is valuable, yet Miss Ewing can be found at every art show in her city, vibrantly guiding those who seek to make change, in their own lives and in the world.
What You Hold Dear Could Disappear
Drag Queen Statement Artpiece by Gregory Salsbury
Organizations like The Center For Arts Activism are there for everyday people, waiting for folks to reach out, searching for light in a dark world. Art activism matters for everyone, especially the working middle class. Resources exist, however tricky they may be to find. It is worth the effort though.
Because without Activism, women would not have the right to vote. Without Activism, black people would still sit in the back of the bus. Without Activism, gay marriage would still be illegal. Without Activism, much of what you hold dear would not exist.
Creative Community equals Healthy Economy
Interviewing artists at this year’s Terrain show, answers to the question “Why is being part of an Artist Community important to you?” were wide, varied, heartfelt, and emphatic. Find ways to conquer the great divide that is American politics, by attending an art show, making art, talking about art, or buying someone else’s art.
KJ January, a beading artist and active Protester, states “Art is everything, art tells a story, a timeline of how our history reacts to the government, famine, education, it shows a thriving interconnection between one another. It’s something strangers can bond and connect over, this shows a thriving city, when there is a strong art scene. It gives morale to the community, a reason to get up and show up every morning.” KJ isn’t wrong, and her bubbly warm spirit is reassuring and uplifting. January gave her beading away at Terrain this year, hoping to connect with and inspire others to go home and make a little art themselves.
Growth in the Creative Sector is blossoming
Cities Everywhere, Not Just Spokane
Chicago, a hotspot in the news, nationally and globally, and one of the world’s most adored cities. Leading the way in art activism, the community response to military oppressive tactics by the United States government is remarkable, monumental. The Art Institute of Chicago calendar is full of events sure to satisfy any human with the privilege of sight.
Portland, another infamous city, with hoards of protesters in inflatable frog suits is demonstrating the power of artistic activism in an undeniably peaceful and silly affirmative statement. Check out more on the Portland Frogs here.
Local People & Global Impact
Kaylee Kanutsen, a poet and teacher here in the INW, says this. “Being in a creative community is a NEED. Good, bad, ugly, whatever, just saying hey, here is a piece of me, look at this, helps me grow as an artist and as a human being. It widens my capacity for love and the human experience. We are here to create and seeing others create gets you more excited to make more. When you start to forget, come to community to be reminded” Kaylee’s advice is keen and insightful. If you feel like you are forgetting why humanity is beautiful, turn to each other, and create art. It can speak volumes.
Kaylee Kanutsen and the author of this article, Yess Bryce
Active Participation & Saving Lives
Talking with artists of all ages, styles, and abilities, the common thread was the desire to connect. Humans consistently seek each other out, in dark times and in light. Calling each other out of the choice to isolate is necessary, like life rafts are to shipwrecked survivors. As the world continues to thrash and struggle under the heavy thumbs of the billionaire class, you could be the next Superhero to save the day. Art Activism and its community is always bustling and hustling, just out of sight of the prying eyes of government.
Currently editing footage from the last few months, from both protests, art shows, and interviews. The Alliance of Art & Rebellion Documentary release date is expected this January. Look for more inspiring words from artists and humans just like yourselves, soon to come. The world is a frightful place, the last thing The People need is to forget how much community and art matter to the conscious collective. Here is your reminder, to put the two together, and create a little thing called humanity. We are The People, we are our own Global and Artistic Community. Taking down walls and breaking down borders, one artist at a time.
Yess Bryce - Top Floor of Terrain Venue - Chalk art by the entire Terrain Team 2024
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