Portraits from Within, show of four Spokane-connected artists, opens May 2 at Chase Gallery

Organizers from Spokane Arts announced that "Portraits from Within," an exhibition by four emerging artists with ties to Spokane, will open May 2 at the Chase Gallery in Spokane City Hall.

"This show is really exciting because we brought together 4 young emerging artists who all have a connection to Spokane," said Kelly Baker, an arts commissioner who curated the exhibition. "They're speaking about their experience as young women and artists just starting out in their careers, portraits of themselves, portraits of those people around them that are meaningful, and experiences that they've had."

Jeremy Whittington, program director at Spokane Arts, encouraged the public to visit the gallery, saying, "You know, having come to the Chase Gallery for a while now, this is a really unique show." Whittington and Baker said the exhibition includes work by Elsa Oxford (acrylic portrait-based painting), Carly Ellis (photo-based work), Emily Flynn DeLay (mixed media, sculpture and painting), and Lily Henderson (mixed media, stop-motion animation, sculpture and photography).

Organizers said the show will open during the First Friday event on May 2 and will run for approximately two months. Because some shows this year have extended runs, there will be a second First Friday event on June 6 for those who cannot attend the May opening. The Chase Gallery is located in the basement of Spokane City Hall next to Council Chambers and is open during normal City Council hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

The presentation focused on introducing the artists and the exhibition to the public; no council action or vote was announced during this item. Audience members and city visitors were invited to attend the First Friday opening and view the exhibition during regular City Hall hours.