MAY 2026
"Illuminated Spirit"
The natural world, lit at the edges by dawn and dusk - by Janene Grende
April 26, 2026 – May 30, 2026
First Friday Reception to Meet the Artist:
May 1, 2026 | 5:00-8:00 pm
Liberty Gallery
203 N Washington Street, Spokane
On the mezzanine in the historical Liberty Building.
Join Pottery Place Plus in the Liberty Gallery this May for artwork by Janene Grende as she explores the “Illuminated Spirit” - The Natural World, Lit at the Edges by Dawn and Dusk.
This show centers around the flow of life in the natural world, illuminated by the slanting light at the edges of dawn and dusk. The paintings celebrate life’s small wonders; the fleeting instance of a hummingbird, the rushing sound of a waterfall, the sweet smell of spring grass bending to the hooves of a new foal.
“Native Mother Nature” is a grand centerpiece of creatures engaging in a peaceful afternoon of spirits coming together, celebrating the simple joys of living as intended. In this painting there are 13 mammals, 5 insects, 2 rodents, and 10 birds. The painting “The Big Red Horse”, honors the year of the fire horse, a year of building for a future of powerful beginnings.
“Whether my art elicits feelings of amusement, peace, or wonder, I hope that it touches your heart and soul.”
Janene Grende
Artist Statement
Sitting in front of a blank canvas or paper, the challenge is accepted! Creating is daunting and thrilling at the same time; showing distance, shape, atmosphere, as if the viewer is a traveler along on that journey. Whether it brings emotions like amusement, peace, or wonder, it is my hope that my art touches hearts and souls.
Biography
A lifelong artist, Janene has won numerous awards and raised funds for conservation groups across the country. She is also a Rose Award winner for the Susan K. Black Foundation which raises fund to support the advancement of the arts.
Janene is the 2026 Lilac Festival art show grand prize winner. She also was chosen by the nationwide All-Counties Fair Board to create a 250 th Anniversary of America painting representing a patriotic theme. Only five artists throughout the USA were awarded this honor. The prints of her piece will be available at every county fair in every state in the USA this year. She is represented by Wild Wings through their print program, licensing and selling her original paintings.
June 2026
"Artistic Fresh Air"
Showcasing artwork by Spokane Watercolor Society members
May 31, 2026 – June 27, 2026
Join Pottery Place Plus this June at the Liberty Gallery for paintings by members of the Spokane Watercolor Society.
Shallow Waters by Lori Deguire-Sacheen
First Friday Reception to Meet the Artists:
June 5, 2026 | 5:00-8:00 pm
Liberty Gallery
203 N Washington Street, Spokane
On the mezzanine in the historical Liberty Building.
How do we keep our artistic enthusiasm alive? With Artistic Fresh Air! Recently, SWS members have responded to the call to fill leadership positions and roles in our society as we distribute the work load between many more willing hands. The new members in the mix have given us a breath of fresh air — Artistic Fresh Air. This exhibit is to showcase their talents and honor their contribution to Spokane Watercolor Society.
About the Spokane Watercolor Society
Spokane Watercolor Society was founded in 1952 by a group of 12 professional artists. Monthly meetings involved painting quotas where those who failed were charged 25 cent fines. There were holiday exchanges of miniature watercolors wrapped in newspaper and other fun events. In 2021 the Spokane Watercolor Society officially became a federal 501c(3) nonprofit.
Our membership has grown and is now at 80 active members who actively promote watercolor art. We are a mixture of artists from beginners to professional in many different styles. Monthly meetings include a wide range of demonstrations where many are able to learn new skills as they paint along. The society has multiple Shows and Exhibits scheduled along with workshops for members to sign up and learn from accomplished talented watercolor artists.
Visit our website at www.spokanewatercolor.org for more information.
JULY 2026
"Here and There"
Photograps by Michael DeCesare
June 27, 2026 – July 25, 2026
Join Pottery Place Plus this July at the Liberty Gallery for “Here and There” - photographs by Micheal DeCesare.
First Friday Reception to Meet the Artists:
July 10, 2026 | 5:00-8:00 pm
Liberty Gallery
203 N Washington Street, Spokane
On the mezzanine in the historical Liberty Building.
Artist Statement: While my address is Spokane, it is fair to say that my pickup truck could have its own zip code. I am on the road a lot, searching for a picture, a moment, a memory. We are blessed living here, because there is so much, so close, and I hope that is reflected in the work, presented here. However, my search also goes far away, and that too is included, here.
Fine art photography is an art form, but I believe the craft is grounded in technical competence, and I am a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. Today, every image I create is made as a craftsman and creative.
My art opens windows in time and place, where a viewer may discover a forgotten memory, a moment of personal vision, a world they want to explore, or a personal refuge that is always there and uniquely their own.
I approach an image as a new friend, trying to learn what makes it special, and how, together, we can create and reach a new potential. A willing collaboration is fundamental to my creative process. I do not try to enforce my will upon a photo negative with software skills. My work is made in very small, limited-editions, to make it affordable and accessible.
My work has been honored in several international competitions. In 2025, honors were received in two acclaimed international competitions, exhibitions at the Art Spirit Gallery, New Moon Art Gallery, Avenue West Gallery, and fine art shows including Art on the Green and the 2025 Missoula Art Museum’s 50th Anniversary Gala, Silent Auction. I am honored and grateful to be showing in the Liberty Gallery. Thank you.