SPOKANE, Wash. — Hillyard wrapped up its inaugural art walk Thursday, as the historic Spokane neighborhood works to reintroduce itself as the city’s newest creative district.
The event featured multiple galleries with work by local artists and live music for the whole community to enjoy.
“So we have 12 pop-up galleries with different local artists exhibiting their work, and then we also have four live musicians that are going to be playing at the Hillyard Heritage Museum Park,” said Kyla Parkins, an art walk organizer.
The art walk represents a significant step toward Hillyard’s goal of becoming designated as a creative district, a distinction currently held by 20 other communities throughout Washington state.
Kaily Renz, who works in Hillyard, said the neighborhood has struggled with perception issues over the years, despite its rich history.
“It’s a historic district. It’s a piece of Spokane that has a really rich history,” Renz said. “It’s kind of older and has a different vibe. For years, people were a little hesitant to come to Hillyard because it got a bad rap back in the day.”
Community members and business owners are working to change that narrative by highlighting the area’s diverse offerings and creative potential.
“There’s a lot of different kinds of businesses restaurants, bars and Heritage Park. There’s a lot of different facets in Hillyard that I don’t think people know,” said Darya Pilram, an Economy Recovery Corps Fellow.
The creative district designation would provide significant benefits for the neighborhood, including state assistance to attract tourists and create an environment where artists can live and thrive. The status would also help boost Hillyard’s economy while maintaining its historic character.
“It really puts Hillyard on all of these maps. And you can imagine when people come to Spokane, this becomes part of the destination,” Pilram said.
Renz believes the creative district approach will benefit the entire business community in Hillyard.
“It’s more eclectic, more diverse. It kind of brings different crowds to the Hillyard area. I think it not only helps my business, but it helps all of the businesses on the block,” she said.
For more information on Hillyard, visit www.hillyardspokane.org.
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