Besa Gordon Talks Terrain 16: Day Two – Art, Energy, and a Whole Lot of Spokane Love
By Besa Gordon - Day two of Terrain 16 was a whole vibe! I’m not gonna lie, your girl definitely slept in because that road trip had me wiped out. But once I got up, it was go time. First stop, Durkin’s—because it’s basically a Spokane tradition at this point. I had to put my producer Mead Gill on to the famous Durkin burger. I like mine with eggs and bacon, but that’s just me. We also got to catch up with my girl Jania, and her husband Jordan.
So Many Layers of Art
When I say Terrain 16 was packed, I mean packed. There were more than 500 pieces of art spread across three levels, and every time you went through, you’d see something new. You could spend hours there and still find something that makes you stop in your tracks.
There was a “Sweet 16” table setup, a painting inspired by old-school video games, and even a “scream trauma room” where people were literally screaming out their stress. It was wild but powerful to witness. Everywhere you turned, there was something different—films, poetry, live music, and interactive installations that pulled you right into the experience.
Connecting With Creatives
This day I caught up again with Ginger Ewing, the creative force behind Terrain, and talked to some amazing artists including Mery Smith, Olivia Evans, and Darrien Mack, just to name a few. Each of them had their own way of showing what art means to them, and that’s what makes Terrain so special.
Then there was the procession parade led by WolfBat, which was next-level. I had interviewed him the day before about his sculptures, but seeing his work come alive during the parade was incredible. The performers wore masks, there was music and dancing, and the crowd was all the way locked in. It stretched from the front of the building to the main stage and back again.
Why Terrain Hits Different
Terrain is the kind of event that reminds you that art isn’t just one thing. It’s poetry, it’s movement, it’s music, it’s community. You can feel the love that Spokane pours into this event, and you can see why people from all over the Pacific Northwest pull up for it.
By the time we wrapped up, Mead totally understood why I love this event so much. It’s not just about art on the walls—it’s about people coming together to create, celebrate, and connect.
If you’ve never been to Terrain, I’m telling you now, make sure you go to Terrain 17. Once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand exactly why it’s one of my favorite moments of the year.
