New Art Installation Celebrates the Heart of Spokane

The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) has joined creative forces with local Italian expressionist artist Monet Lyons to debut an artistic tribute to the city’s urban core. Titled “Free Love Letters,” the installation is now on public display at River Park Square, offering an engaging exploration of what it means to love downtown Spokane, its vibrancy, its challenges, and its ever-evolving story.

The exhibition first premiered at DSP’s annual State of Downtown event on May 30, under the theme “Downtown Love Story.” Attendees were introduced to the concept as a reminder of what makes downtown Spokane not only a place but a feeling—something that resonates deeply with residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Now expanded into a full installation within River Park Square – the second such instillation following the original at the historic Symons Block – the instillation invites community members to add their own reflections, memories, and messages of love to the evolving display, creating a living, breathing tribute to downtown.

“There is so much to love about our downtown,” said Elisabeth Hooker, DSP’s Vice President of Marketing and Programming. “We want to hear from those who experience it daily, its excitement, its flaws, its hidden gems. This is a celebration of downtown in all its complexity, told through the language of art and community.”

Artist Monet Lyons, known for her emotionally expressive and textural work, brings a unique and personal perspective to this project. Her installation blends bold color, handwritten notes, and layered visuals to evoke both nostalgia and hope. This is more than an art piece, it’s a conversation—one that invites everyone to reflect on the role downtown Spokane plays in their lives.

The public is encouraged to visit the installation, share their own downtown love stories, and be part of a growing collective portrait of Spokane’s heart.