CALL FOR NONPROFITS
Innovia Foundation, Baker Construction and Development, and the Downtown Spokane Partnership invite local nonprofits to participate in Brushes & Boughs, a holiday tree-painting contest and community awareness initiative.
Each participating nonprofit will be paired with a local artist to create a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted holiday tree celebrating Spokane’s creative and giving spirit. The finished trees will be displayed at River Park Square, where the community can vote for its favorite and support a local cause.
How It Works
- Live Painting: Artists will paint their trees live on Friday, December 4, 2026, during First Friday activities at River Park Square. Participating nonprofits are also invited to host an informational booth during the event.
- Holiday Display: Finished trees will be displayed December 6–24, 2026, at River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.
- Community Voting: Public voting runs December 6–24, 2026. Visitors can scan the QR code displayed next to each tree to vote for their favorite.
- Give Back: The winning tree will earn a $500 donation for its nonprofit partner, courtesy of Innovia Foundation.
Only 12 nonprofit spots are available!
Apply to participate by Friday, November 20, 2026, using the application link below.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Downtown Spokane Partnership invites talented local artists to participate in Brushes & Boughs, a holiday tree-painting contest celebrating creativity, community and giving!
We’re seeking 12 local artists to create unique, live-painted holiday trees, each paired with a Spokane-area nonprofit organization. Artists will bring their creativity to life during First Friday and help raise awareness and support for a local cause.
Event Overview
- Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
- Location: River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., third floor
- Live Painting: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- Holiday Display: December 6–24, 2026
- Public Voting: December 6–24, 2026
How It Works
- Live Tree Painting: Selected artists will paint their holiday trees live on Friday, December 4, during First Friday activities.
- Holiday Display: Completed trees will be displayed at River Park Square from December 6–24, giving the community an opportunity to enjoy the artwork throughout the holiday season.
- Community Voting: Visitors can scan QR codes at each display to vote for their favorite tree through December 24.
- Give Back: The winning tree will earn a $500 donation for its paired nonprofit, courtesy of Innovia Foundation.
Each selected artist will receive a plywood tree to transform into a one-of-a-kind holiday creation. Thanks to Baker Construction and Development, painting materials will be provided. The Downtown Spokane Partnership will also provide a $100 artist honorarium.
Benefits of Participation
- Showcase your artwork to a broad audience in the heart of downtown Spokane.
- Gain additional exposure through DSP’s website and social media channels.
- Support a local nonprofit and help raise awareness of its mission.
- Be part of a creative community celebration that brings holiday magic to downtown.
Artist Requirements
- Theme: Merry & Magical. We encourage creative designs that capture the spirit of the holiday season.
- Nonprofit Partnership: Each artist will be paired with a local nonprofit organization selected from a list of eligible organizations.
- Mission-Inspired Artwork: Artists are encouraged to incorporate elements that represent or celebrate their nonprofit partner’s mission.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit the following at the link below by 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026:
- A brief artist bio and portfolio or examples of previous work.
- A short description of your artistic style or ideas for your holiday tree.
- Contact information, including email and phone number.
Twelve artists will be selected based on creativity, experience and community spirit. First priority goes to First Friday Face off Winners. Selected artists will be notified by Monday, November 23, 2026.
Join Us in Making Downtown Spokane Merry & Magical!
Don’t miss this opportunity to share your creativity, celebrate the holiday season and support a local nonprofit. We look forward to seeing your ideas come to life at River Park Square!