55.1 Communicator SFCC

THE

COMMUNICATOR

12.08.2023

55.1

SPOKANE CURIOSITIES

Fine Arts Building Almost Complete

PAGE 3 GET EXCITED TO STEP INSIDE BLDG 32 FOR THE FIRST TIME

Music Concert Hits The Stage

PAGE 8 SFCC STUDENTS AND FACULTY SHOW OFF THEIR MUSICAL SKILLS

‘Making Their Mark’

PAGE 6 FORMER SFCC STUDENTS TURNED TATTOO ARTISTS SHOWCASE WORK

CONTENTS OUR STAFF

MATTINGLY KREIDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EMMA PRETTYMAN REPORTER

DESIREE GIBBONS PHOTO EDITOR

JASON NIX FACULTY ADVISER

STAFF MEMBERS NOT PICTURED: CLAIRE WORTHINGTON, CHELSEA PEREZ

Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation or age in its programs, activities or employment.

CCS offers more than 100 academic degrees and career and technical programs. CCS has an open door admissions policy which admits any graduate of a high school or an individual at least 18 years of age and holding a Certificate of Educational Competence. Some programs have additional admission criteria, which is listed on the website. CCS takes steps to ensure a lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation.

Direct all inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances to chief strategy and administration officer, CCS, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., P.O. Box 6000, MS1004, Spokane, Wash. 99217-6000 or call 509-434-5037.

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access and Title IX to the chief compliance officer, 2917 W. Whistalks Way, MS 3027, Spokane, Wash. 99224, or call 509-279-6012.

Visit us online at: communicatoronline.org Staff can be contacted at: sfcc.firstname.lastname@gmail.com

12.08.2023

NEWS

Our Mission The Communicator has been an open forum for the diversity of voices on the SFCC campus since 1968. The paper is, and has always been, entirely produced by student editors and staff, who are completely responsible for all content.

The purpose of the Communicator is to inform and entertain SFCC students, faculty, and staff while providing a space for multiple points of view from all members of the campus community. We believe that the freedom of speech and expression is vital to intellectual pursuits, and we fully expect that you will find opinions expressed in our pages with which you agree and some with which you disagree. If this is the case, it means we have done our jobs.

We strive to publish news stories that are accurate, impartial, fair, and relevant to the entire campus community. On our editorial pages, readers will find individual opinions from students, faculty, staff, and members from the outside community when relevant. Staff editorials represent the majority view of the student editorial staff and do not necessarily represent SFCC administration, student government, faculty, or staff.

When we make a mistake, we will make every effort to correct the mistake in the next issue as well as on our website (www. communicatoronline.org).

We value your input. Please send all story ideas and feedback to communicator.eic@gmail.com.

3 FINE ARTS BLDG. UPDATE 4 STUDENT PERKS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

5 SFCC DRAMA 7 CROSSWORD PUZZLE 8 SFCC MUSIC CONCERT

FEATURES 10 ALLIANCE CLUB

SPORTS 11 ROLLER DERBY 12 PETUNIA AND LOOMIS The first issue of The Communicator is free. Additional copies are 50 cents each.

Newspaper theft is a form of censorship and removal of copies may result in criminal charges.

Class sets are available free of charge upon request.

For more information, email our adviser: jason.nix@sfcc.spokane.edu.

About our cover: The Communicator highlights Petunia and Loomis, Spokane's newst oddities and curiosities shop, located on Riverside Avenue in Downtown Spokane.

The store is one of many local businesses we plan on in upcoming issues.

Forcovering more informsation, contact our faculty adviser at jason.nix@sfcc. spokane.edu

WANT TO JOIN THE COMMUNICATOR STAFF? Any SFCC student is welcome to join our staff by enrolling in College News Production I (JOURN 101).

No previous experience is required. All students are encouraged to participate.

communicatoronline.org

sfcc.mattingly.kreider@gmail.com

NEW SPACE ALMOST COMPLETE

“Innovative Learning Hub: Cutting-edge Building Transforms College Campus Landscape”.

Originally set to be open to students at the start of fall quarter 2023, the opening date for BuildCOMMUNICATOR ing 32 was pushed back due to undisclosed “construction issues” If you have been anywhere per several SFCC staff members. around campus in the last year The construction company ALSC surely you’ve noticed construcArchitects did not follow up with tion of the new Building 32 (the a comment explaining the delay.

Fine Arts Building) on Elliot The current opening date for Drive facing the Spokane River. the building, according to Terresa The 60,0000 square foot faLumberg, CCS Capital Project cility includes classrooms, labs, offices, studios, an art gallery, and Manager, is set for April 1, 2024, so much more. Most importantly the first day of the spring quarter.

There is no word yet as to whethit is an open concept, collaboraer there will be a partial or full tive space for students to share, opening on that date. work, and develop together.

“A phased or partial opening “There’s more and more talk would present challenges with in our society about the value of building commissioning and proeducation and discussion about gram preparation,” said Lumberg that,” said DeMoville. “I think “We all want the student experistudents with an interest in the ence to be without distractions, arts are told over and over and with no sectioned off areas or over again that it’s less valuable missing equipment, that would be than some other career tracks. essential to faculty instruction.”

That’s just not true.”

Mattingly Kreider

Collin Masteller | PHOTO www.communicatoronline.org

Building 32 promises to be a beacon of innovation, seamlessly blending cutting-edge design with advanced functionality to create a hub for academic excellence.

As the structure begins to take shape, anticipation is mounting among students, faculty, and the broader community, heralding a new era of possibilities for learning, collaboration, and transformative experiences within the halls of education.

“I think that for us, it is so much more than just a building,” said Ashley DeMoville, Dean of Performing Arts. “I mean it’s huge. It’s a gorgeous building, but it’s also a really visible clear sign of the support the state and the college has for the arts.”

The construction company working on the new building mission is to build success for current and incoming students.

“The new facility provides ample space for the current programs, with the flexibility to accommodate changing needs in the future,” he said “To better serve students and improve program delivery.”

NEWS

DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED IN NEW BUILDING Digital Filmmaking -Digital Filmmaking, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) -Digital Filmmaking, Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)

Digital Media Production -Digital Media Production, Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)

Fine Arts -Academic Transfer, Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) -Art, Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) -Art - 2 Dimensional, (CFA-2D) -Art - 3 Dimensional, (CFA-3D)

Photography -Photography, Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

The title of the building is: ska-hét. ska-hét is Salish for rapids or fast water and is not capitalized. It is the traditional place name of Spokane Falls, but also a generalized name for the entire Spokane River. The name was recommended by former CCS faculty and highly respected Salish language activist Barry Moses.

DEC.08.2023

COMMUNICATOR 3

NEWS

!

N O I T N E T T A

Perks & Benefits For SFCC Students

-Food Pantry- 3 times a quarter -Gym & Fitness Center -Quarterly Bus Pass -CCS Student Health Clinic -500 copies at the Library -Laptop, Hotspot, and Scientific Calculators Loaner Program in Library -Innovation studio (record and edit audio/video) -Free access to Spokane Public Library Digital Content (streaming videos)

sfcc.mattingly.kreider@gmail.com

STUDENT PERKS You have access to many different resources. Use them!

Mattingly Kreider COMMUNICATOR In an effort to enrich the college experience for students, SFCC offers a myriad of perks and benefits at free or low cost designed to support and enhance student life.

From academic resources to wellness programs many of these resources are made to create an environment that fosters both personal and academic growth.

Several perks that are completely free to students directly on campus are the food pantry (3 times a quarter), CCS Student Health Clinic, quarterly bus passes, laptop and hotspots from the library, and so much more.

“I know what it is like to go to college and be broke and not have any medical insurance,” said Dawn Depriest, Lead Advanced

Practice Provider at SCC. “Having our services available to students for little or no cost is a relief to many.” “ I just love it when a student comes in and asks about our services and the cost. The expression on their face is priceless when they realize that most services are free.”

For an entry fee of just fifty dollars, the Early Learning Center on campus is accessible for low income families trying to get through school. Kathryn Stehle is another parent whose child attends the ELC. She started at SFCC in winter quarter of 2022 “I was very nervous about dropping my child off at daycare,” Stehle said, “You have to know he’s going to be safe, and I know that when I leave him here that he’s going to be well

taken care of” If there is any space on campus that is a must to access free, education related resources it would be in the library. Not only can you check out and borrow technology you have the ability to access $10 automatic printing credit every quarter.

“It is super cool,” said Sarah Lewis, Orientation & Onboarding Specialist. “I did not get that in college” Times are tough right

The expression on their faces is priceless when they realize most services are free.”

Dawn Depriest now. Everyone is feeling the struggles of trying to get by and if at the end of the day SFCC has dozens of programs in place to better help its students, take advantage of it!

CHECK IT OUT

SCAN QR CODE Mattingly Kreider | PHOTO JoAnne Connolly, Counselor (left) is an active member of the SFCC community.

Above, she is advising student on setting up a successful winter quarter

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DEC.08.2023

www.communicatoronline.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

sfcc.mattingly.kreider@gmail.com

MORE THAN JUST A PERFORMANCE Bigfoot drama upcoming production; Dedication, determination, hardwork.

Emma Prettyman COMMUNICATOR The theater is something special, uniting both the imagination and reality. Kemuel DeMoville, director of SFCC’s fall quarter play, “Crumble: Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake,” knows the many reasons you should attend SFCC’s plays.

“We have six performances,” DeMoville said, “and that’s it. So, all of this work going into these six moments; to share with the other people, to share with our community, to share with our peers. And then it’s released to the world, never to happen again.”

According to DeMoville, theater is more than just a performance.

“The beautiful thing about theater, as an art form, is that it allows for that collaboration, the collaboration of many art forms to come together,” DeMoville continues.

There is much more than just

what you see on stage of the play, all the behind-the-scenes work is vital to the production.

“There is magic everywhere in the theater,” said Robin Hill, a student studying drama.

Each person who enters the room when a play is in the works adds their own addition to the moments soon to be revealed.

“Anytime you do a play, it’s like you’ve been given a lock without a key,” said DeMoville, “and the people that come into that room, we create the key together. We unlock it together.”

Patty Garegnani is currently the costume designer for SFCC drama, also recently starring in SFCC’s latest performance. “[Being in a drama performance is] like a roller coaster where you are just going down, and then going up, and then it’s real scary,” says Garegnani. “Then you just gotta trust that the roller coaster is gonna take you around and get you back to the end. It’s that adrenalin you feel.”

Visiting a play can change your life. Watching the cast feel real emotions can make you, as the audience, feel similar emotions.

“There is something about

seeing [a] live performance that is intrinsic to what it means to be human,” DeMoville said. “The idea of informative storytelling affects us on a biological level, in ways that EVENT: “CHARLOTTES WEB” WITH doesn’t happen when you watch a ADAPTIONS BY JOSEPH ROBINETTE film or TV or something on your phone.”

TIME: FRIDAY-SATURDAY AT 7:00 Visiting SFCC to watch a PM AND SUNDAY AT play is inexpensive, easy, and 2 PM life-changing. Keep your eyes out for the next upcoming plays, LOCATION: THE SPARTAN THEATRE, including the winter quarter play, BUILDING 5, ROOM 129 “Charlotte’s Web,” adapted by Joseph Robinette.

FREE FOR SFCC STUDENTS Visit the Spartan Theatre, and $12 GENERAL ADMISSION enjoy the moments that are only $7 FOR NON-SFCC STUDENTS, EMavailable once in a whole lifetime.

PLOYEES, AND SENIORS.

Know before you go:

Paul Richey | PHOTO

Desiree A. Gibbons | PHOTO

Smiling faces only as SFCC Drama prepares for upcoming production of “CHARLOTTES WEB” WITH ADAPTIONS BY JOSEPH ROBINETTE

www.communicatoronline.org

DEC.08.2023

COMMUNICATOR

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

sfcc.mattingly. kreider@gmail.com

INKED MASTERPIECES

Desiree A Gibbons | PHOTO

Former SFCC students turned Professional Tattoo artists Claire Worthington COMMUNICATOR The SFCC Art Gallery is a place where students and community members can experience free exhibitions throughout the academic year.

More than just a showcase of talent, the gallery tells the stories of artists and captures the evolution of their work. Gallery director Cozette Philips organized the current display, “Making Their Mark,” featuring tattoo artists who are former SFCC students, alongside an interview with one of the featured artists, Mike Maloney.

Maloney is a Spokane-based tattoo artist whose tattooing journey began nearly four years ago, spurred by a first tattoo experience at 13.

His passion for art allows his work to feel like less of a job and more of an extension of his creative spirit, he

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Skilled artist that once walked the halls at SFCC show off their art work in the form of tattoos at SFCC very own art gallery exhibit. said.

“Being a tattoo artist feels like hanging out with friends all day and getting to work on fun projects,” He said.

Mike’s artistic inspiration is a blend of darker, macabre themes intertwined with beauty, often manifesting in the fusion of these contrasting elements.

“For me, mixing these two themes together is where the true magic happens,” he said.

His clientele requests everything from intricate flowers to powerful demons, always aiming for dynamic designs that pop with a vivid range of colors and themes. Maloney’s journey was nurtured at SFCC, where he embraced the fundamentals of composition and style.

The gallery director, Cozette Philips, sheds light on the curation process of the exhibit. She emphasizes the importance of art reflecting representation, social issues, and the celebration of SFCC’s artistic legacy.

The exhibit invites individuals

DEC.08.2023

to explore personal tattoo stories, fostering connections and shared experiences.Cozette plans exhibits a year in advance, focusing on representation for each artist while creating a cohesive space.

She considers the gallery itself as an artwork of its own, meticulously arranged with attention to artistic elements such as line, space, and form. Promotion strategies include leveraging social media platforms

like Instagram (@sfcc-artgallery) to attract visitors.

For Cozette, the success of an exhibit lies in creating an inviting space where the public can relate what they see to themselves and where artists feel proud of their representation.

The SFCC art gallery shows the power of art, forming connections, and inspiring the next generation of artists while honoring the legacy of those who once walked its halls.

www.communicatoronline.org

12/7/23, 1:22 PM sfcc.mattingly.kreider@gmail.com

INTERACTIVE

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https://crosswordlabs.com/view/2023-12-07-880

ATHLETICS BIGFOOT BOOKSTORE CANVAS COMMUNICATOR

2. SFCC mascot 3. name of student paper 5. The official ceremony for conferring degrees 6. where a student buys books 9. A place where students can purchase and eat food on campus

COMMUNITY DEGREE ENGLISH GRADUATION JOURNALISM

MATH SCHOLARSHIP SPOKANE SYLLABUS

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www.communicatoronline.org

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COMMUNICATOR 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

sfcc.mattingly.kreider@gmail.com

SICKPAYHOLIDAY LOCAL BAND Origin Story, how the group came to be Claire Worthington COMMUNICATOR For as long as he can remember, Spencer List of local alt-rock Sickpayholiday, has been performing.

Some of his earliest memories include witnessing his dad strumming the guitar in recording studios and waking up to his mom playing piano every morning. It didn’t take long for him to discover his own love for music.

“I would go into my mom’s room every day and put on long choreographed concerts,” he said. “If she looked away, even for a minute, I would get angry.”

Around the age of five, List discovered Garageband, a tool used to record and create music.

“I would spend hours making these terrible songs,

but I loved it,” he said.

As List got older, music remained important to him, but it wasn’t his main focus.

That is until he turned 12 and received a ukulele for Christmas, reigniting his passion for music. He spent hours playing songs. After learning ukulele, he picked up guitar.

At 16, List joined his first band, SexEd, where he lied about his skill level in order to hold a place in the band. He faked his skill level at the beginning but the consistent practice with a band that was much better than him allowed him to progress, he said.

“We were playing a song that we wrote together,” he said. “I was belting and playing guitar.

“The world began to melt away and I slipped into a state of Euphoria. I felt like I became the song. When the song was over my heart was pounding and I was shaking, then I looked around the room and realized that my entire band had experienced the same bliss. I was hooked.”

The breakup of this band forced List to take time away from that feeling and focus on improving technical abilities and creating his own style.

Sickpayholiday Taking inspiration from bands like The Police, Radiohead, Coldplay, and others, he began to find his sound.

Forming a band can be difficult. He and his bandmate would practice in front of a high school building on summer nights and use the On Instagram outdoor power outlets in order to have a practice space. His biggest problem was that he didn’t have a drummer.

Spencer was working at Guitar Center at the time.

Every time a drummer came shop now at www.reallygreatsite.com Sickpayholiday | PHOTO in, he would listen.

Band members: Nolan Watts, Ray Tozzi, Nikko “They were either skilled, and played in a style chase a pair that didn’t align with mine, of drumsticks. or they just came in to mess Spencer then later logged around,” he said. into the system, accessed his One day, a drummer phone number, and reached came in with a group of out. He asked him to drum friends. When Spencer heard for the band. Nolan is still the him play, he knew that the drummer to this day, standing drummer would be the right as one of the two original fit. The drummer, Nolan, came members of Sickpayholiday. up to the front counter to pur-

Check Them Out

MUSIC IS A LIFESTYLE AT SFCC Music Classes Are Always Welcoming New and Old Students to Their Family Emma Prettyman COMMUNICATOR The music department at SFCC has faced many shifts, but it has always had a familial atmosphere.

“Our future is in numbers and it is in growing and prestige,” said SFCC music faculty member David Larsen.

During COVID-19, many musical classes were shut down and placed strictly online, with the exception of a few state-regulated classes. That shift didn’t change the tight-knit feel of in-person classes, though, according to students and faculty.

“We’re all friends here,” said [FIRST NAME] Vantsoun, a student studying music at SFCC. “It’s a big, huge family.

“It’s an art, I love it…because you can express yourself through many different types of styles and type[s] of music [and it is] creative.”

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New student or old student, Music faculty Rosi Gurrerero experienced or inexperienced, the has made her mark during her 26 department prides itself on encourag- years of service for SFCC. ing students wherever their musical “I’ve devoted my life to music,” passion leads. Even if you don’t said Guerrero, “sharing my gifts of want to pursue music as a career, what I’ve learned to students from all there are many skills you can learn. different areas, backgrounds, and ex“It teaches you to be a leader, a periences; and bringing them together teammate, and a friend, and a teach- and teaching them.” er,” said Vantsoun.

Guerrero has committed to Larsen knows of the many teaching piano at SFCC, as well struggles that musicians will face, as making many renovations and but he has some encouraging words upgrades to the music and piano for aspiring musicians. department.

“Music is a lifestyle, not a ca“My students inspire me as I reer choice.” Larsen said, “And part inspire them,” said Guerrero. “My faof the struggle in music is realizing vorite part of teaching is the students, that you can’t win every competition. and seeing their growth. Taking them You can’t make every gig, you’re from whatever level of growth they never going to be as famous as you come in with.” want to be, and understanding that Without a doubt, the people at [it’s] about consistent, constant work. the music department care about the Are you practicing? Are you perfect- students who enter the program, and ing your craft? Are you continually they always love welcoming new improving?” students into the “family.”

DEC.08.2023

Spencer Anderson | PHOTO Make music and get inspired by joining a Music and Recording Arts course available at SFCC.

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FEATURES

sfcc.desiree.gibbons@gmail.com

SFCC ALLIANCE CLUB RESPONDS TO

PERRY DISTRICT VANDALISM Determination, authenticity, and inspiration describes group on campus Desiree A. Gibbons COMMUNICATOR Incident reports obtained from Spokane Police Department documented multiple acts of vandalism targeting businesses and homes in the Perry District during October. The one thing these locations had in common: LGTBQ decorations.

The vandalism ranged from spray painted profanity, damaged pride flags and crosswalks, businesses being egged, pumpkins being crushed and books from a pop-up library.

While the first incident on Oct. 7 wasn’t listed as a hate crime, police seemed not to rule that out if patterns emerged.

“At that time [of the incidents] there were no symbols, words, or statements that would confirm these acts as hate crimes,” wrote no place in Spokane.’”

Officer Paul Carpenter, “but the coincidental The location of one of the nature is concerning.” targets of vandalism, OdysSFCC’s Alliance Club shared their sey Youth Movement Center thoughts on the recent incidents. held a Pop-Up Pride event on “It’s always terrifying knowing that just Oct. 13. because of Capko echoed our existence, the sentiments there are peo- “Students change the shared at the event. ple that take “You are not exception and world, in all sorts of ways, alone,” Capko said. feel the desire “These random and need to all the time. They are miacts of hatred destroy or don’t deter us from raculous in that way.” enact acts living the lives we of hatred, of Barabra Williamson wish to lead. We’re cowardice, here to stay, we’re against us in always going to be a part of society, the (LGBTQ) community,” Secretary Cainan and we’re going to look damn good doing it.”

Capko said. “Spokane Falls is not a space in Professor Williamson believes the college which I feel unsafe to be myself.” has a role to play in this feeling of security.

The resilience of SFCC students is some“Every quarter I come out to my students, thing that resonates with Alliance Club very deliberately, very purposefully, because I Founder, Barbara Williamson. In the early want them to see that there’s space,” she said. days of forming the club, Williamson said she “You’re not going to have to live in a closet was warned against taking on the project by and be ashamed. You can be proud.” other SFCC faculty. The students involved The Alliance Club has left its mark on faced vandalism against their Pride art in the campus with the prospects of continuing the Student Lounge, censorship, and the fear of growth and development of LGBTQ inclubeing outed, she said. She believes protecting sion. Gender-neutral bathrooms, expansion of the students and their right to have such a club the term “family” for more inclusive access at risked her position. the Food Pantry, and 3-tier training for staff “I learned from my students in the face of regarding LGBTQ issues and support, are that kind of hate, what you do is open up,” some of the ways Alliance Club made student Williamson said. “If the message these people voices heard. are saying is ‘you don’t belong,’ then what we “Students change the world, in all sorts of need is community to step forward and say, ways, all the time. They are so miraculous in ‘No, you don’t belong. This kind of hatred has that way,” said Williamson. www.communicatoronline.org

Desiree A. Gibbons | PHOTO

Desiree A. Gibbons | PHOTO (Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20th) “A day both of remembering both those we have lost and celebrating those we still have with us,” Cainan Capko, Alliance Club Secretary.

MORE INFORMATION: ALLIANCE CLUB MEETS EVERY MONDAY IN THE LGBTQ STUDENT CENTER AT 2 P.M., IN THE STUDENT UNION BUILDING. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CLUB ADVISOR BRIAN STACK.

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COMMUNICATOR 9

SPORTS

sfcc.Desiree.gibbons@gmail.com

GET ROWDY ON WHEELS The Lialac City Roller Derby Chelsea Perez COMMUNICATOR The Lilac City Roller Derby (LCRD) started in Spokane in 2006 with a small group of women called “The Lilac City Roller Girls.”

Over the years, LCRD has grown into a league welcoming all genders.

This community has strived to create an inclusive and secure environment that accommodates individuals of all gender identities.

LCRD consists of four teams and a training program, the training program (The ‘Not Yetis’) for the newest team members learning how to skate and learn the rules of roller derby. The LORE team, an open gendered team, welcomes everyone as well as anyone who can skate.

The Yetis is the less-competitive gendered home team. The Abominations is the team for the Men’s Roller Derby or any other individual who feels comfortable playing in a male-centered space. The SASS team is the All Star team, the most highly competitive team, that has the dedication and puts in the work to be a part of this highly competitive team.

“The roller derby community is welcome for anyone,” said Adrianne LaScuola, member of LCRD since 2022. “The roller derby community is one big family.”

After hearing many talk about why they are a part of this community, everyone has their own unique reason why they choose this community; it can really open one’s eyes.

Many challenges come with wanting to be a part of the teams. A recur-

Jenn Marquis | PHOTO Intense fun abounds at weekly night practices.

rent theme is the ‘Derby Stance’. The Derby Stance is the basic body position that provides the stability, speed, agility, and power while playing. You are bending your knees, tightening the core, and keeping your head up.

“You gotta drop it like you’re at the club,” said Maria Meeds, roller derby member.

She emphasized the importance of performing dynamic moves on the derby track.

As LCRD continues to grow and evolve, members are always looking for more people. Being on the derby teams isn’t the only option to get involved with this community.

“We are always needing more Officials,” LaScuola said.

Officials are always working to keep the sport safe, while recording scores and statistics. If someone is interested in this sport but doesn’t want to compete in the games, they could

LOCAL CLIMBER PROFILE Claire Worthington

COMMUNICATOR Ty Evans, an avid climber in the Spokane area believes the region has a lot to offer.

“Making friends in the gym helped me get into climbing outdoors,” he said.

Evans considers the Spokane scene’s biggest strength to be diversity in rock composition, from the river-polished

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granite of Post Falls, to Spokane’s rougher granite, which can easily tear the skin, but offers superior grip. Deep creeks river washed basalt, while pleasant to hold, often breaks off which is a safety hazard. Evans draws parallels between climbing at Deep Creek and experiences in Switzerland, a world-class climbing destination.

Spokane offers a collection of routes for climbers of every skill level. Highlighting beginner-friendly locations like

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always go this route.

In addition to their competitiveness and toughness, the roller derby community is more than just a sport; it is a testament to the power of unity and inclusivity. LCRD shows their spirit, building a family-like atmosphere that welcomes diversity and supports

individuals from all backgrounds.

As they showcase their commitment and tenacity on the track, they stress that their dedication to the derby life is not just about competition but also about creating a welcoming space for everyone.

Jenn Marquis | PHOTO Post Falls’ spillway, Dishman, and John Shields Park (Minnehaha), Evans emphasizes the quality of rock and suitability for different skill levels. However, he acknowledges the challenge posed by the region’s unpredictable weather.

“We experience rain, snow, heat, and smoke, so every season poses challenges for climbing,” he said.

Evans’ climbing journey includes overcoming challenges, from navigating obscure routes before guidebooks to recovering from a broken ankle and discovering the joy of climbing outdoors

anew. He recommends resources like the Spokane Bouldering Guidebook and Ramble Raven, a local gear store.These are valuable references for aspiring climbers exploring Spokane’s opportunities.

For climbers like Evans, the most important thing for beginners to practice is a respect for the mountains, a habit that could mean the difference between exhilaration and tragedy.

“Climbing requires a certain level of respect,” he said. “I know people who have died, even when they are doing everything right.” www.communicatoronline.org

FEATURES

sfcc.desiree.gibbons@gmail.com

THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

LIFE, PHOTO, FILM Determination, authenticity, and inspiration with Collin Masteller.

Desiree A. Gibbons COMMUNICATOR

Collin Masteller has worked for SFCC for nearly 7 years as an Instructional Technician for the Photography Department, yet he began here as a non-traditional, returning student.

The final push to return to school came when he found he no longer wanted to waste time within the uninspiring daily grind.

He wanted instead to do something he was genuinely interested in and passionate about.

It’s a sentiment most returning students find relatable.

“I didn’t want to just continue to “do.” I wanted to be me,” said Collin.

Collin does not shy away from the fact that it took him more than the expected two years to complete his degree. In fact, he prides him- tioned. self on his determination.

“Throughout the program is where I started “I tell people all the time, it took me fifteen to learn my voice and my art, visual storytellyears and three tries to graduate from commu- ing,” he said. nity college with a two-year degree,” he said.

“How do I make my stories mine, or differ“I kept coming back.” ent?”

He keeps that struggle of committing to Now, he even aims to dress more vibrantly a college path amongst the trials of life and to encourage conversation and approachabilday-to-day stressors fresh in his mind, another ity with students, a bridge to an even deeper level of genuine understanding he offers to philosophy of his; the idea of branching out of the students here. comfort zones and trying new things, espe“It’s not cially within a creating industry. just knowl“In this job and in this place, I edge, the really telling students, ‘I don’t “Throughout the program know.”hate gear and he said. know-how, His solution? Spending his down I can relate is where I started to learn time researching everything. In his to what interactions with students and othmy voice and my art.” those struger staff, this pastime is undeniable. gles are and Collin Masteller Professor Erik Sohner, of the Phohelp you tography Department, reiterates this get through when sharing what kind of resource them,” he he believes Collin to be for SFCC. said.

“Irreplaceable. Collin is irreplaceable.”

“Every student has those moments where said Sohner. they’re ready to quit. I think about that a lot.”

Professor Alex Dew, of the Film DepartMore than anything, Collin believes age ment, shares this sentiment. Dew exudes nothand a better mindset got him through his last ing but praise, respect, and admiration when quarter. His time here as a student had a prospeaking of Collin. found effect on him.

“I think he’s a natural educator.” she said.

“My whole experience through the digi“ I just so admire his dedication to our protal media program helped me realize myself gram and the level of compassion that he has again,” he said. for our students.”

“When I came in, I was so tired of people.

“He works so hard every day to just make I was a head-down student.” sure that our students have what they need.

If anyone knows Collin, that seems like a He really has been such a great support to stark contrast from the image that most people my work with my students. He has a robust on campus envision when Collin is menunderstanding.”

Students consider Collin’s demonstrations

Collin Masteller

www.communicatoronline.org

a favorite feature of learning here. Professor Dew is ardent when she adds, “He’s not just someone who works at a video checkout place, he’s an educator. He really cares about our students the way that an educator would. I think we’re very lucky to have him.”

Asked for his favorite memory or experience here at SFCC, Collin gives an unexpected answer. “There’s a favorite thing that happens all the time, the repeated look of enlightenment that I get from a student. Every quarter there are new people and new understandings, new ideas, new arts. Same thing, same questions, but it doesn’t bother me, because that’s when I can see, that’s my favorite part, when they light up.”

Find Collin at The Cage in Bldg. 16, the photo dark room, contributing to photo and film dept. courses, Photo Arts Club, Film Club special events and tutorials, or in general providing the vital support he is known for.

Meet with Collin: COLLIN S. MASTELLER SFCC VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNICIAN CONTACT: COLLIN.MASTELLER@ SFCC.SPOKANE.EDU 509-533-3725

DEC.08.2023

COMMUNICATOR 11

FEATURES

sfcc.desiree.gibbons@gmail.com

DISCOVER, PETUNIA & LOOMIS Creativity, community, and Krampus, in Downtown Spokane Desiree A. Gibbons COMMUNICATOR The young gothic and hard to define shop is an example of the rare gems the city of Spokane has to offer. Owners Sam Fetters and Jesse McCauley began their journey as a form of “retail therapy,” stemming from profound shared grief. A universal concept, but not a path many are brave enough to take.

“We quit our other jobs and didn’t want to do stuff that made us unhappy anymore.” said Sam. There is nothing in Spokane to compare to Petunia and Loomis. Since opening the strange and fascinating store, the pair get to watch customers realize there has been an untethered community of similarly-spirited people in Spokane all along.

“The shop ended up being a connecting point for like-minded weirdos.” said Jesse.

“They’ve [Loomis patreons] all just come and made a space with us.”

The name for the vibe brewing within Petunia and Loomis was meant to be, “just something catchy that encompassed what we were,” said Sam. The pair travel to acquire the one-of-a-kind pieces that adorn every nook of their uncommon shop. Europe, Mexico; their personal taxidermist travels to Missouri twice a year to help keep the shop stocked. Jesse and Sam are conscientious about what they chose to share with their customers. They adamantly refuse to buy or sell anything that is culturally appropriated or not ethically sourced.

The specialty of Petunia and Loomis is originality and the macabre.

If they happen to land a piece that is known to be haunted (ask them about the doll from Missouri), rest assured, it comes with a warning. A popular item in the shop is known as wet specimens.

“Preserved animals in jars,” said Jesse “after something passes natural-

ly…we give it a second life.”

The process of this art of preservation is something Jesse does himself.

Sam creates one-of-a-kind raccoon and possum-headed dolls, by hand.

Each doll is completely unique to the animal and Sam’s in-the-moment design.

“There’s no other one like it,” Said Jesse It’s typical for customers to enter the shop with one thing in mind and end up spending more than an hour wandering the maze of nooks and crannies.

Don’t worry about annoying the owners if this happens to you, they are used to it and quite enjoy watching people discover things.

“I had no idea what to expect from looking in the window.” Dawn H. First time customer, “ I’m still not sure what this shop is but I think Wednesday Addams would love it. I’ll come back again, for sure.”

Another totally unique offering at the shop, photo opportunities with Krampus himself, every Saturday in December, from open to close. There is no fee, no age limit and not really

12 COMMUNICATOR

DEC.08.2023

Desiree A. Gibbons | PHOTO Above: Jesse McCauley, perfectly embodying the unique atmosphere you will encounter at the gothic and beyond shop.

Below: Find the odd spaceman hanging about, waiting for dynamic conversation.

“I think we have something for everyone.”

Jesse McCauley

Collin Masteller

any rules. Children and pets are encouraged to join the festivities. Jesse and Sam only request that you bring your own camera or cell phone for the photo capture.

“We want people to come check things out. I think we have something for everyone” said Jesse. “We’ve got cute stuff, creepy stuff, antiques.

People think we’re all Halloween, but we’re not. We’re just spooky. We’re CreepTown.”

Petunia and Loomis, the only CreepTown in Spokane, on 421 W Riverside Ave. Historic Paulsen Center, Downtown Spokane *Krampus Hours, depending on turn out, can shift from 10AM until the last naughty or nice soul gets their picture taken with him.

Desiree A. Gibbons| PHOTO

If you go: STORE HOURS: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. POSSIBLE KRAMPUS HOURS: 10A.M. TO LAST PHOTO SESSION NEEDED LOCATION: 421 W RIVERSIDE AVE. # 102, SPOKANE, WA. CONTACT: 509-498-0259 www.communicatoronline.org