Audrey Overstreet

Horror movies about what lies beneath the ocean’s surface pack a unique dread. Films such as “Underwater,” “The Abyss,” “Sphere” and “DeepStar Six” all depict dark or slithery monsters, hellbent on human destruction. But it’s all just fake news, according to local artist Meghan Jones. “There are so many ridiculous articles and scary stories depicting the deep ocean like it’s just an empty desert full of alien creatures,” Jones said. But the reality is quite the opposite, according to Jones.

Contrary to what social media trends might imply, the #Trad-Wife movement has been around for ages. Aspiring to fit oneself into a traditional female role has been the burden of countless fictional characters of the past, such as Emma from Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, written more than 200 years ago. Modern-day playwright Kate Hamill has cracked open a treasure chest of contemporary issues and comedic riches in her 2022 stage version of Emma, opening Friday at the Spokane Civic Theatre.

Lila Girvin, a local painter who gave her art, heart and soul to support local creatives and arts organizations, died Jan. 9 at her South Hill home surrounded by family. She was 95. The spirited arts champion was married for 73 years to Dr. George Girvin, a retired surgeon who died six months ago at age 96.