The Spokane Washington Temple is one of a series of detailed pencil drawings and paintings created by the artist Chad S. Hawkins. In 1989, at the age of seventeen, Chad started this unique temple series, becoming the original LDS artist to involve hidden spiritual images in his artwork. Before drawing each temple, Chad visits the temple site to research its history, construction, and beautiful surroundings. He then returns to his studio to draw the temple by referring to his notes, sketches, and photographs.
The morning of October 10, 1998, was rainy and cloudy, but by the time some 1,000 people arrived to witness the groundbreaking for the Spokane Washington Temple, the sun was shining. Presiding over and speaking at the groundbreaking services was Elder F. Melvin Hammond of the Seventy. During the ceremony Elder Hammond counseled, Contemplating the building of this temple we can foster a greater degree of love in our homes. Our homes can become sanctuaries of kindness, gratitude, gentleness and love training grounds for what lies ahead in the temple. We can actually create Zion homes, where the pure in heart dwell not easily, but possible, yes! He then promised those listening, Everyone in this city will be blessed by the establishment of this glorious edifice, member and non-member alike. It will proclaim to the whole world Holiness to the Lord. Located on property already owned by the Church and adjacent to the Spokane East Stake Center, the Spokane Temple is in a beautiful setting typical of the Evergreen State of Washington. In this temple picture, Chad has sketched a full-length image of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in the tall trees and grass to the left of the temple. President Howard W. Hunter has counseled us, saying, Let us truly be a temple-attending and temple-loving people. We should hasten to the temple as frequently, yet prudently, as our personal circumstances allow. . . . As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ensign, February 1995, p. 5).
This comes in a 11x14 print.