Empty storefronts in Downtown Yakima will come alive on Friday, March 25th when the works of local artists are put on public display. In 2013, the Yakima Arts Commission, an advisory group appointed by the Yakima City Council, developed the idea to harness the creativity of Central Washington artists and to bring new life and activity to Downtown Yakima.
Following a submission and evaluation process that took place last year, outstanding artists from the region were chosen to be part of the “Windows Alive!” exhibition, which will run from now until September 6th.
To kickoff the project’s spring-summer exhibition, a reception will be held on Friday, March 25th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hotel Maison located at 321 East Yakima Avenue. The artists chosen to display their work will be on hand at the reception to talk about their pieces and to help explain the concept of the “Windows Alive!” project.
“Empty windows in unoccupied storefronts send a message that isn’t very positive,” said Yakima Economic Development Manager Sean Hawkins. “The idea behind Windows Alive! is to fill those storefront windows with beautiful art and create a more engaging and vibrant environment downtown. The project also gives local artists a wonderful opportunity to showcase their work,” said Hawkins.
The artists who were chosen for the latest Windows Alive! exhibition are: W.D. Frank of Yakima (water color & acrylic paint), Kathleen Granger of Yakima (photography), Mary Finstad of Yakima (paintings), Rachel Dorn of Yakima (abstract ceramic sculptures), and clay works by Yakima Valley Community College art students.
In addition to the contributions made to the project by the Yakima Arts Commission, support has also been provided by the City of Yakima, JEM Development, Inc., and the Central Washington chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Additional information is available at www.windowsalive.com