A new Windows Alive! art exhibit opened on Friday, October 4th, in Downtown Yakima. It is available along the northside of Yakima Avenue between Hotel Maison and 3rd Street. The opening is in conjunction with “First Friday” events in downtown. At 6:00 pm Friday, artists will be in front of their windows to greet the public.
The artists’ brief bios, complete statements and a sample of their respective works can be found at https://windowsalive.com/
Following are the Central Washington artists selected for the new Fall/Winter 2024 Windows Alive! exhibit, including an excerpt from their artist bios/statements,
- Michelle Lea Fortier: “I’m a modern folk artist and designer from the Yakima Valley, where I teach middle school fine arts. With a foundation in illustration and graphic design, my current work delves into the enchanting relationships between all living things and the delicate interconnectedness of the webs we weave.”
- Jo-Anne Carlson: “I began working with fiber in early 2024. It was born out of a desire to diversify my art and find new paths of creativity. I love working in this medium – there is so much to choose from: yarn, ribbons, cloth – the choices are endless! Each piece is an expression of an abstract concept, which can be interpreted by the viewer in a variety of ways.”
- Lynda Clayton: “I am a self-taught paper mache artist with over 50 years of hands-on experience, dedicated to transforming recycled materials into vibrant, whimsical creations. My journey began in childhood, where paper mache was a frequent activity, often driven by the need for piñatas. This early fascination evolved over the decades into a deeply ingrained passion that inspires and engage…”
- Elizabeth Montes de Oca: “Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Elizabeth has resided in the Yakima Valley for over three decades. As a multidisciplinary artist, she explores various mediums including origami, drawing, printmaking, and painting. Elizabeth began her artistic journey with printmaking workshops and later expanded her skills through drawing and painting classes at Yakima Valley College.”
- Tony P. Clark: “While inspired by actual places, my work in all three collections (Seascape, Blue Hills, Yakima Valley) focuses on moods and feelings rather than their literal forms. I use color, texture, and abstraction to create pieces that show the powerful and changing interplay of nature’s elements.”
- Eva Marquez Mohorovich: “I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the US as a young girl. I am a self-taught digital and analog photographer. A few years ago, I returned to my birthplace to explore the places tucked away in my memory. I was captivated by La Sierra Madre, with its breathtaking landscapes, gigantic mountains illuminated by the rising and the setting sun…”
Each artist received a $250 stipend.
The Yakima Arts Commission, an advisory group appointed by the Yakima City Council, developed the Windows Alive! idea to harness the creativity of Central Washington artists.
Now in its 11th year, Windows Alive exhibits have featured artwork of over 130 Central Washington artists.
Following a submission and evaluation process, the above artists were chosen to be part of the latest “Windows Alive!” exhibition.