YAKIMA, Wash. – The Windows Alive exhibit in Yakima is currently showcasing the work of local artists, inviting the community to experience Central Washington’s artistic talents.
This year’s exhibit features the work of five different artists and has transformed an empty storefront into a vibrant art display. The Windows Alive exhibit, which began in 2013, has showcased the work of hundreds of artists from the Central Washington region.
Dani Redfelt, one of the artists featured in the exhibit, expressed her initial hesitation about applying.
“It makes me happy and I love that I get to share that with people. And sometimes, just like expressing yourself is really hard to do around other people. So art is how I do that and I like to show people not only with my artwork but to show them and teach them that they could do that as well,” Redfelt said.
Redfelt uses oil and acrylic paints in her work. Another artist, Daniel DeBord, is a photographer whose photo of Mount Baker is on display. He shared the effort it took to capture his piece, saying that the preparation and execution took nearly one year.
“If you’re going to capture something magnificent, it’s not totally up to you. There’s a God element, something that he creates that’s amazing and beautiful. And that’s what I like to capture. And I have found it to be healing in my life and healing in the lives of other people,” DeBord said.
Both Redfelt and DeBord believe the event contributes to Yakima’s beauty and encourages taking risks.
“For anybody else that felt like me, that felt like maybe their artwork wasn’t good enough or they’ve tried to get into the art community, believe in yourself, put yourself out there. The worst that you’re going to do, you’re going to be in is they’re going to say no, which you’re in the same position if you don’t do it. So, take risks and put yourself out there,” said Redfelt.
The Yakima Windows Alive features two shows a year, each running for around six months. The current exhibit will be up and visible to the public until March, providing a limited time to view the work.
