"Windows Alive!" is an ongoing effort to bring public art in Downtown Yakima.

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. My multidisciplinary artistic journey has spanned over 40 years, filled with the joy of painting, collage, and landscape design, along with forays into ceramics and fiber arts.

My art is a testament to my lifelong connection to the natural world and my deep admiration for folk art culture, literature, music, and this human experience. I draw endless inspiration from my work with youth and families, and dearly treasure the story-telling and history. I delight in the opportunity to pass on traditions and cultivate an appreciation for the arts in future generations. Rooted in my Scandinavian and French-Canadian heritage, my work is a colorful tapestry of folklore and craftsmanship from these rich cultures.

A proud 1988 graduate of Davis High School, I am deeply devoted to my diverse community in Yakima. My journey as a single mother of two wonderful sons has been a wellspring of creativity and purpose, balancing the ever-evolving role of motherhood with my passionate artistic pursuits.

Contact: dragonflyarts213@gmail.com

Jo-Anne Carlson

It’s curious, the word “artist.” The meaning is layered, depending on philosophy, experience, culture. But to me, it signifies the struggle for creation in a busy, complex world where there are far too many distractions.

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. It is my hope that the work displayed here will touch each person in a meaningful way, through the shapes and colors of our world.

Contact: josexpressions@yahoo.com

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 both myself and those who encounter my work.

Currently, my art finds a unique home in a local grocery store where I have been employed for the past 22 years. My paper mache displays are not only a labor of love but also a vital part of the store's ambiance. These pieces bring joy and curiosity to customers, who eagerly anticipate new creations while reminiscing about the old ones that adorn the store.

Repurposing materials is at the heart of my artistic process. I source discarded, broken, and donated items, transforming them into cohesive, imaginative sculptures. The thrill of discovering these components and envisioning their new roles is integral to my creative process.

My work celebrates creativity, sustainability and community engagement. Through the transformation of recycled materials into playful and meaningful art I strive to bring smiles to all who encounter my creations.

Contact: floweringspirits@aol.com

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.

The diverse natural landscapes of central Washington, particularly the stunning Cowiche Canyon, serve as primary sources of inspiration for her work. She is captivated by the changing colors of the seasons and the reflections in rivers and lakes, finding abstract shapes, intricate patterns, and calming rhythms within them. Elizabeth’s passion for capturing these elements often leads her to photograph nature, further fueling her creativity.

Elizabeth predominantly works with acrylics on canvas. She approaches each painting as an exploration of composition and color harmony, embracing a spontaneous process without preliminary sketches. For her, the joy of painting lies in the dynamic interplay of energy and imagery.

Elizabeth’s work has been featured in exhibitions throughout Central Washington. She is a member of the Women’s Painters of Washington and serves on the board of Tieton Arts and Humanities.

Contact: whynotarteli@gmail.com

Tony P Clark

While inspired by actual places, my work in all three collections 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.

Seascape Collection: In this collection, I share my view of the dynamic relationship between the sea and sky. Using texture, light, and shadow across the waves and clouds, I hope the viewer sees and feels the dichotomy of power and serenity, vastness and intimacy, torment and calm.

Blue Hills Collection: Inspired by the Blue Hills of Georgia, this collection captures this landscape's serene, moody, and sometimes mystical nature. Deep blues and soft, earth tones reflect the rolling hills and the shifting light of dawn and dusk. Through textured layers and abstract forms, I hope these paintings show the connection between land and sky.

Yakima Valley Collection: This collection draws inspiration from the Yakima Valley, blending abstraction with elements of the natural and man-made environment. The bright and flowing forms in the floral composition capture the region's significant agricultural elements, while the wind farm and silhouetted landscape reflect the intersection of nature and technology. Through expressive brushwork and bold contrasts, I want these pieces to show the energy and unique beauty of the Yakima Valley.

Contact: clarkng44@yahoo.com

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, the open valleys of the cornfields cultivated for generations and by the Indigenous people clothed in their vibrant traditional attire.

Reconnecting with my roots and my family stirred something deep within me. Reliving my cherished memories deepened my appreciation for my heritage and continues to inspire me to capture rich meaningful memories through my lens.

Contact: evamarquezcpht@yahoo.com