It’s no surprise that there is a lot of talent around the Yakima Valley, but it is remarkable how much of it is rarely revealed — in large part because of the lack of places to show it off.
Boxx Gallery is a lively venue for artists and craftspeople from the Valley and beyond. However, this month’s exhibition turns the spotlight on a different crowd: those who have never shown at Boxx, including makers and creators who may not even think of themselves as artists.
The exhibition “Tieton Creates” features 15 local creatives, all of whom are new to our space. While some are celebrating their professional gallery debut, others are seasoned exhibitors introducing their work to the Boxx audience for the first time.
“Rainbow Trout” by Greg Kono, wood, metal, string, fused glass.
Boxx Gallery is proud to host this eclectic collection from our creative community. Here’s a sneak peek:
Terry Leness’ astonishingly delicate portrait of a bungalow-style house from the 1920s or ’30s — and the enormous juniper bush that seems to be threatening to consume it — can best be appreciated from a foot or two away.
Doug (Hotei) Rice’s painting of a weathered pier on a gravel beach can also be read as something of a self-portrait, with the artist’s shadow cast on the wooden planks. The skill of both painters — neither of whom has exhibited in local galleries before — helps prove the value of this exhibition.
“The Great Divide” by Tom Westbay, wood and metal.
Tom Westbay’s sculpture, “The Great Divide,” is a handsomely crafted piece assembled from materials lying around his tool shop and workbench. But the metaphor of the title and its message is as clear as the funny, wise and well-spun stories he frequently tells in conversations around Tieton.
Ric Shirrod’s taxidermy is well known in the area for its high quality, clearly on display in “Tieton Creates” with a pair of shoulder-mounted Wyoming pronghorn antelopes.
Unconventional for an art gallery to feature taxidermy, perhaps. But one purpose of this exhibition is to elevate awareness of hidden local talent in some of its less conventional forms.
Ilze Gracan is a relatively recent arrival from Latvia, and she brought with her the skill to knit beautiful mittens — traditional in form and craft, but with a contemporary twist.
Other exhibiting artists are Sandi Adams, Lyndsey Ferrell, Sally Kobli, Greg Kono, Serena Martian, Sam McJunkin, Nelson Norton, Lani Reynolds, Maria Solorio and Geoffrey Strickland.
“Tieton Creates” opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, as part of Highland Community Days, with a reception for the artists at 1 p.m. The show is up until June 28. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“Lemon” by Serena Martian, glass mosaic.
If You Go • WHAT: “Tieton Creates” WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, June 6-31, 2026 WHERE: Boxx Gallery, 616 Maple St., Tieton. • WHAT: “Tieton Creates,” opening reception WHEN: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, June 6 • WHAT: Summer Florals with Aislinn Hematyar WHEN: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 28 DETAILS: For more information and registration, visit boxxgallery.com/workshops.
Boxx Gallery is a nonprofit art gallery and community gathering space in Tieton. Current hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visit boxxgallery.com for more information about upcoming exhibits, workshops and more.
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