Over 167 proud Yakima residents came to I Heart Yakima’s INSIDE OUT photoshoots this summer to declare that they love where they live. These Yakima-loving residents had their photos taken by Sally Tonkin, and their black and white portraits were printed on paper and installed, larger than life, on the side of the Ron’s Coin & Book building in downtown Yakima in September 2017. More than two dozen local volunteers helped with installation on two very warm days – a testament to community teamwork.
The INSIDE OUT: Love Where You Live project celebrates the people of Yakima. Those who live here, doing the daily work of caring for their families, neighbors, and the greater community, are the people who create a positive future for Yakima. INSIDE OUT is a global art project designed for people to share their stories and transform messages of personal identity into works of public art. There are 260,000 people – and counting – who are part of INSIDE OUT across the world.
![Brianna Henry](https://iheartyakima.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Brianna-Henry-420x620.jpg)
WHY INSIDE OUT: For my students. Many have grown up downtown. I want to show them that there is nothing to be ashamed of in living in Yakima. I want them to take pride in their community and if they leave, one day come back and contribute in a positive way. I want to show them that people value this place and want to be here; that it is somewhere wonderful. I also want to send a message (to those in their 20's) that Yakima is a cool, exciting, and fun place to be and thrive right now.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: 20 years (I was born and raised here then left for college and came back)
![Lucas Smith](https://iheartyakima.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Lucas-Smith-420x620.jpg)
WHY INSIDE OUT: Lucas' mom thinks it would be cool to have a face from the youngest generation in Yakima represented. Also, Lucas' roots run deep in the valley, 5 generations on both of his parents sides.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: All my life
![Jamaica Zoglman](https://iheartyakima.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Jamaica-Zoglman-420x620.jpg)
WHY INSIDE OUT: Yakima nurtures its artists in surprising ways. I came here from a city where you needed to prove that you mattered before you were welcome to join the artistic conversation. You needed credentials or credibility in order to call yourself an artist. Here in Yakima, I feel like that space has been opened up for anyone willing to join in. I love it. I believe so strongly in the power of public art and the importance of holding that artistic space for anyone brave enough to participate.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: 8 years
Thank You
We are grateful for the city-wide support and enthusiasm for this project, without it—and you — INSIDE OUT Yakima wouldn’t have been possible. A big thank you also to our sponsors. Our city is filled with tremendous local talent, we are so happy to have their support.
Inside Out Yakima is – by its very nature – a temporary installation. If you’d like to keep your image forever, photographer Sally Tonkin will give you the digital file. And, you’ll live on forever right here. Thanks Yakima!
—The Team at I Heart Yakima
![](/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FM-1.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Rons-Coin-and-Book.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/star-logo-dark.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/standard.jpg)