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.

WHY INSIDE OUT: I love Yakima I was born and raised here. I love anything that has to do with making Yakima greater. Showing how beautiful the town is and the people in it as a faithful Yakima resident. It would be a dream come true and honor to participate in such a beautiful event regarding Yakima, my beautiful hometown. I wouldn't live any other place.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: 37 Years

WHY INSIDE OUT: I have been a big fan of the INSIDE OUT idea long before IHY proposed the idea for here. When it was first mentioned as a possibility, I thought that it would be a great way to promote the changing face of our valley. The fact that our demographic is constantly changing is threatening for some people, and I think this installation would do great things for bringing our city together. Being considered for a project that positively influences this community would be a great honor. Whether I am selected or not, I look forward to continued participation in IHY events and calling this beautiful place home!
LIVED IN YAKIMA: Born & Raised; left for college then came home!

WHY INSIDE OUT: I love photography and I love photos that capture the positives in the world.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: 5 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



