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 would love to be a part of a movement to help increase opinions of our area. SO many talk of moving away, but secretly don't understand what calls them to the Yakima Valley. It is this misunderstanding that needs addressing.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: Grew up here since the age of 2.

WHY INSIDE OUT: Just think it would be fun and to let my children know that they live in a pretty great place!
LIVED IN YAKIMA: 38 years

WHY INSIDE OUT: I am a quiet person, but don't underestimate me. I know more than I say, think more than I speak and observe more than you know.
LIVED IN YAKIMA: 40 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



