Boxx Gallery in Tieton, Washington, is hosting a new exhibition titled "Tieton Creates" that features 15 local creatives who have never shown at the gallery before. The show includes a diverse range of works, from Greg Kono's mixed-media "Rainbow Trout" and Tom Westbay's sculpture "The Great Divide" to Ric Shirrod's taxidermy and Ilze Gracan's knitted mittens. The exhibition opens on June 6, 2026, as part of Highland Community Days, and runs through June 28.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the often-hidden talent in the Yakima Valley, providing a platform for artists and craftspeople who may not consider themselves traditional artists. By showcasing newcomers alongside seasoned makers, Boxx Gallery expands access to the local art scene and underscores the importance of community venues in nurturing creative expression. The inclusion of unconventional art forms like taxidermy also challenges traditional gallery norms, broadening the definition of art.