A small but vibrant piece of public art was revealed today, adding a touch of beauty to the streets of Yakima.
The city’s first graffiti-resistant and tamper-proof trash cans were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, designed not just for functionality but to enhance the city’s visual appeal.
The theme for the project is “Keep Yakima Beautiful,” celebrating the natural beauty of the Yakima Valley.
Located at the corner of 217 N. First Street, two trash cans now stand as works of art on either side of the road.
The project, which has been in the works for seven months, blends public service with creativity.
“The construction on North First Street has been something we’ve been working on for several months to improve traffic flow. This is just our way of beautifying the area through art, making it a little nicer down here,” said Trace Bradburn, the City of Yakima’s Solid Waste & Recycling Manager.
The can artwork is a collaboration between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Arts Commission, combining local artistry with civic improvements.
“We decided to work with local artists because there are so many talented people in the community who wanted to express themselves. We asked them to show us how they see the beauty of the Yakima Valley, and that’s what they presented. We are proud to share that with the community,” said Santiago Ytuarte, Chair of the Yakima Arts Commission. “Art weaves a sense of belonging, beauty, and joy into the fabric of our community.”
Local artist Jarda Kelley designed the cans, incorporating imagery of Yakima’s fruit. She hopes the artwork brings a smile to residents and visitors, knowing it represents something positive for the community.
“It’s a little strange, of course, because it’s on a trash can, but it’s really fun that it’s bright and located in an area downtown that definitely needs some life,” said Kelley. “I used to work at the county jail, so it’s nice to bring a bit of positive energy to the area.”
Bradburn added that this is only the beginning of the project.
“These are just the first two. Our goal is to eventually have these garbage cans all the way up North First Street, stretching from City Hall and wrapping around the old Bank of America building,” Bradburn said.
The City of Yakima is also encouraging local artists to get involved in future public art projects.
The Yakima Arts Commission is currently accepting submissions for additional art installations, including designs for new garbage receptacles. The deadline for submissions is April 15.
The commission invites Central Washington artists to submit digital images of their work, focusing on local landscapes, flora, fauna, and more. Accepted art forms include paintings, drawings, and digital art.
Selected artists will receive a $250 stipend.
For more information or to submit artwork, artists can contact the Yakima Arts Commission at artscommission@yakimawa.gov.
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