New Artwork at Apple Valley

Through a partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, Apple Valley Elementary was able to acquire two original works of art for the new school.

Artwork for the school was created by Cara Enteles, an artist identified by the Washington State Arts Commission for the Art in Public Places program. According to the Commission, “Cara Enteles is best known for her landscape paintings that celebrate the beauty of nature.”

Cara Enteles traveled to the Yakima Valley from her home in Pennsylvania to experience the natural beauty of our region. She returned to her studio and painted two works of art that are displayed in the entry hallway to the school.

On her website, the artist explained her creative process:

“The two large paintings are inspired by the natural beauty of the Yakima Valley. The goal of the artwork is to bring the local landscape, flora, and hidden animals into the main lobby area of Apple Valley Elementary.”

“The aim is for this installation to be a daily reminder to the students of the beautiful nature of the Yakima Valley. The artwork adds color and light to the main hall of the school, enhancing the atmosphere of the space. The students particularly enjoy finding the animals hidden in the paintings.”

“The paintings depict sweeping views of the local landscape along with a colorful sky, Shrub Steppe Cliffs, and the river valley. Local wild flowers which including Blanket Flower, Cushion Phlox, Lupine, and Sagebrush Violet are in the foreground of the paintings. Local animals are hidden in the foliage, including a Cougar with cubs, Great Horned and Barred Owls, rabbits and Painted Lady butterflies traverse the landscape.”

More photos of the artwork are available via this website: CLICK HERE