RichArt's Art Yard – Centralia, Washington - Atlas Obscura
RichArt's Art Yard is permanently closed.

RichArt's Art Yard

Centralia, Washington

In the midst of a residential town in Washington exists a property saturated with one man's artistic creations. 

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Outsider artist and retired art instructor Richard Tracy, also known as RichArt, began working on transforming his property into an outlet of his artistic expression since 1985. Now anyone can visit his house in Centralia, Washington and see what he calls “The Art Yard”.

The materials RichArt uses are far from biodegradable though they make for some interesting decorations. Styrofoam, reclaimed packaging material, and found objects make up the entirety of his creations. Richard Tracy carves, sculpts, and forms this material into figures such as animals and faces. There are also an amalgam of utilitarian objects that he has created such as tables and seats.

The pinnacle of his work is what he calls his “confessional”, a hideaway in which he can sit and look over the world around him. As a well-educated individual and dedicated artist, Richard Tracy gives advice and lessons to aspiring artists and encourages them to follow their unique creative compass.

Obscura Day location: April 9, 2011.

Update: Sept. 2013 - The house was recently sold. As of 2013, it was in the process of being torn down.

Know Before You Go

I-5 Exit 82 to Harrison Avenue east. The Art Yard will be on the left.

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February 7, 2012

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