Centralia, Washington - RichArt's Art Yard

Centralia, Washington - RichArt's Art Yard

Rich Tracy will explain his jumble of sculptures and yard art to anyone with 5 dollars and 55 minutes to spare. Roadsideamerica.com Report...

Centralia, Washington - Keeping Up With RichArt

RichArt's Art Yard: From the RoadsideAmerica.com Archives: We try to keep up with styrofoam artist RichArt on one of his speedy yard tours (2004). Watch Video.

Centralia, Washington - Art Farm

Yard Art may be another description of this collection of unique recyclables in downtown Centralia, WA. This home is in the midst of the residential area in Centralia and on the main entrance to town. Perhaps it is an eyesore to some, yet it qualifies as a Strange Site. Richard Tracy, a retired art instructor, began his venture in 1985 by building sculptures out of styrofoam. Today his pieces of yard art are made from a variety of plastics, metal, wire and rubber and completely engulf his living quarters. As interesting as the yard art is, so too is the character behind the art. Rich Art, as he prefers to be called, is serious about his hobby. He is willing to share, but one must have an appointment during the off season. He is open to the public between Memorial Day and Labor Day. He says he doesn't do it for a living ... he does it to live! [Vernadel Nelson, 10/26/2002]

Centralia, Washington - Styrofoam Home

I just stopped by a few weeks ago by chance (I was in Centralia during the STP bike ride) and had the fortune of running into the owner, "RichArt." He gave me and my friend the quick 5 minute tour, all the while lecturing us on his philosophy of art, creating, and the house. Once the five minutes were up, he disappeared, telling us we had 5 left to take our pictures, which we were only allowed to do in the outer circle of the grounds. We didn't see him after that. The place is a labyrinth of found objects, art objects, and plenty of styrofoam...the overall effect is fantastic. It's true, though. If you want to stick around, you need to pony up $5, which will be refunded to you if you get some art going on or do some other chores around the house for 55 minutes. [John Schmitz, 07/30/2000]

Centralia, Washington - Styrofoam Home

"In the town of Centralia, WA is an amazing--what? House and gardens, all made of white stuff -- styrofoam, perhaps? It's been worked on over the years, obviously, and it's real real goofy and at the same time, gorgeous. CHECK IT OUT."

More on styrofoam home: Actually the person who owns the house has used all manner of found objects, nailed them together into whimsical sculptures and made it into a pleasing, cohesive whole. This is an Interactive Attraction. The owner wants YOU to create your own art (how much of the stuff in his yard was created by his "guests" I don't know). Anyway, he charges you five dollars to come on in and create your own art out of the junk he provides. If you work for a full forty(?) minutes your money is refunded. He just wants people to get off their butts and get to work making art. All around the yard are little signs proclaiming variations on the work ethic. I was in kind of a hurry when I passed through town and I didn't take notes. I didn't have a chance to meet the owner either but I could hear him hammering away in the back yard. [Jeremy Rothbaum, 07/27/1999]