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Centralia, Washington: RichArt's Art Yard (Gone)

Outsider artist Rich Tracy (1933-2022) explained his jumble of sculptures and yard art to anyone with 5 dollars and 55 minutes to spare.

Visitor Tips and News About RichArt's Art Yard

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Art Yard in Centralia.

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]
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]

RichArt's Art Yard

Directions:
I-5 Exit 82 to Harrison Avenue east. The Art Yard will be on the left.
Hours:
July 2012: Rich reported retiring, taking apart all art.
Status:
Gone

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