Community – The portfolio of Heath Lambe

Yakima Maker Space

“WHAT IS Y.M.S.? Yakima Maker Space is a community of people just like you. We are: artists, makers, hackers, entrepreneurs, educators and craft enthusiasts with various interests and skills.

My Role

In 2016, I played a pivotal role in the reboot of Yakima Maker Space. This involved securing funding from private donors, incorporating an art gallery, and collaborating with the board of directors to hire an executive director. I collaborated with the Executive Director to refine teacher services contracts and class structure and rebrand the institution. Serving as the Board President, I successfully navigated the non-profit through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring its financial stability and leaving it in a favorable financial position.

Board Member 2015 -2021 (Board president for a bit, and defacto Executive Director when vacant.)
Educator: Woodshop safety, CNC Router Table, Laser cutter/Engraves, 3D printing, Vinyl Cutters
Fundraiser

Welcome

Gallery openning

Painting Class

Gallery Opening

Fresh Hop Ale Festival

Sponsor Package: Fundraising Happy Hours

Volunteers

Volunteer Thank You Party

Making Shirts

Making Masks

T-shirt

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Drag Me Out to the Arts

“Drag Me Out to the Arts” is a high-energy, camp-filled walking tour that brings visibility to Yakima’s creative community. This program showcases downtown art venues, public artworks, and local businesses—all led by a fabulous drag performer serving up history with a side of humor.

A Fabulous First Friday Art Walk Experience in Downtown Yakima

As participants make their way from striking public sculptures to vibrant gallery displays, they’re treated to a lively mix of art, history, and humor—ensuring every stop along the way is as entertaining as it is enlightening. The tour also highlights participating First Friday venues, encouraging attendees to explore and support local businesses.

At the start of each tour, guests receive a hot pink feather boa—a signature touch that not only unites the group but makes it impossible to miss this lively procession. Expect music, drinks, and a dynamic crowd that ebbs and flows throughout the evening. And don’t worry—our host has an assistant on hand to collect boas as guests peel off to enjoy the venues along the way.

My Role

I developed and led “Drag Me Out to the Arts,” collaborating with the Yakima Arts Commission, Downtown Association of Yakima, small businesses, and a local drag troupe to bring this program to life.

Conceptualized and managed the program, ensuring its success and growth.
Recruited hosts and coordinated performers.
Researched and wrote descriptions of public artworks and local history to create an engaging tour.
Secured funding from the Yakima Arts Commission to support the program.
Partnered with small businesses and art venues to integrate them into the experience.
Worked with city legal teams to ensure compliance and accessibility.

By blending arts education with entertainment, this program helped solidify efforts toward a Downtown Creative Arts District, increasing public engagement and strengthening Yakima’s arts scene.

D.A.Y. Team

Drag Me Out To The Arts

Collab Coffee

Drag Me Out To The Arts

Bins of Light

Art in the Park – First Friday Art Walk

Collab Coffee

Drag Me Out To The Arts

Yakima Creative District

A Creative District is a vibrant hub where people live, work, and visit, fostering cultural and economic activity within a defined geographic area.

It’s a space where creativity and innovation flourish, driving the community forward with energy and enthusiasm for the future. In my own small way, I am working to help revitalize the town I have come to call home, striving to create a thriving, inclusive destination that celebrates local talent and fosters economic growth.

My Role

As an advocate for the arts and community development, I played a key role in the early planning stages of Yakima’s Certified Creative District initiative. I helped bring artists, business owners, and city leaders together to explore how a Creative District could strengthen our local creative sector, diversify the economy, and enhance Yakima’s quality of life.

My work included organizing and leading public meetings to gather input from the community, identifying creative businesses within a walkable area, and collaborating with local organizations to develop a strong application for state certification. As a member of the Yakima Arts Commission and someone deeply involved in the arts and cultural landscape, I worked to ensure that the district would be an inclusive and sustainable asset for the community.

Through these efforts, I aimed to help establish Yakima as a recognized hub for creativity, where artists and makers can thrive, and the arts are integrated into the city’s future growth.

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