Exhibitions & Fabrication

Please explore this section, where creativity meets application, showcasing the meticulous museum exhibits I have created to captivate and educate.

The museum was honored to host the remarkable fashion designs of Carolyn Schactler, a professor emeritus at Central Washington University. Renowned for her innovative and intricate apparel designs, Schactler has inspired generations of students and pushed the boundaries of fashion design.

As the curator, I had the privilege of developing and designing this exhibit, working closely with Schactler to bring her work to the public. The exhibit featured a stunning selection of her original designs, and the video below showcases the exhibit, offering a deeper insight into the beauty and detail of each piece. The success of this exhibit sparked compelling public interest and set the stage for future showcases of Schactler’s exceptional work.

As curator, I was involved in all aspects of this exhibit’s design, development, fabrication, and installation, which opened on April 5, 2022. Let’s Take the Sporting Route celebrates the brave mountaineers from Yakima, Ellensburg, and surrounding areas who pioneered the Central Cascades between 1949 and 1970.

The exhibit includes interactive displays and activity areas designed to educate and entertain. It teaches topography, knot tying, mechanical advantage, and much more. While highlighting the region’s diverse fauna, flora, and geology, the exhibit covers a wide range of information in a modest footprint.

The Women’s Suffrage Exhibit focuses on Washington State’s role in the suffrage movement. This redesigned exhibit, created with permission from The Washington State Historical Society, highlights key figures and events that shaped the fight for women’s right to vote in our state. The exhibit features powerful historical artifacts, including dresses from our large textiles collection, showcasing stories of perseverance and determination.

This exhibit honors Herminia Mendez, who 1950 launched the first Spanish-language radio program in Yakima at KREW in Sunnyside, Washington. As a trailblazer in broadcasting, she used the power of radio to inform, connect, and uplift the Latino community, providing a vital platform for news, culture, and music.

Developed in collaboration with Rosie Saldana, this bilingual exhibit brings Herminia’s story to life through historical objects. By showcasing her legacy, we celebrate the lasting impact of her work on the cultural and media landscape of the Yakima Valley.

One of my first exhibits at the Yakima Valley Museum was a living hive. I had the joy of designing, researching, writing, and fabricating this exhibit, which is focused around a living hive. Working with a local beekeeper, we made sure the queen, drones, and working girls were happy. We even carried honey in the gift shop.

It was a privilege to design and fabricate the Pleistocene Exhibit, which brought the fascinating history of the Ice Age and the Missoula floods to life for our region. This exhibition explored the dramatic impact of floods on our landscape alongside the prehistoric creatures that roamed during the Pleistocene era. A key challenge was creating bilingual information panels, ensuring accessibility while maintaining clarity. The skull and mural were commissioned, while the rest of the exhibit, including rotating information panels, was fabricated in-house.

I had the honor of curating Portraits in Red by Nayana LaFond, a poignant exhibition hosted at the Yakima Valley Museum. LaFond’s powerful artwork addresses the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, shedding light on their stories with striking portraits that highlight their strength, resilience, and the pain of their absence.

As the curator, I ensured the exhibit honored Indigenous representation with authenticity and respect for the artist’s vision. From the design to the opening event, this exhibit served as a tribute to those who were lost and as a call for awareness and action, giving space for Indigenous women’s stories to be seen and heard. The opening was a moment for reflection, dialogue, and recognition, fostering a deeper connection to the experiences of Indigenous communities and the urgent need for justice.

I was honored to work with the esteemed Yensinea Hunter, PhD, to develop this exhibit for our community. In telling the story of the quinceañera, we celebrate this cherished tradition and honor our friends and neighbors. This exhibit highlights the deep cultural significance of the quinceañera while showcasing the universal bonds of family and community—the love, guidance, and shared traditions that nurture us all.

After the success of the first exhibit, I was proud to curate Couture Two, an expanded showcase of Carolyn Schactler’s incredible fashion creations. This exhibit highlighted even more of her exquisite designs, focusing on the artistry and craftsmanship behind each ensemble.

I worked closely with Schactler to bring this exhibition to life, ensuring her work was presented with the respect and attention it deserves. Photography from this exhibit captures the beauty and precision of her designs, offering visitors a closer look at the innovative fashion that has left a lasting impact on the world of apparel design.

At Illumiletter Wholesale Sign Company, I design, 3D model, and project manage signage projects alongside my responsibilities as General Manager. This section showcases a small selection of the custom signs I’ve created, highlighting my process from concept to completion. I work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life, using advanced technology and hands-on fabrication to ensure each sign meets both aesthetic and functional needs.

Rincon Center Garage

Illumiletter Product Catalog Renders

Sign Examples: