West Campus Gallery and Wine Tasting Room: Yakima Valley College

YVC’s West Campus Expansion transformed three aging commercial buildings into a new Conference Center, Allied Health Building, Yakima Valley Vintner’s Tasting Room, and the Larson Gallery.  Each building has its own character, however a common thread is present in the buildings. The clerestory windows on the north and south elevations of each building allow natural light to penetrate into the core. The transparency of each building reflects the college’s spirit of accessibility and innovation as well as allowing each building to embrace its surroundings by joining the character of the campus.

The Larson Gallery and Yakima Valley Vintners Tasting Room were designed to create a shared experience of art and wine exploration. The Gallery has two distinct exhibit spaces allowing multiple shows to run concurrently. Each space features the latest lighting, modular wall systems and audiovisual support to accommodate a wide range of exhibits.  Tasting Room was designed as an educationally interactive space giving the community the opportunity to learn about YVC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program and taste their current wines.  A sculpture garden west of the Tasting Room is outfitted to support exterior art of all kinds and is currently seeing the installation of its first two sculptures.  Further, the Sculpture Garden is equipped to support small musical performances, social gatherings, and community events.