Driving through Walla Walla, some may have noticed portraits of people that have been temporarily installed on buildings. These photos represent a sampling of the hundreds (3,121 volunteers to be exact) of volunteers who tirelessly held mass clinics, donating more than 20,000 hours to our community. Through one of the toughest times in recent history, the Walla Walla valley once again showed that we are stronger together. Without all their hard work, the clinics would not have been possible to the scale that they were.
The Blue Mountain Volunteer Corps was looking for a unique way to celebrate this special group. One volunteer was there every single time even when it fell on his 83rd Birthday. Walla Walla University's Center for Humanitarian Engagement, executive director, David Lopez had seen the global art project done internationally and was always looking for an excuse to bring it to Walla Walla. When he connected with the InsideOut Project they were very enthusiastic about what our action represents. Lopez shares "my hope is that valley residents and visitors will pause and be grateful for those who volunteered and be moved to take the next step in asking how they can also get involved in bringing hope to our neighbors".
Many thanks to the building owners and United Way of Blue Mountains for the mini-grant to make this action possible.
To find out more about the global art project visit InsideOutProject
They can be viewed at Andy's Market in College Place and Corliss Building (Rose and Collvile), Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen (6th and Main) in Walla Walla. Photos will be up until weather permits or May 12, 2022.
Thanks should go to many groups for making the clinics happen but here is a start of a list: Walla Walla County Health Department, Providence St. Mary's Hospital, Walla Walla County Emergency Department, Walla Walla Symphony, Walla Walla University, and our volunteer photographer Annelise Page for all the wonderful headshots.
