Artwork copyright Debra Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Secret Canyon, 2000

Debra Davis
American (born 1960)

Location: Sunset Elementary, Airway Heights

About the Artwork

Secret Canyon is a painting by artist Debra Davis. It is of a secret spot where the artist hikes with friends, west of Yakima in Central Washington. She began it as a sketch in the autumn. She notes, “I have visited this canyon at all times of the year and in all kinds of weather. There are big basalt cliffs, sweeping slopes, and groves of aspen trees. The best times are spring and fall, for the spectacular colors. I have drawn, painted, and photographed the secret canyon and its inhabitants many times. Elk, deer, and bighorn sheep live there, and many kinds of birds.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Cheney School District.

About the Artist

Northwest artist and naturalist Debra Davis creates paintings and sculptures that are strongly influenced by her summer job as a seasonal forestry technician with the U.S. Forest Service. A longtime resident of Central Washington, Davis received her Master of Fine Arts degree from Central Washington University in Ellensburg and taught art at Yakima Valley College.