TIDEPOOLS & INKWELLS: Poetry of the Shallows
With local poet Emily Van Kley and Oly's Poet Laureate Ocean
Come write with the anemones!!
Join us at the Puget Sound Estuarium for an exploration of attention, senses, and deep time poetics; each of us will come away with a few poems inspired by the local waters of our beautiful Salish Sea.
Bring a pen, a notebook, and your curiosity~~ free and open to all, no experience necessary!
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Saturday November 7th, 4:30-6:00pm
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Puget Sound Estuarium, 309 State Ave NE
This Week! Workshop for interested applicants, Olympia Art Crossings
Workshop for interested applicants: Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
The City of Olympia is seeking an artist or artist team to develop site-specific artwork for each of two projects as part of the Olympia Art Crossings Project. Olympia Crossings: An Art Plan for City Gateways identifies eight locations for public art along civic boulevards. This solicitation is for Art Crossing #4 - Harrison/Division and Art Crossing #5 - Henderson/Eskridge. These locations are based in neighborhoods and mark primary gateways approximately one mile from the center of downtown Olympia.
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Workshop for interested applicants: Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:30 p.m., Teams
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Learn more
Now accepting applications for the Arts Walk 2027 Cover Artists
The City of Olympia is seeking two artists to create original works of art to serve as the signature promotional images for the 2027 Spring and Fall Arts Walk celebrations!
Selected artists will each receive a $1,000 stipend, and their commissioned artwork will be prominently featured in Arts Walk publications and promotional materials.
Artists ages 18 and older who officially participated in Olympia Arts Walk in 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply. This includes artists who exhibited individually or as part of a group at a registered Arts Walk location, as well as registered Artist Vendors at the Arts Walk Arts Market.
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Applications close November 22, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to share your creative vision and have your work featured as part of Olympia Arts Walk's 2027 celebrations!
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Learn more
To register or for more information, please click the link after each class, call 360-753-8380 or stop by to see us at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia.
Performing Arts & Dance
RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance, Nov 2-Dec 14
Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance, Nov 2-Dec 14
Short Form Improv 2: Hosting, Games & Performance, Nov 3-Dec 8
Hawaiian Dance, Nov 4-Dec 16
Advanced Hawaiian Dance, Nov 4-Dec 16
Long Form Improv Intensive, Nov 5 -14
Ukulele Holiday Songs, Nov 7-Dec 12
Creative Contemporary Dance, Nov 9-Dec 14
All About Guitar Chords, Nov 19
K-pop Dance, Nov 21
Visual Arts, & Crafts
Ribbon and Chopstick Journal, Nov 4
Holiday Pop-Up Cards, Nov 5-12
Etching Glass, Nov 7
Tree of Life, Nov 7
Holiday Block Print Cards, Nov 14
Glass Fish Celebration Workshop, Nov 14
Watercolor Holiday Cards, Nov 16-30
Dot Mandala, Nov 18
Color Your Canvas Painting - Winter Raccoon, Nov 19
Zen Ink Holiday Cards, Nov 21
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SPSCC Theatre Collective Presents Clybourne Park
The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Theatre Collective presents Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris, a Pulitzer Prize, Olivier Award, and Tony Award-winning play that explores race, class, property ownership, and gentrification in America. Performances will take place from November 13 to 22 at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts Main Stage.
Inspired by the house at the center of Lorraine Hansberry's classic A Raisin in the Sun, Clybourne Park imagines its history across two generations. In 1959, a home in a predominantly white neighborhood is sold to the Younger family, an African American family. Fifty years later, after the neighborhood has become a predominantly African American community, the same house is sold to a white couple. Through sharp dialogue and cutting humor, Norris examines the assumptions, tensions, and middle-class hypocrisies surrounding race, property, and changing neighborhoods.
The cast includes Teresita Brimms, SPSCC graduate Johanna Chhay, Heather Christopher, Kalen McCrea, Jalen Penn, Jerry Romasco, Jed Slaughter, and current SPSCC student Teddy Spector. SPSCC graduate Raessa Patterson serves as Associate Director and Stage Manager.
The production's prop, costume, and construction crew is composed entirely of current SPSCC students: Connor Adams, Kaelin Green, Galyliah Hedgers, Skylar Hirsch, Finn Johnston, Austin Robins, Teddy Spector, Phoenix Watts, and Anna-Lisa Wright.
"Norris' Pulitzer play stages difficult conversations around race, class, and property," said Dr. Lauren Love, SPSCC Drama Professor and Director of Clybourne Park. "The characters are beautifully drawn, and Norris has an excellent ear for dialogue and an acute understanding of human foibles and the social structures that shape them. This ensemble is diving deeply and playfully into a satire filled with serious situations and questions. Norris makes room for us to reflect on our own attitudes and assumptions about ourselves and one another through laughter. By 'cracking us up,' he cracks open persistent middle-class mores that need reexamination and change."
Admission is a suggested $15 donation at the door. SPSCC students, staff, and faculty are free. More information, including performance dates and times, is available on the college's Arts & Entertainment Calendar.
Get to Know OlyDance!
Our goal is to build and practice community that supports individuals and heals trauma through dance, music, creativity, human connection, humor, joy, and participation. Financial accessibility is important to us, let us know if money is the reason you can't come. Our goal cannot be accomplished alone, we are grateful to all of the support that our community both new and old has given us.
They offer Social Dances, Dance Classes and Special Events in Olympia.
Seattle ProMusica in concert at St. John | San Juan
Celebrate the winter solstice with soul-warming music from Canada, Mexico, and the United States with Seattle Pro Musica's "The Year's Midnight," performed at St. John | San Juan Episcopal Church on November 22.
Featured composers are Reena Esmail, Morten Lauridsen, Sarah Quartel, Caroline Shaw, David Garcia Saldana, Tomás Pascual and David MacIntyre.
For more than 50 years, this choral group has been bringing the power of voices joined in harmony to enrich the lives of its audiences, singers, and the community at large.
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Sunday, November 22, 3 p.m. Admission is by donation (suggested $20, no one turned away).
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This performance is very popular! You may reserve your tickets using the concerts tab on the St. John | San Juan website, or pay at the door.
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The church is located at 114 20th Ave. S.E., Olympia, on Intercity Transit bus route 15. An accessible entrance is available off the parking lot at 19th and Capitol Way.
November Events at AHA
First Friday at Oly AHA: Artist Meet & Greet with Molly Wheat Baker
Meet local artist and designer Molly Wheat Baker, whose work documents the natural world of the Salish Sea region. Molly's "Salish Sea Friends" are featured in our exhibit It's the Water. As our First Friday featured artist, Molly will be on site sharing new work. Come say hi, ask questions, and have a chance to purchase and take home original art!
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Friday, Nov. 6 | 4-7pm
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Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center, 203 Columbia St. NW
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This event is free and open to the public.
Nisqually Ancestral Teachings with Hanford McCloud
Hanford McCloud is coming to Oly AHA to celebrate our It's The Water exhibit and share the importance of gathering, Tribal sovereignty, and the teachings of his ancestors. McCloud was instrumental in the coordination of this year's Tribal Canoe Journey, hosted at Nisqually, and he will talk about the importance of Canoe Journey to Coast Salish people.
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Saturday, Nov. 7 | 1-3pm
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Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center, 203 Columbia St. NW Free event; registration requested.
The Olympia Peace Choir November Performance
The Olympia Peace Choir and our new Artistic Director, Matthew Melendez, are excited to announce the first performance of the season, Nothing Between Us, to be performed in the State Capitol Rotunda. Admission is free to all, and donations are gratefully appreciated.
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Saturday, November 14, at 2 pm,
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State Capitol Rotunda, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, Olympia
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More information about our choir and coming events can be found at theolympiapeacechoir.org
Holmes for the Holidays: Sherlock Meets Scrooge in a Holiday Whodunit
Harlequin Productions presents A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan, starring Artistic Director Aaron Lamb as Sherlock Holmes. Gerald B. Browning will direct.
Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery. Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages.
Mark Shanahan's A Sherlock Carol brings together two of English literature's most celebrated creations in one story, weaving Victorian mystery, Christmas ghost story, and literary tribute into a single inventive tale. Director Gerald B. Browning, who is also Harlequin's Director of Production, knows his way around a Dickens classic, having directed Harlequin's A Christmas Carol last year. In his Director's Note for the production, Browning describes Shanahan's play as "funny, heartfelt, delightfully clever, and just a little bit zany," and points out that the two famous gentlemen at its center have more in common than we might expect. The two classic characters share a misanthropic disdain for human society, each sure the world could do without him and perfectly happy to return the favor. Both are in dire need of reclamation, redemption, and renewal. As Browning puts it: "A Christmas Carol has always been a story about second chances. Dickens reminds us that no matter how far we may have wandered from the people and things that truly matter, it's never too late to find our way back. Shanahan takes that same lovely idea and offers it to Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps the world's greatest detective has one more mystery to solve - that of his own heart."
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Harlequin Productions presents A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan. Directed by Gerald B. Browning.
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November 27 - December 24, 2026
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State Theater, 202 4th Ave East, Olympia, WA 98501
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Tickets available online at harlequinproductions.org, by phone at 360-786-0151, or in person 12-5:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday at the State Theater Box Office
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Early Bird Special: Through October 31, use code EarlyXmas for 25% off General admission tickets
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Learn more
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts brings laughs this November!
Emmy- and Grammy-nominee Tig Notaro headlines two nights, the Seattle International Comedy Competition brings its semifinalists to the Main Stage
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts kicks off the holiday season with a November lineup built for laughter. Acclaimed comedian Tig Notaro takes the Main Stage for two nights, the Seattle International Comedy Competition returns with its sharpest semifinalists yet, and the Washington Center is already teasing a December favorite, God is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special.
Tickets for all events are on sale now through the Washington Center box office at washingtoncenter.org or by calling 360-753-8586.
Tig Notaro: Out of Nowhere
Tig Notaro is an Oscar-nominated producer and an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and radio contributor. Rolling Stone named her one of the "50 best stand-up comics of all time." Her latest special, Tig Notaro: Hello Again, premiered on Prime Video and earned multiple Emmy nominations.
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Thurs, Nov 12 at 7:30pm
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Fri, Nov 13 at 7:30pm SOLD OUT
Seattle International Comedy Competition
The competition heats up as the funniest finalists battle for a spot in the championship round! Join us for an electrifying evening of stand-up comedy featuring the cream of this year's talent pool. These semifinalists have already outperformed dozens of competitors and now face their toughest challenge yet. Each performer will have you laughing, thinking, and voting for your favorites. Who will advance to the finals? The judges decide tonight! Don't miss this showcase of tomorrow's comedy stars.
Recommended for ages 18+.
God is a Scottish Drag Queen
Back by popular demand! God Is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special returns this December. God, dressed in an all-new holiday power suit, returns to set the record straight and expound on everything from the beginnings of Christmas with Yule, Saturnalia, and Winter Solstice, to holiday foods, Christmas carols, Star Wars, the true story of the Nativity, and even Tiny Tim. This show blends the nostalgia of holidays gone by with a hilarious, laugh-out-loud look at the holidays of today and a heartwarming, perfectly sweet peek at holidays yet to come. This Christmas special is an absolute must-see - you will never look at eggnog the same way again.
In the Washington Center Gallery
Road Works - The artwork of Eric Johnson
These rapid study paintings were created by the artist live on stage each night while Neil Young performed during his 2008-2009 World Tour. On exhibit are works curated for The Center Gallery from the original collection of 700 paintings.
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Showing: Oct 8, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026
Life in Layers
A curated exhibition featuring artists whose art embodies a soul beneath the surface.
Artwork by: Mary Anderson, Chris Barnes, Michelle Boucher, Ali Carras, Maureen Bridget Murphy, Elizabeth Richardson-Isom, Sandra Rundle and Kaia Selene.
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Showing: Nov 19, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
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Artist Reception: Dec 2 from 5pm to 7pm. Free to the public.
Our three-floor gallery is open to the public for viewing by appointment (Monday through Friday from 12PM to 4PM), or to ticketed patrons 1 hour prior to an event. To schedule an appointment to view the gallery, or to fill out an application to be part of an exhibit in our gallery, please contact us here.
Unique tour highlights the state's original 1889 Constitution
The Washington State Constitution is on display next week at the Governor's Mansion.
The document "is the foundation of our state government, and it connects us directly to how our state began," said Benjamin Helle, outreach archivist with the Secretary of State's office. "We're excited to let the public witness the original handwritten record at the Governor's Mansion."
Remembering Our Forgotten Dead: an Appreciation of Historic Cemeteries
All are welcome to join us at this free event. Erik Anderson's book, Our Forgotten Dead, was a passion project that took him all over Washington State, photographing obscure and historic cemeteries. He will share images and insights from his journeys. We will also hear from Death Dancer's Jennie Banks about her work helping people embrace their experiences of death and grief, and from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation's Dr. Guy Tasa about the Historic Cemetery Grant Program. Rest assured, we will lighten the mood with some delicious refreshments.
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Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
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Olympia Woman's Club, 1002 Washington St SE
Newsletter Roundup
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ArtsWA is Hiring
IT System Administration - Entry
This entry level position maintains and enhances the agency's IT systems, which include Salesforce, SharePoint, and Submittable. You will manage the agency's software systems, such as licenses and subscriptions, along with managing agency hardware and equipment. You will work with the Deputy Director, the IT Committee, and others to configure Salesforce to meet agency reporting and program administration needs. You will be the liaison to WaTech (the state's technology oversight agency) as well as third-party vendors like Submittable.
Who we are looking for:
An individual with a strong understanding of data management systems, especially Salesforce architecture, integrations, and APIs. You will train staff on the appropriate use of software and work with teams to design reports illustrate program and agency impact. You will manage the agency's software licenses and physical technology assets.
Now Hiring: Field Services Coordinator
Join the Washington Trust team!
We are now accepting applications for a Field Services Coordinator staff position, based within the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. Come be a part of our staff and help preserve historic and cultural sites across Washington State!
Call to Artists!
Umpqua Valley Arts is proud to present our call for the 2027 Artworks Northwest Biennial!
The Artworks Northwest Biennial is a juried invitational for artists who reside in the Pacific Northwest. It is a multi-media showcase of contemporary practices happening in the region by artists at all stages of their artistic careers. I tis open to all media except video, with space for 100+ works of art.
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Submission Deadline: March 26th, 2027
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Opening Reception: Friday, June 11th from 4pm-7pm
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Exhibition Dates: June 11th - August 21st, 2027
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Learn more
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South Sound Studio Tour Volunteer Opportunities
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The South Sound Studio Tour is looking for Board Members. Send a resume and short statement of interest to [email protected] to apply.
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The South Sound Studio Tour is looking for volunteers. Fill in the Volunteer Interest Form to help with the 2027 Studio Tour, artist opportunities, and related events.
Museum & Visitor Center Front Desk Docent
The Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance is seeking volunteers to support the OlyAHA! Museum & Visitor Center. Volunteering at the Olympia AHA Museum is a chance to learn and share Olympia's stories, to build connections in the community, to gain museum and customer service experience, and to be a part of something local, vital and lasting. Our volunteers are the face of the Olympia AHA Museum. They greet guests, share stories, and connect visitors to the best of Olympia.
As a volunteer you will:
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Welcome and assist visitors
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Interpret exhibitions
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Sell merchandise
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Help visitors to discover Olympia's arts, heritage, and cultures
We're looking for committed volunteers who are enthusiastic about Olympia's arts, cultures and history.
Our volunteer team is:
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Friendly, welcoming, and professional
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Comfortable learning point-of-sale and scheduling tools
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Reliable, cooperative, and ready to assist visitors
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Volunteer Experience:
Volunteers work in pairs at our front desk for three- or four-hour shifts. Volunteers can expect seasonal appreciation events and ongoing learning opportunities!
Learn more and complete a Volunteer Interest Form at www.olyaha.org/volunteer.
Volunteer at the Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts
TCMoFA is currently looking for volunteers to help support our organization in upcoming programming. The museum is a volunteer operated project run on the passion, commitment, and enthusiasm of local artists and arts organizers. We are seeking volunteers for front desk shifts and flyering in Olympia. To apply visit our website tcmofa.org
Olympia Historical Society
If you have an interest in local history, please consider becoming a volunteer with the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum. We have a variety of roles to fill, including tour guides for the museum's Sunday afternoon open hours (1:00pm-4:00pm), groundskeeping at monthly Saturday morning work parties, and committee work for our Education, Bigelow House Operations, and Events (annual historic homes tour and spring fundraiser) committees.
To learn more, please email us at [email protected].
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The ARCH Digest is a summary of Arts, Culture and History happenings in the greater Olympia area, submitted by the community. Please turn in ArCH Digest listings to [email protected].
Deadline Monday morning, 8 a.m.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive the City of Olympia Arts & Culture news, which includes a weekly ArCH Digest, direct them here and have them mark the Arts & Culture box.
Disclaimer: Information in the Arts Digest is not vetted through the City, nor is it endorsed by the City. The reader is solely responsible for checking background on any opportunity listed above.
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Contact
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
360.709.2678
[email protected]
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