Save the Date: Fall Arts Walk October 2-3
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 2, from 5-10PM, and Saturday, October 3, from 12-6PM, as Arts Walk lights up Downtown Olympia, bids summer farewell, and welcomes the arrival of fall with a vibrant two-day celebration of community, culture, and the arts!
Check out the link below and meet Devin River, fall Arts Walk cover artist!
OURstory in the Park: Black Arts, Heritage & Community Storytelling series at Rebecca Howard Park in Olympia
Final event to take place Saturday, September 12, from 11am-3pm
OURstory in the Park is a community-led cultural programming initiative designed to activate Rebecca Howard Park as a vibrant space for Black arts, storytelling, and community connection in Olympia and Thurston County. Now in its second annual year, this initiative builds on the success of its inaugural event, which welcomed 70 attendees with just six weeks of planning-demonstrating both strong community interest and the potential for significant growth with expanded support.
The program included three core activations: Read the Park, a family-centered literacy and storytelling event; Cinema in the Park, an outdoor film and dialogue series. Next up is the final event: Black Arts in the Park, a creative platform for visual artists, performers, and cultural practitioners. Together, these events create accessible, intergenerational opportunities for engagement that center Black narratives, cultural expression, and shared community experience.
Black Arts in the Park takes place Saturday, September 12, from 11am-3pm.
Additionally, this gathering is an opportunity to bring Black artists, creatives, makers, performers, and community members together in a space created to honor the legacy of Rebecca and Alexander Howard and to celebrate the creativity and cultural expression of Black people throughout Olympia and Thurston County.
The vital vision of Black Arts in the Park will provide space for artists to:
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Display and share their artwork
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Demonstrate their creative process
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Sell or promote their work
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Connect directly with community members
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Share the stories and inspiration behind their work
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Participate in conversations about Black art, culture, history, and identity
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Contribute to an environment centered on creativity, joy, and belonging
We are intentionally creating an experience where Black art is not simply presented-it is experienced, celebrated, purchased, discussed, remembered, and passed forward.
Rebecca Howard Park gives us an opportunity to make visible what has too often been overlooked: Black creativity has always been part of the story of Olympia and Thurston County.
This is a way to support collectively as we continue building the park as a living cultural space where our community can gather beyond a single commemorative occasion and experience Black art, heritage, music, storytelling, foodways, and fellowship throughout the year.
Join us at Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation for some great classes!
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
Beginning Line Dance Class, Sep 11-Oct 2
Ukulele Campfire Songs, Sep 12-Oct 10
K-pop Dance, Sep 12
Creative Contemporary Dance, Sep 14-Nov 2
Discover Voice Overs!, Sep 14
RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance, Sep 14-Oct 26
Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance, Sep 14-Oct 26
Short-Form Improv, Sep 15-Oct 20
Americana Ukulele, Sep 16-Oct 14
Beginning Guitar, Sep 24-Oct 22
Sensory Friendly Creative Dance Class, Sep 28-Nov 16
Sensory Friendly Toddler Dance, Sep 29-Nov 17
Sensory Friendly Creative Dance Class, Sep 29-Nov 17
Intro to Theatre, Sep 29-Dec 15
Intro to Improv, Oct 19-Nov 23
British Rock Invasion Ukulele, Oct 21-Dec 2
Beginning Line Dance Class, Oct 23-Nov 13
K-pop Dance, Oct 24
Visual Arts, & Crafts
Beginning Drawing, Sep 8-Oct 13
Simple Book Making, Sep 8-29
Pen, Brush & Ink Drawing, Sep 9-29
Life Drawing, Sep 9-23
Color Your Canvas Painting - Meet me in Capri, Sep 10
Intermediate Watercolor, Sep 10-Oct 15
The Art of Seeing: Beginning Drawing, Sep 10-Oct 1
Beginning Watercolor, Sep 11-Oct 16
Shibori, Sep 12
Painting People and Faces, Sep 12-Oct 17
Creative Watercolor Sketchbook, Sep 14
Art For Kids Multimedia Art, Sep 19-Nov 14
Watercolor Experiments, Sep 19
Dotting (Dot Painting), Sep 26
Glorious Autumn Glass Leaf Workshop, Sep 26
ART BOOKS: My Illustrated Life, Sep 28-Oct 19
Zen Doodles, Oct 3
Nature Photography Workshop, Oct 3
Enticing Your Personal Writing Muse, Oct 6-20
Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils, Oct 7-28
Life Drawing, Oct 7-21
Intro to Watercolor, Oct 8-29
Traveling Altar, Oct 10
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Power of Place Artist Meet and Greet
Meet artists, chat about their art, and enjoy an early afternoon reception with appetizers and dessert at the Governor's Mansion!
Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about Washington's rich heritage, this is a unique chance to experience the Governor's Mansion in an intimate and memorable way.
Step inside the Washington State Governor's Mansion for a rare opportunity to meet the artists behind Power of Place, the Governor's Mansion's America 250 exhibition.
Hear firsthand the stories, inspirations, and connections behind the artwork while exploring the exhibition in the company of the artists themselves. From farm fields to city streets, Indigenous heritage to the quiet and bustling corners of Washington, the exhibition reflects a wide range of experiences-and the artists who bring them to life.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon reception with non-alcoholic beverages, appetizers, and dessert as you mingle with the artists and fellow guests.
Featured Artists: Dan Friday (Lummi) · Andy Eccleshall · Carla Paine · Melanie Thompson · Louie Gong (Nooksack) · Michael Stasinos · James Kroner · Nancy Romanovsky
Local Non-Profit LISO to Host "Funk for Freedom" Benefit Dance
Dance for a Cause: Community Benefit Supports Free Legal Services for Detained Immigrants
Legal Immigration Services of Olympia (LISO) invites the community to the "Funk for Freedom" benefit dance with all proceeds supporting LISO's mission to provide high-quality, pro bono legal representation to local immigrants detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma.
The evening will feature live performances by the 11 piece, wildly danceable and fun Func Pro Tunc Band and Choro Tomorrow, Brazilian music from yesterday, today and tomorrow led by local immigration attorney Lisa Seibert. In addition, there will be delicious food from Nineveh and a variety of refreshing beverages as well as raffle tickets available for additional purchase/donation.
There is a dedicated children's activity area with books, games and art supplies and for those attendees seeking a more relaxed environment, a separate quiet area will be available for conversation and networking. The event also serves as a community resource hub, featuring information from various organizations providing services to immigrants throughout Thurston County.
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Saturday, September 26, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
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This all-ages event will take place at the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus
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The entry to this fun, ALL-AGES benefit dance is by donation from $5 - $5,000.
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Learn more about LISO and/or RSVP for the benefit dance: https://www.lisowa.org/events
Dedication of Historic Marker Celebrating the History of the Olympia Fire Department
Join us & be part of the celebration!
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Saturday, September 12, 3pm
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Olympia Fire Department Headquarters, 100 Eastside St NE. Event on the (back) Puget Street side of the building, by the garage/equipment bays.
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Presented by the Daughters of the American Colonists, IAFF Local 468 and Olympia Fire Department Headquarters.
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Did you know? In 1882, a Steam-powered Silsby fire engine was acquired in Olympia.
Monday at the Eagles -- Vocal Jazz Harmony night
We close out August with an evening of Vocal Jazz Harmony. Three groups bring three-part harmony, close-knit chords, and a whole lot of swing.
First up, The Olympia Jazz Singers is nine women dedicated to bringing classic jazz vocal music to Olympia. The group was formed in 2018 by local jazz vocalist, musician and teacher Jessica Blinn, who is the group's director. The initial inspiration came from the tight harmonies of the 1930's a cappella trio The Boswell Sisters, whose music remains at the center of the group's repertoire. The Singers continue to expand their musical selections, adding in songs showcased by the McGuire Sisters and, most recently, even the Beatles! The Singers perform at various venues in the Olympia area, including bringing the gift of music to nursing homes and chronic care facilities.
Next, The Evergreen Jazz Choir is brand new this summer; a group of singers and instrumentalists who love the intricate, close-knit harmonies of vocal jazz and are excited to share their first performance with you.
And finally, The Jessica Blinn Trio closes out the night - Jessica with Vince Brown and Cameron Arneson, longtime bandmates who love to swing and have a good time doing it.
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Monday, August 31st, 7 - 9:30pm
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The Eagles Social Club, 4th and Plum
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$15 - $35 suggested
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All ages welcome until 9pm
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The Eagles Social Club welcomes Eagles members and their guests. You can be our7 - 9:30pm guest for the evening.
House Concert & Guitar Workshop with Richard Gilewitz
I hope you've been having a fun-filled, relaxing summer. I am excited and honored to host guitarist Richard Gilewitz for both a performance on Sept 17, 7:30-9:30p.m., and a guitar workshop Sept 18, 7:00-8:30p.m. He is known as one of the best fingerstyle guitarists in the world, and has indeed traveled and played around the world. His repertoire ranges from blues to Bach to Beatles to folk and everything in-between. And he's got stories, lots of stories that will make you laugh, ponder, and just all-around entertain you.
His workshops are appropriate for a wide range of abilities and ages. This would be a great opportunity for your budding guitarist progeny wanting to increase her or his skills, or maybe even for yourself! For more information on the workshop itself on Friday, 9/18, go to his webpage, click Workshops, Gillacamp Workshops, Chops, Licks, Knuckles and Stuff!
The process for registering for the performance and the workshop is the same: Email or text me, Susan, and let me know which event, or both, you would like to attend and how many in your party will be attending. Space is limited! Once you contact me, I will email or text you my address if you need it, and confirm you have a spot. Parking on my street is also limited, so if planning on coming with others, it would help if you carpooled. You can only park on the side of the side of the street where the sidewalk is, so some of you might have to park on Pattison, the street before turning on mine.
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Reservations: Contact Susan at [email protected], 360-918-3652
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Cost: $25 for the concert, $45 for the workshop
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Method of Payment: Cash or credit card at the door. Richard will have a card reader with him.
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Doors open for the performance at 7:10pm Thursday, September 17, 6:40pm for the workshop on Friday, September 18.
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Visit his website richardgilewitz.com where you can read about his worldwide adventures and concerts and watch videos playing a variety of music. (Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah? Will make you weep.)
I hope to see many of you here to enjoy this perhaps once-in-a lifetime experience with this extraordinary musician, up close and personal, and hang with Richard during intermission and afterwards.
Newsletter Roundup
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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
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.
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.
Downtown Oly Winterfest & Parade is BACK!
Here's how you can help make it happen!
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LoveOly WinterFest - November 29, 10am - 4 pm
We are currently booking 20-30 minute volunteer performances on our Main Stage at 5th and Washington St. This includes dancers, singers, holiday themed performances, etc. Contact Morgan Willie [email protected], for details.
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Jinglebell Parade - November 29, 2-3 PM
We're also bringing back the Jinglebell Parade as part of WinterFest and are looking for local organizations to participate. We're especially hoping to showcase the incredible arts and culture community here in Olympia. There's no cost to enter. Here is the registration link with more details.
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Tree Lighting Ceremony at Sylvester Park - Nov 29, 4:30 pm
We will cap off the day and kick off the season with the tree lighting at Sylvester Park with support from DES!
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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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