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
Hawaiian Dance, Sep 4- Oct 23
Advanced Hawaiian Dance, Sep 4-Oct 23
Beginning Guitar, Sep 5-Oct 3
Creative Contemporary Dance, Sep 9-Oct 14
RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance, Sep 9-Oct 28
Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance, Sep 9-Oct 28
Ballet 1 - Introduction to Ballet, Sep 10-Oct 15
Ballet 2 - Continued Ballet, Tuesdays Sep 10-Oct 15
Ballet 2 - Continued Ballet, Thursdays Sep 12-Oct 17
Yes, You Can Play the Ukulele!, Part 1, Sep 11-Oct 9
Basic Ballroom Waltz, Sep 13-Oct 18
Smooth Swing and Rock Styles, Sep 13-Oct18
Intro to Improv, Sep 30-Nov 4
Visual Arts, & Crafts
Shibori, Sep 7
The Art of Seeing: Beginning Drawing, Sep 10-Oct 1
Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils, Sep 11-25
Life Drawing, Sep 11-25
Storybook STEM, Sep 12
Beginning Drawing, Sep 12-Oct 17
Bingo Night Mini Time Crunch Workshop, Sep 12
Pen, Brush & Ink Drawing, Sep 12-26
Watercolor Experiments, Sep 14
Painting People and Faces, Sep 14-Oct 19
Alcohol Ink, Sep 21
Kiln Cast Tile Workshop, Sep 21
Ceramic Lab, AM Sep 23-Oct 28
Ceramic Lab, PM Sep 23-Oct 28
Gelli Plate Mono Printing, Sep 23-Oct 14
Book Art, Sep 25-Oct 16
Prayer Flags, Sep 28
Board & Brush Mimosas and Mats, Sep 28
Save the Date: Fall Arts Walk Oct. 4-5
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 4th, from 6-10pm and Saturday, October 5th, from 12-6pm for a vibrant two-day celebration of community, culture, and the arts!
Olympia Artspace Alliance Survey
The Olympia Artspace Alliance is requesting participation in our new Creative District Survey. In order to support the Olympia creative community we are collecting information to create a "point in time" record of the Olympia Creative District in 2024. The OAA's goal is to utilize the Creative District designation to facilitate collaborative networks for resource sharing, promote funding opportunities for artists and creative enterprises, and to understand the space needs of creatives as well as barriers to accessing space within the Creative District.
We are also excited to announce our upcoming gathering and raffle on September 18th at Ilk Brewing. We will be presenting the findings from our survey, hosting space for connections among the creative community, enjoying food and drinks, and raffling off prizes created by local artists.
All participants in the survey are eligible to receive a free entry to the raffle with the opportunity to win art and other prizes produced by local creatives.
Mayoral Proclamation - Bikini Kill Day - August 23, 2024
Bikini Kill is headlining the South Sound Block Party this weekend.
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, Bikini Kill, a band formed in Olympia, Washington, in 1990, played a pivotal role in the Riot Grrrl movement-a feminist punk rock movement that has empowered women and marginalized voices across the globe; and
WHEREAS, Bikini Kill's music and activism have inspired countless individuals to challenge gender norms, speak out against injustice, and create spaces for underrepresented voices in the music industry and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the band's influence extends far beyond their music, symbolizing resistance, empowerment, and the fight for gender equality, and inspiring generations of artists and activists; and
WHEREAS, the City of Olympia recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Bikini Kill, whose members have not only contributed to our local music scene but have also brought international attention to our city as a hub of progressive thought and artistic innovation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Olympia acknowledges that during the formative years of the Riot Grrrl movement, we did not recognize the significance of the movement, the power of the message behind the music and the revolutionary artists creating it; and
WHEREAS, the City of Olympia recognizes the importance of preserving the legacy of Bikini Kill, the Riot Grrrl movement, and our independent music scene as vital parts of our community's history and identity; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dontae Payne, Mayor of the City of Olympia, do hereby proclaim August 23, 2024 as
BIKINI KILL DAY
SIGNED IN THE CITY OF OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON THIS 23rd DAY OF AUGUST 2024
Dontae Payne
Mayor
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Mania! Drag Show at McCoy's!
Hosted by Carrie Morningwood! Featuring Risqué and Rye, Baba YaYas, Candace Lexia, and Lucy ElleBalls! First Drag Show at McCoy's!
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8/31 9pm - McCoy's Tavern
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$15 or Pay What You Can
Fringe Fairy Tales by Gretchen Peterson
Storyteller from Portland hosted by South Sound Story Guild*
Coming live, in person, to tell her original stories. We heard her tell at the National Storytelling Network Conference. And we're so excited to share her stories with Olympia!
"The stories I needed to hear...
...I had to make them up!"
"Throughout history women have fallen
in love with women, but where are their
folktales, their fairy tales, their myths?
Well, I had to make them up!"
- Gretchen Peterson
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Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Harbor House, 217 Thurston Ave NW
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southsoundstory.org
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zoom link on website
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free event
Story Swap follows - listeners, both in person and on zoom, can share a story, up to 8 minutes, either folktale or personal story.
*South Sound Story Guild is a group promoting the oral art and tradition of storytelling without notes, for adults.
All Systems Go for Olympia Harbor Days 2024
51st Celebration August 30 - September 1, 2024
Get ready to set sail for an unforgettable weekend of maritime fun at Olympia Harbor Days, a South Sound Maritime Heritage Association event! This beloved free community event is back, bigger and better than ever, from Friday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1, with a 9:30 p.m. drone show Friday, Aug. 30 and a preview on the evening of Aug. 29, over the East Bay in downtown Olympia.
Experience the magic of the waterfront as downtown Olympia transforms into a vibrant hub of nautical excitement with tugboats, workboats, tall ships, steamships, dragon boats, and other historic vessels of twentieth-century commerce. Savor the delicious flavors of the Northwest with 22 different food vendors, including traditional Tribal Cedar Smoked Salmon from Lucky Eagle Casino. More than 30 talented bands and musicians will perform throughout the weekend, alongside over 100 art and craft vendors, sand sculptures, stone etching, and dedicated kids' activities.
For history buffs, the iconic Lady Washington will be open for tours, offering a glimpse into life on a historic tall ship, the Virginia V will offer daily harbor cruises and Schooner Pterodactyl will offer 2-hour private day sails. Reservations and tickets are required and can be purchased on the Olympia Harbor Days website.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Friday evening drone show featuring 150 drones creating a breathtaking maritime-themed spectacle. As the sun sets, glowing entertainment with illuminated belly dancing will take over Percival Park, and a fire and LED light show will be held at Port Plaza.
For more details on the festival lineup, activities, and program visit www.harbordays.com and follow along on Instagram or Facebook, and for additional information on what to do and see in Thurston County, visit www.experienceolympia.com.
Lantern Lights the Library
This series of events makes local music accessible to people of all ages in a safe, fun environment. This month's performers are: AFROK, E11EVEN, S.O.S. performing as G.E.D. and MC SWAMPTIGER. There will also be an open dance cypher with prizes for the winners! We'll have light snacks and earplugs available. Thank you to Lantern Records and the Friends of the Olympia Library for their support.
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Tuesday, August 27, 7pm to 9pm
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Free and all ages
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Learn more
Come Make Art in the Park with Hummingbird Studio!
Our free, inclusive community art program, hummingbird studio, is open to artists of all ages and abilities. Join us for our last day this summer at Squaxin Park Rose Garden. Registration is encouraged.
We will be screen printing t-shirts and tote bags with a unique design created by a hummingbird studio artist. Bring a t-shirt or tote to print on.
We will also have lots of other art supplies to create with.
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When: Friday, August 23
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Where: Squaxin Park Rose Garden
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Session Times: 10-11:30am, 12:30-2pm, 2:30-4pm
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Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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To register, email [email protected]
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hummingbirdstudio.org
Mapathé Diop Workshop - Traditional Drumming of Senegal
Washington State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program and Arbutus Folk School are excited to host guest artist and Master Drummer Mapathé Diop for a free workshop to learn about and enjoy traditional drumming of Senegal. Participants will learn about the importance of this musical tradition and enjoy performances as well as a chance to try playing the drums themselves!
The Leonor R. Fuller Gallery Presents Olympia Drag: A Candid Glimpse at Fashion, Art, and Performance
The Leonor R. Fuller Gallery proudly presents Olympia Drag: A Candid Glimpse at Fashion, Art, and Performance, an immersive contemporary exhibition curated by Garrett Leonard, from Sept. 16 to Oct. 18, 2024. The opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
For centuries, drag has been woven into art, literature, fashion, storytelling, and performance, playing a pivotal role in transforming human relationships, engaging communities, and challenging traditional boundaries. Through costume design, makeup artistry, photography, and stage presentation, drag subverts societal norms, explores gender, and delves into themes of empowerment and alter-egos. Olympia's drag community is a vibrant example of these enduring traditions.
More information is available on the college's Leonor R. Fuller Gallery page.
Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Info Session - Sept 17 at 6pm
You are invited to join a virtual info session on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00-7:00 pm to learn about the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, an exciting new designation and program that helps preserve and interpret our state's maritime heritage. This info session-meant for elected officials and government employees-will provide an overview of Maritime Washington and discuss what the designation means for our state's cities, counties, ports, and other local government bodies.
We encourage you attend and share this invitation with your colleagues to learn more about what Maritime Washington means for you. Please use this link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvc-uvqzwvHtH6TpqcTbYIRdlCA3__AOyo#/.
*Please note that this session will cover the same information as the previous Maritime Washington Government Info Session on March 20, 2024, with a few updates on recent progress.*
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, we hope to see you on September 17th.
Newsletter Roundup
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Apply for Window Seat's Fall Community Roots Cohort
Application Due By Friday, August 30, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Window Seat is partnering with Capital City Pride for a new branch of our Community Roots Oral History Project, the Pride Storytelling Project, to document LGBTQIAA2S+ experience and history in Thurston County. Cohort members design a project, visit archives, learn from local scholars, and record interviews with other Queer community members.
Benefits:
Cohort members receive professional training as community oral historians. Learning objectives and benefits include:
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Grounding in a framework to engage and learn from lived experience through the practice of community oral history
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Grounding in the components of an ethical storytelling practice that avoids harm and ensures maximum agency for the narrator
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Skill building in primary source and archival research
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Skill building in active listening, oral history question development, and interviewing methods
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Skill building in audio recording and transcription technology and editing
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Opportunities for collaboration and self-reflection in a safe, supportive learning environment
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Cohort members may choose to receive college credit through an internship or ILC
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Cohort members also receive a $400 stipend per quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring) for participating and fulfilling their responsibilities to the project.
Ready to join?
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Complete the application form linked below by August 30, 2024. We can accept up to 6 people per quarter. Completing this application does not guarantee your enrollment.
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We will notify you by September 9, 2024, if you have been accepted.
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APPLY NOW.
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Please contact Elaine Vradenburgh, [email protected], with questions.
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Learn More
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Supported by an Inspire Olympia Impact Grant
Harlequin Productions Announces Contest for Thurston County Students in conjunction with What the Constitution Means to Me
Harlequin Productions is inviting Thurston County High School Students to take part in a very timely community event.
What the Constitution Means to Me will be on stage at Harlequin Productions from October 18 through November 3, 2024. This play by Heidi Schreck encourages exploring what the Constitution means to each of us today.
As part of this production, we believe our community would be fascinated by what the Constitution means to our youth. We are looking for creative submissions on the topic from Thurston County High School students. These will be adjudicated by a team of Harlequin board members and local teachers.
The best entries will be shared with the community through Harlequin Productions' media channels, and their authors will be introduced to an audience at What the Constitution Means to Me. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winning submissions.
Written entries can be 5 paragraph essays or dialogues: not more than 750 words. Video or audio entries (monologues, dialogues, interviews, etc.) can be 3-5 minutes. Solo or team entries are welcome. Possible topics could include, but not be limited to: Is the Constitution still relevant in 2024? What amendment(s) should be added to the Constitution? What amendments should be changed? Should we throw out the Constitution and start over? What is missing from the Constitution or Bill of Rights?
More details about how to create and submit your submission are posted at http://harlequinproductions.org/constitution.
Questions? Email: [email protected]
Olympia Family Theater Seeking Permanent Education Manager
This position will be 30 hours per week, and compensated at $25 per hour. We are unable to offer health benefits at this time.
Day of the Dead Residency!
360 Xochi Quetzal is offering a two-week residency through CaFÉ … for a visual artist!
Monday, October 28th - Monday, November 11th … in Ajijic, Jalisco …
Public Art Calls for Artists + August 2024
Each month we send out artist calls managed by 4Culture, as well as a selection of calls submitted to us by organizations around the world. Visit our website to see all open calls, grants, jobs, and other opportunities.
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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 & Planning Supervisor
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
360.709.2678
[email protected]
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