Black History Month Event: Dismantling Systematic Racism in Education
with Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joy DeGruy, Author and Educator
This in-person event is all about digging deep into how systematic racism affects our schools and what we can do to create fairer, more inclusive learning spaces. Connect with others who are passionate about change, share ideas, and be part of a movement pushing for real progress.
Don't miss out on this chance to learn, discuss, and make a difference together!
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February 20, 2026, 9:00 am to 3 pm
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Washington Center for the Performing Arts - 512 Washington Street SE, Olympia
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This event is free and open to the public. Hosted by The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture. Supported by City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation.
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Learn more and reserve tickets
Black History Month Exhibit at City Hall
On exhibition through the end of February on the second floor of City Hall - several portraits by Kay Burnett (Kay the Paint Lady), of Dr. Maxine Mimms and Rebecca Howard, commissioned by Shawna Hawk of the Women of Color and Leadership Movement and Media Island International.
The exhibition also includes a park design image from the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
Neighborhood Matching Grant Program
What Can Your Neighborhood Do Next? Neighborhood Matching Grants are Open for Applications
Every year, neighbors across Olympia turn ideas into action with funds from the Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG) Program. The funds have been used for neighborhood clean-ups, safer pathways, shared gardens, gatherings that bring people together, and more!
The NMG Program supports community-led projects that strengthen neighborhoods and build connections. Through reimbursement-based grants that are matched with volunteer time, donated materials, and neighborhood contributions, the program gives community members the chance to shape the neighborhoods they live in.
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
Swing: Dance Through the Decades, Feb 20 - Mar 20
Basic American Ballroom Waltz - Part 1, Feb 20 - Mar 20
Guitar II, Feb 26 - Mar 12
RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance, Mar 9-Apr 27
Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance, Mar 9-Apr 27
Hawaiian Dance, Mar 11-Apr 22
Advanced Hawaiian Dance, Mar 11-Apr 22
Discover Voice Overs! Mar 18
All About Guitar Chords, Mar 19
Olympia Dance Squad, May 2-June 27
Visual Arts, & Crafts
Recycled Art (Collage), Feb 17-Mar 10
Palette Knife Painting with Acrylics, Feb 21
Zen Ink, Feb 28
Painting People and Faces 2, Feb 28-Apr 4
Glass Botanical Tray Workshop, Feb 28
Design Principles: An Introduction, Mar 4-25
Life Drawing, Mar 4-18
Intro to Acrylics, Mar 5-26
Mixed Media Monotype, Mar 7
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SPSCC Music Department Presents Three Concerts This March
The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Music Department will be performing three concerts featuring SPSCC students this March at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts Main Stage: Given to Dance, Little Pictures, and Winter Jazz.
First, the SPSCC Choirs present an eclectic program of music inspired by different styles of dance on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature works by Carol Barnett, David Conte, Henry Purcell, Antonio Vivaldi, and Metallica.
Next, the SPSCC Symphony Orchestra presents a concert titled Little Pictures on Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. The orchestra will play Samuel Coleridge Taylor's intimate, beautiful Idyll, and Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's First Symphony in E minor. Cellist Lynlea Swanson will perform the first movement of Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto with the orchestra, a poignant late work by the English composer.
Then, come share in the celebration of the end of the winter season with the SPSCC Jazz Band and Jazz Combo on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Admission for each concert is a suggested $15 donation at the door. Entrance is free to SPSCC students, staff, and faculty. The Music Department concerts are sponsored in part by R.L. Ray Violin Shop. More information is available on the college's Arts & Entertainment page.
Playback Theatre: Celebrating 25 Years of the Thunders!
Stories of the Many Shades of Strength
Food and Drink Provided by Soul Cafe
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Friday, March 13th, 6:30-8:30ish
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Traditions - 300 5th Avenue SW
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*Call Traditions at 360.705.2819 to reserve a table
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Donation - $10-20 (No one turned away)
Tales & Tails: Senior Storytime with Therapy Dog Louie
Seniors are invited to a relaxed, welcoming gathering featuring gentle read-alouds and the soothing presence of gentle giant Louie, a certified therapy dog who loves a good story and a scratch behind the ears.
Participants are welcome to listen or share short excerpts from books, essays, or poetry-whatever feels meaningful in the moment.
Spending time with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote feelings of calm, connection, and well-being. Combined with shared stories and conversation, this program offers a peaceful space to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy the simple comfort of being together.
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Tea and cookies provided. Just bring your love of stories, dogs, and good company.
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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College Street SE, Lacey WA 98503
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Learn more
Author Talk with Mike Cairns: Under the Ash
Presentation and Book Signing
At 12:30pm on May 18, 1980, Washington Army National Guard helicopter pilot Captain Mike Cairns flew beneath the ash cloud of the Mount St. Helens volcano eruption - a feat never before attempted in history. In the challenging days that followed, as Mike, his crew, and fellow National Guard pilots flew numerous search, rescue, and recovery missions, he documented the devastation they encountered with photographs taken with his own 35mm camera. Those missions, over 600 in all, would lead to three pilots and five crew members receiving the Valley Forge Cross. Mike was one of those three pilots awarded the National Guard's highest honor for heroism.
Here's your chance to chat with Mike in person about his new, highly-rated photo journal, Under The Ash, as well as view his remarkable slideshow presentation and take questions about his experiences at Mount St. Helens. Mike will also have copies of his book available to purchase and sign. This one-of-a-kind book showcases some of the best of his never before seen images, the rescue of survivors, facts about the eruption, what the conditions were like for a helicopter pilot, and more.
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Friday, February 20, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College Street SE, Lacey WA 98503
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Learn more
Who Gets to Belong? Larry Shue's Farcical Foreigner Comes to Harlequin
Harlequin Productions presents The Foreigner by Larry Shue, March 6 - 29, 2026 at the State Theater in downtown Olympia. Producing Artistic Director Aaron Lamb will direct.
Larry Shue's The Foreigner proves how easily secrets and prejudices can tip a friendly gathering into something far more dangerous. When a shy Englishman lands at a rustic Georgia lodge, his fear of small talk inspires a harmless fib: he doesn't speak English. When overheard asides set off chaos, Charlie's accidental silence becomes a mirror: what might we learn if we actually listened? In the spirit of screwball mayhem meets rustic intrigue, each new confession detonates laugh out loud chaos. Quiet no more-Charlie's about to speak volumes.
Director Aaron Lamb notes that while The Foreigner was written as a farce in 1983, its themes resonate strongly today. "We're living in a time when we've weaponized the idea of the foreigner," Lamb says. "A 'foreigner' isn't just someone from another land; it's anyone we've decided isn't us." Though Shue's comedy was not written as a political statement, Lamb observes that it 'rhymes' with the present moment. Comedy, he suggests, can hold truths that lectures cannot, inviting audiences to laugh while quietly recognizing themselves in those onstage.
Olympia Poetry Network February Featured Poet and Open Mic
Featured poet: Peter Ludwin
Inspired by poets as diverse as Roethke, Garcia Lorca and Stroud, Peter Ludwin is drawn to physical and spiritual aspects of the natural world, different cultures, history and the quality of being alive in the moment. He has found richness especially in the American West and the celebratory culture of Mexico. The recipient of a Literary Fellowship from Artist Trust, the W.D. Snodgrass Award for Endeavor and Excellence in Poetry and the Muriel Craft Bailey Memorial Award for his poem "Wolf Concerto," he also won the 2024 Trail to Table Editors' Award in Poetry for his newest collection, An Altar of Tides. A world traveler, he attributes most of his development and success to the fourteen years he was a participant in the San Miguel Poetry Week in Mexico, where he honed his craft under top poets such as Mark Doty, Robert Wrigley, Tony Hoagland and many others.
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Reading live at Traditions, the Gathering Place
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5th & Water Street, downtown Olympia
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Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm
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Open Mic starts 5:30
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All are welcome.
OPN Poetry Workshop with Peter Ludwin
About The Workshop: "This workshop will have two segments. The bulk of it will be devoted to the persona poem and its role in expanding poetic possibilities - and our enjoyment of the creative act - through our most important faculty: the imagination. The other segment features specific writing tips for aspiring poets from Mary Oliver, editors of leading poetry journals, local award-winning poet and teacher Allen Braden, and myself to sharpen and strengthen language choices, plus the role of wide reading of other poets to enhance and expand one's own horizons." -Peter Ludwin
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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1-3:00 pm
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Olympia Community Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, Room 103
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To Register please send an e-mail to [email protected] asking us to add you to the list!
Newsletter Roundup
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Arts Coordinator- City of Tumwater
The City of Tumwater is seeking a creative, organized, and community-focused Art Coordinator to lead and grow the Tumwater Arts Program. This is a unique opportunity to shape how art is experienced throughout the community, bringing creative vision to public spaces, programs, and partnerships that inspire connection and pride.
In this role, you will play a key part in implementing the City's Arts Plan by coordinating public art projects and developing engaging arts programs, classes, and events. You'll collaborate closely with City staff, local artists, community groups, and regional partners to ensure the arts remain a vibrant and accessible part of Tumwater's identity.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of creativity and coordination, someone who enjoys turning ideas into action, managing multiple projects, and engaging the public through meaningful artistic experiences. If you're passionate about public art, community engagement, and building lasting creative partnerships, this role offers the chance to make a visible and lasting impact in a growing and supportive community.
United Churches Contemporary Art Commission
The United Churches of Olympia is commissioning a work of art that demonstrates our congregation's values as a place where Spirituality and Justice meet. We are interested in a contemporary, 2-dimensional work reflecting that we are an inclusive spiritual community that welcomes all people.
We are seeking new work that is between 900 sq inches and 2,116 sq inches (no smaller than 30" by 30" and no larger than 46'' by 46''). The selected work will be displayed in the entryway of the church. Selection of the artist will be based on responses to the Proposal Application which includes the artist's qualifications. Please read the Guidelines for specific instructions on how to apply.
February LAW Starts 2/16
Legal Advice Week starts in February starts on the 16th. Join this monthly opportunity for artists and arts organizations in WA State to get free advice on specific legal issues. Sign up today for a 30-minute consultation with an attorney. WLA LAW is open to artists and arts organizations throughout Washington State. LAW Clinics address and support legal issues* related to an artistic discipline and can cover a wide range of areas, such as: Copyright, Trademark, Publicity Rights, Licensing, Fair Use, Business Formation, Contract Review. *Legal issues involving patent, employment, criminal, tax, & family law are not apt for WLA LAW.
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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!
Looking for Volunteers for 2026 Olympia Juneteenth Celebration
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Saturday, June 20, 2026
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Volunteer hours: 9am-6pm (split shifts are available). Set up and take down positions available as well.
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Contact Shawna Hawk at [email protected]. You can also call 360.352.8526 and leave a message with your contact information.
Olympia Family Theater
Front of House Volunteers needed. No experience necessary!
Shifts available for ushering, selling concessions, and selling raffle tickets during performances.
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March 5-29, 2026 and/or May 14-June 7, 2026
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Time commitment is usually under 4 hours.
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Thursday/Friday at 6pm, Saturday/Sunday at 2pm
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Must pass a background check.
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Please contact Tracy at [email protected].
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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