Procession of the Species at the Olympia Art Walk. Found on olyarts.org, taken by Shanna Paxton.

Within the Puget Sound area, there has always been a strong influence on the arts, particularly stemming from the indigenous people who inhabited this region prior to our presence, leaving a significant heritage. This influence has certainly transpired within the community over the past few decades, with Arts Walk having been around since the 1990s.

Last weekend here in Olympia, WA, there was an Arts Walk. It is a biannual community-driven fair that allows local artists in the area to showcase their talents. For an entire weekend, a part of Olympia’s downtown is blocked off to create a central activity area. There are numerous local activities that promote the residents and their contributions to the Puget Sound area. This can also be evident in the surge of popular music native to the Pacific Northwest area in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily known as grunge music. Nirvana was from Aberdeen, and Pearl Jam is from Seattle, highlighting the first popular bands that spread the music style. Another example is the presence of multiple theaters around Olympia, contributing various influences on different communities throughout the city. One such theater is Olympia Family Theater Downtown, which has a core value of spreading the arts for all ages. They offer summer camps specifically tailored for young individuals interested in theater. Additionally, there’s Harlequin Productions, which strives to bring high-quality live theater to the community through their well-produced shows.

Even within Downtown itself, you can find locally made art pieces displayed along the boardwalk, as well as shops that cultivate and showcase local talent. There are artists born in Olympia who make a living through their handmade art, demonstrating the dedication to their craft in this area. Small shops thrive on supporting and promoting local artists and products. Olympia has always been dedicated to the arts, fostering, and cultivating creativity within the community. This dedication extends to Evergreen State College, often referred to as the liberal arts college of Washington. At Evergreen State, one can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the arts and enjoy periodic showcases of the students’ artistic work.

Art holds immense importance for many people, as it encompasses both personal expression and cultural significance. The creative process behind each piece of art remains a mystery, as it is deeply connected to the artist’s mind and emotions. In Olympia, there is a strong emphasis on nurturing and supporting the arts. As a community, we strive to inspire and uplift the artistic endeavors of individuals. Supporting self-run art businesses helps foster a sense of community, forging connections between people engaged in the artistic trade.

Olympia holds a special place due to its ability to inspire and connect the community through the arts. We all share a common goal of fostering connections and unity through various artistic mediums, be it theater or visual arts. This is what sets Olympia apart and makes it truly special. The cultivation of the arts plays a crucial role in spreading creativity and enriching the lives of individuals within the community.