The Art of Scrimshaw

Join us for this new 2-part introductory series to learn about scrimshaw, a unique maritime art which encompasses the engraving of bone or ivory. Explore the origins and rich history of scrimshaw as a folk art with an emphasis on the materials and tools traditionally used. Discover the techniques by which contemporary scrimshaw is created, …

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Build a Microtonal Zither with Ben Luca Robertson, Ph.D.

In this one day course, each student will construct a five-string zither with moveable bridges. In addition to instrument-making skills, the class provides students with a hands-on introduction to the basic concepts behind just intonation, microtonal music, and different Non-Western scales. Through guided experimentation, each student will construct their own instrument and design their own …

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Molsky's Mountain Drifters

Molsky’s Mountain Drifters at Nova Middle School

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS What happens when you mix a well-established fiddler with the best next-generation, traditional-music players you can find? You get Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, a brand-new bluegrass and roots band with a fresh perspective on old-time music. Comprising banjoist Allison de Groot, fiddler Bruce Molsky and guitarist and vocalist Stash Wyslouch, …

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Mariella Luz

Mariella Luz at Fall Arts Walk 2017

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS In any community you’ll find people like Mariella Luz, who not only participate in the arts but actively support them. She does so through her work as a studio potter, instructor at Arbutus Folk School and founder and director of Olympia All Ages Project. Luz sits on the boards …

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Darol Anger and Rushad Eggleston

Darol Anger and Rushad Eggleston at NOVA School

by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Darol Anger and Rushad Eggleston have played together in The Fiddlers Four, The Republic of Strings and other groups worldwide. Olympians can now see them live in a concert for Arbutus Folk School. The concert will be held at NOVA School. Anger performs quadruple duty as composer, educator, fiddler …

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Foghorn Stringband

Foghorn Stringband at NOVA School

by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Foghorn Stringband has long been lauded as one of the main forces behind the Northwest revival of old-time music. These days, though, the quartet has gone international. “We’re not really a local, Northwest band anymore,” founding member Caleb Klauder said. Klauder, who plays mandolin and fiddle, and guitarist Reeb …

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Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

International Duo Comes to Olympia

by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS A cello is kind of a big fiddle, and in Scotland, it’s traditionally been paired with the violin (or “wee fiddle”). Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and American cellist Natalie Haas are reviving that partnership and making it their own. “They’re both world-class master musicians,” said Emily Teachout, vice president …

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