Molly Walsh is a writer and photographer, freelancing for Thurston Talk and the Shelton-Mason County Journal in addition to OLY ARTS. Her reporting assignments take her throughout the South Sound and she loves finding new people to meet and new stories to tell. You can always find Molly with a camera in hand and in the rare nights she has off, she loves to quilt and sew clothing.
Articles
- Nonprofit Anchor Partners Set to Begin Olympia Armory Project’s Creative Campus
Development of a centralized arts hub has been a longtime pursuit for the City of Olympia, with compounded enthusiasm from local residents and organizations. Valerie Roberts, building manager for the Olympia Armory, said the city has called for a community-centered art space since the 1990s, repeatedly citing the demand in city planning documents. - Northern Sky Festival at Oyster Bay Farm
One of the region’s newest festivals, Northern Sky, has descended upon Olympia’s Oyster Bay Farm on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 when the grounds of the farm were transformed into a stunning backdrop for the inaugural Northern Sky at Oyster Bay. - MOSAIC: Tacoma’s Arts and Culture Festival Celebrates a Multifaceted South Sound Community
MOSAIC: Tacoma’s Arts and Culture Festival at Tacoma’s Wright Park on July 27 and 28 is a weekend of multicultural music, dance, art, crafts, and cuisine, with an evening movie in the park and a Kids Zone and sprayground. The festival will see a visit from the Mobile Teaching Kitchen, which will provide a preview of culinary courses available through Metro Parks Tacoma. - OLY ARTS Summer 2024 Print Edition
You can read the articles that are in OLY ARTS Summer 2024 Print Edition from links on this page, and you can read and download the PDF version linked in the website’s sidebar. - Explore Modern Native Art Through IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market and Northwest Native FestivalBy Molly Walsh This is on pages 5-6 of OLY ARTS Summer 2024 print edition. For almost two decades, the IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market and Northwest Native Festivaland accompanying IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Exhibition have showcased the many facets of modern-day Native artwork. The tradition continues with the 2024 IN THE SPIRIT …
- Enjoy the Diverse Cultures of the South Sound at Tacoma Moon Festival 2024By Molly Walsh This is on page 14-15 of OLY ARTS Summer 2024 print edition. Lining the shores of Commencement Bay in Tacoma, the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park is home to the annual Tacoma Moon Festival, an event that commemorates the multicultural makeup of the South Sound and beyond. At the Tacoma Moon Festival, community …
- The Shoestring Circus to Make Its Olympia Debut This Summer
The Shoestring Circus, a one-of-a-kind, all-human circus experience headquartered in Bellingham, will debut in Olympia with more than a dozen local performances from June 28 to July 7. Audience members can expect family-friendly humor and acrobatics all set to a “medieval fantasy” storyline. - Epic Compositions Collide at the Spring Concert Series from the Capital City Chorus
Capital City Chorus’ 2024 spring concert on May 3 & 4, presents “Requiem” from Herbert Howells and “It is Happiness” from Joan Szymko. “I don’t think anyone’s ever programmed these two pieces together … and it’s, I think it’s going to be very, very fun to move from one to the other,” said Vicki Jardine-Tobin, director of the Chorale. - OLY ARTS Spring 2024 Print Edition
You can read the articles that are in OLY ARTS Spring 2024 Print Edition from links on this page and you can read and download the PDF version linked in the website’s sidebar. - Strip at the Crypt Returns to Olympia’s Cryptatropa Bar This MayThrough Strip at the Crypt, the art of burlesque is melded with elements of improvisational comedy into one tongue-in-cheek show that’s bound to skirt expectations. Strip at the Crypt was established in 2019, and after experimenting with the layout over the years, each one-night show features around eight performers as well as a live song from co-creators and hosts, Hattie Hotpants and Vanessa the Witch.
- Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend at the 2024 Olympic Air ShowLook to the skies this Father’s Day weekend during the 24th Anniversary Olympic Air Show organized by the Olympic Flight Museum. On June 15 and 16, crowds are expected to gather at the Olympia Regional Airport for stunning displays and aerobatic demonstrations from antique aircraft and beyond. The Olympic Air Show grants a unique opportunity to watch these types of aircraft in action in the South Puget Sound region, with additional family-friendly activities and attractions on the ground.
- “Learn, Listen, Enjoy, Experience” at Tacoma Ocean Fest 2024by Molly Walsh This June, the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma will deliver a fresh take to Tacoma Ocean Fest. The menu of events will include water-based activities, live music, educational booths and art installations. And to couple the summertime festivities, attendees can take in the local marine landscape and waterfront’s natural beauty. Tacoma Ocean …
- Enjoy Music and Literature Across the Decades with Three Concerts From SPSCC
With the goal to make live music more accessible for the college’s students, staff and faculty and greater community, the Music Department at South Puget Sound Community College is hosting three concerts (March 15, 16, and 19) at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts Main Stage that traverse time and genre, showcasing elements of classic poetry, grand overtures and big band sounds through the decades. - Sitting Down with Three Poets Featured in Mud Flat Verse (an anthology)
From the low tides of Mud Bay in the Pacific Northwest to the lush greenery of Mississippi and beyond, 81 pieces by 19 poets including seven from Thurston County are joined in “Mud Flat Verse (an anthology).” The anthology, published in late 2023, is a creation of Olympia publisher Mud Flat Press. - The Capital City Chorus Returns With Annual “Christmas With the Chorus” Concert Series
The Capital City Chorus is back with the fifth annual “Christmas with the Chorus” concert series taking place December 8 and 9 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and December 10 at the Capital High School Performing Arts Center. “Folks who … like to take in music and folks who like Christmas music, but also like to broaden their horizons a little bit,” said Daniel Colgan, about who might enjoy the upcoming concerts. - Getting Random: Selected Works by Jennifer West — The Evergreen State College’s Gallery Photoland
The work of artist Jennifer West, graduate of The Evergreen State College, often extends beyond the bounds of genre, combining elements of fine art, performance and media. Showing at TESC’s Gallery Photoland through Dec. 15. - Movements in Time: Art by Maureen Bridget Murphy at Schwartz’s Bakery
Maureen Bridget Murphy’s artwork, exhibited at Schwartz’s Bakery in Olympia through November, is diverse and many times layered, spanning the spectrum of color and form. - The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical to Premiere at the Olympia Family Theater
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is full of rock-tinged tunes and is based on the popular book, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Featuring a multigenerational cast, Olympia Family Theater’s production of The Lightning Thief [October 6 – 29] is set to be a show that dazzles the stage with singing, dancing, action and adventure. - Visit Community Print During Artswalkby Molly Walsh Each year, Fall Arts Walk lights up Olympia’s downtown corridors, drawing thousands of people to shops, street attractions and to organizations that call downtown Olympia home. And amongst displays of paintings, music and theater performances, the exhibition from Community Print is slated to include more introspective themes, reflecting on local history, while …
- CaTMA Gallery’s Group Exhibition Explores Intimate Conversation Through a Unique Creative Processby Molly Walsh Described as a “response to the concept of intimate conversation,” CaTMA (Contemporary and Transmodern Arts) Gallery’s group exhibition, Pillow Talk, will explore this theme not only through paintings on display, but also through elements of mystery that shroud the creative process. And few in the public will know all that is contained …
- Azucar: A Latine Cabaret Experience Returns to Olympia in September
The lineup for Azucar at Cryptatropa Bar (The Crypt) in Olympia is expected to be top-notch with burlesque, drag and variety performers hosted by Azucar producer Latina K Turner D’Ho. - The Ace Pilot Program at Avanti High School Shows Students a Future in the Local Creative Economy
ACE matched Avanti High School seniors with professional artists for a ten-week apprenticeship. Working within a “collaborative apprenticeship model,” students had the opportunity to witness the artistic process firsthand, practice their craft and learn how creative careers fit into Olympia’s economy. - A Lakefair’s Food Row Set to Serve Festival Favorites While Giving Back to the Communityby Molly Walsh Olympia is a city of many facets, but at its heart, it is home to a vibrant arts scene, many nonprofit organizations and annual events that bring the community together. And one of the town’s most long-standing festivals is Capital Lakefair. Taking over the lawn at Heritage Park for five days each …
- In the Gutter at Olympia Little Theater
“In the Gutter” at Olympia Little Theatre is set to charm the audience with laughs, mayhem and elements of classic film noir. - A Closer Look at Some of the Olympia Nonprofits Participating in Spring Arts Walk
Through participation in the spring Arts Walk, many Olympia nonprofits are opening their doors for attendees to explore unique exhibitions, displays and interactive activities. - Review: Jerome Bixby’s “The Man from Earth” Tackles Life, Love and Philosophy at Olympia Little Theatre
Science fiction writer Jerome Bixby’s “The Man from Earth” explores the nature of life, culture, faith, philosophy, and human history through the lens of John Oldman, who has lived countless lifetimes, ten years at a time. Olympia Little Theatre’s production of “The Man from Earth” was originally penned as a screenplay by Bixby. - The Washington Center Celebrates a New Interior and Equipment After a Multi-Phase Renovation Project
The Washington Center celebrates a brand-new interior look, increased seating and new equipment. - A Weaver’s Voice at the SPSCC Leonor R. Fuller Gallery
Historical and modern garments, blankets and other woven artwork from Coast Salish communities are on view in “A Weaver’s Voice at the Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at South Puget Sound Community College. - Mud Flat Shorts Celebrates Creative Collaboration and the Local Writing Community
By Molly Walsh After Gabi and Alec Clayton packed up their home in Mississippi to start a new life in Washington State, one of the first sights they encountered when they drove into the Olympia area was the exposed tide flats of the South Puget Sound. This landscape would eventually serve as inspiration for the … - A Proposition to Aid Olympia’s Art and Nonprofit Community
By Molly Walsh Olympia’s art and nonprofit communities are banding together in support of a new ballot measure that could have a profound effect on art, culture, science and heritage programming within the city. If voted into law, Proposition 1 would increase sales taxes within the City of Olympia by a tenth of a percent … - Olympia Artists Unite to Support Ukraine
By Molly Walsh At 5 a.m. Eastern European Time, Olympia resident Hanna Ilchenko turned on the news. She couldn’t believe the events unfolding onscreen: Russia had launched a full-scale invasion on her home country of Ukraine. Initially, Ilchenko said the reports emerging of explosions and invading forces were difficult to process. “I couldn’t believe in … - College Music Department Reflects on Events of 2020 Through ‘Musical Encounters’
By Molly Walsh Throughout this past year, many Americans have faced an uncertain future, continuing to wrestle with feelings of isolation, a need for social justice and a longing for connection. And for many musicians, this isolation has been compounded by empty theater seats and rehearsals restricted to a computer screen. Drawing from the experience … - Olympia’s Fall Arts Walk Back, Offers Socially-Distanced Twist
By Molly Walsh Time, space and community. The organizers of Olympia’s Fall Arts Walk are reflecting on these three words on the eve of this year’s festival. In a time where many in-person gatherings are an ever-distant memory, those involved in Arts Walk preparations, including City of Olympia employees, downtown business owners and local artists … - Olympia Symphony Orchestra Provides Creative, Digital Offerings in Response to COVID-19
By Molly Walsh As Washingtonians enter another week of a “new normal” under Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, social distancing measures have gradually woven into a routine way of life for many households across the state. As schools, workplaces and even wedding ceremonies have transitioned to a virtual setting, music and performing … - The City of Olympia Cancels Spring Arts Walk, Procession of the Species Postponed
By Molly Walsh In accordance with recommendations from Thurston County Public Health & Social Services and Governor Jay Inslee, the City of Olympia has announced the cancellation of the spring Olympia Arts Walk in an effort to maintain social distancing practices and curtail possible spread of the novel coronavirus(COVID-19). The semi-annual event was scheduled to … - Oly Old Time Festival: Evie Ladin and Keith Terry
By Molly Walsh Crossing old-time folk with percussive dance, Oakland, California-based duo Evie Ladin and Keith Terry bring a fresh take to the longstanding old-time-music tradition. Echoing the rich sounds of Appalachia, Ladin and Terry marry notes from a clawhammer banjo, bass and guitar with dance and storytelling. A daughter of a folk-dance teacher, Ladin … - Oly Old Time Festival: Yodelady
By Molly Walsh A hometown act, Yodelady, has been kindling the traditional music scene in Olympia and surrounding areas since forming in 2010. The members of this triple threat trio have deep roots in the Pacific Northwest old-time music community, and their sets boast three-part harmonies that send audience members to their feet for a … - Photo Gallery: Ballet Northwest Previews 35th Nutcracker
An exclusive photo gallery by MOLLY WALSH for OLY ARTS. WHAT Ballet Northwest’s The Nutcracker WHERE The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia WHEN 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 14, 20 and 21; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 HOW MUCH $14-$35 … - Ballet Northwest Brings a Holiday Classic to Life
By MOLLY WASH Out of the wings and onto center stage, Ballet Northwest will present its 35th-annual production of The Nutcracker at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts from December 13 to 22. Illustrating the time-honored holiday story will be choreography by Ballet Northwest’s co-artistic directors, Josie and Ken Johnson, who devised a show … - Photo Gallery: Studio West Dance Theatre Rehearses for The Nutcracker
An exclusive photo gallery by MOLLY WALSH for OLY ARTS. WHAT Studio West Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker WHEN 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec 14, 20 and 21; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays, Dec 15 and 22 WHERE South Puget Sound Community College Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, 2011 Mottman Rd. … - Studio West Dance Theatre Takes a Holiday Classic To Center Stage
By MOLLY WALSH Vignettes of holiday celebrations, royal battles and sugar plum dreams will be illuminated on the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center stage with Studio West Dance Theater’s 11th annual production of The Nutcracker. Over 230 dancers will bring Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score to life from December 14-22. The cast and crew at Studio West are … - Celebrate Local Poetry at First Ever Laureate Fest
By Molly Walsh On September 21, all five past and present Washington State Poets Laureate will gather for a day of poetry-centered conversation and celebration at Laureate Fest. Organized by the Olympia Poetry Network, Laureate Fest is the first event of its kind in the state and the first time all five Washington State Poets … - Music in the Park: Ethan Tucker Band
By Molly Walsh Hailing from Olympia, Ethan Tucker’s acoustic-guitar-driven songs range from midtempo party anthem “Crazy Tonight” to the melancholy strums of ballad “Josephine.” Expanding beyond his Pacific Northwest origins, Tucker has toured the country with such acts as Jimmy Cliff, Buddy Guy and The Wailers. With a slightly raspy, soulful voice and sweet, acoustic … - Music in the Park: Flor De Luna
By Molly Walsh Inspired by Los Lobos, Santana and WAR, Flor De Luna is classic Latin rock with hints of blues, jazz and Afro Cuban influences over a wide range of classic-rock hits. Band members range from their 20s to their 60s. Thus, the band’s classic playlist dons a modern edge. A Flor De Luna … - Music in the Park: Tacoma Concert Band
By Molly Walsh The mission of Tacoma Concert Band is to deliver professional, symphonic sound to audiences in Puget Sound and beyond. It’s well-traveled, with stops in Budapest, the French Riviera, Prague and Vienna. It played the 39th-annual South of Ireland Band Competition last summer and took best band, best brass section and best performance … - Music in the Park: Randy Linder Band
By Molly Walsh Traveling throughout the United States, tribute group Randy Linder Band’s set spans Creedence Clearwater Revival’s iconic 1960s-to-1970s playlist. Beginning in 2000, the tribute band has performed multiple shows in Las Vegas and a Creedence Clearwater Revival festival in Mexico. With vintage mop-top haircuts and flannel shirts to accompany John Fogerty’s distinctive, rasping … - Music in the Park: The Roostertails
By Molly Walsh With a tagline of “full throttle rockabilly,” the Roostertails reimagine classic-rock hits with a 1950s, country-rock twang. Upright bass adds just the right amount of old-school-Americana flair to Presley-style, low-octave vocals. Heavily influenced by Johnny Cash, the Roostertails can help any concert-goer find a rhythm. WHAT The Roostertails WHERE Sylvester Park, 615 … - Music in the Park: Platinum Soul
By Molly Walsh Between hidden gems and retro hits, Platinum Soul transports listeners to a 1970s funk and rhythm-and-blues dream. It plays throughout the Pacific Northwest, blending Earth, Wind & Fire; Hall and Oates and Rick James into its set. Band leader LaRoi Carter Jr. grew up in Lacey and has always wanted to return … - Meet This Year’s Lakefair Court: Princess Cassidy Walchak-Sloan
By Molly Walsh “I remember one time,” Walchak-Sloan says, “me and my friend were maybe eight years old, and her babysitter took us to Lakefair. At the fair, it was a big thing to go on the Ferris wheel and look down and see all of Lakefair. It was really big and there’s a lot … - Meet This Year’s Lakefair Court: Princess Eleanor Kim
By Molly Walsh After encouragement from her leadership teacher and friends who were involved in past Lakefair Courts, Kim decided to take a chance and apply for a position. In addition to travel to other parades, including one in Canada, Kim enjoys the service opportunities provided by being a member of the Royal Court. A … - Meet This Year’s Lakefair Court: Princess Ruby Roebuck
By Molly Walsh Roebuck, who’s lived in Olympia for over a decade, has not only attended Lakefair but served as part of the festival staff. “I actually worked at Lakefair last year, which was fun,” she says. As a Lakefair princess, Roebuck’s always looking to meet people and make connections with service organizations. A standout … - Meet This Year’s Lakefair Court: Princess Bridgette Byerly
By Molly Walsh “I’ve been to Lakefair many times,” says Byerly. “It’s what you do in the summer.” A longtime Olympia resident, Byerly often saw princesses on the Lakefair Parade float, never imagining she’d one day be the person waving at the crowd. As a member of the court, she most enjoys the social aspect. … - Meet This Year’s Lakefair Court: Queen Emma Waldon
By Molly Walsh “I’m most excited for the speaking engagements,” says Waldon. “I really, really enjoy public speaking and meeting new people and making new connections.” While speaking to such nonprofit organizations as Zonta Club of Olympia, Waldon says she enjoys getting to know club members better and learning how each organization participates in the … - Music in the Park: WineHouse Band
By Molly Walsh Hometown Olympia act WineHouse Band is a young, seven-piece, alternative-rock lineup that crosses funk with hints of rock and jazz. It recently released an extended-play album, Le Voyeur. Half the band’s members are teenagers, but don’t let that distract from their especially tight, enthusiastic performances, as on the tune “Midnight.” Dreamy vocals … - Lakefair 2019 Schedule of Events
By Molly Walsh Capital Lakefair is a local carnival full of fun and nostalgia. Here is the full schedule of this year’s events. Read more of OLY ARTS’ Lakefair coverage here. Wednesday, July 17 Noon – 11 p.m. Arts-and-crafts vendors, carnival, entertainment, food concessions 6 p.m. Battle of the high-school bands, main stage Thursday, July … - Lakefair: A Five-Day Summer Vacation
By Molly Walsh and Billy Thomas On Olympia’s third week of July, a five-day summer vacation rolls into town with an opportunity for residents and visitors to relive childhood memories and create new ones. Capital Lakefair delivers time-honored landmarks evoking an atmosphere best suited to balmy summer evenings. Flashes of color whirl around the festival’s … - Music in the Park: EveryLeaf Band
By Molly Walsh A group of five, the EveryLeaf Band covers the quintessential elements of American music, combining classic rock, country rock and a few risqué blues tunes into its set. Based in Issaquah, Washington, EveryLeaf Band travels throughout the Pacific Northwest with their favorite songs along for the ride. The band prides itself on … - Music in the Park: MarchFourth
By Molly Walsh Portland band MarchFourth boasts a visually powerful set, with 20 onstage performers that do it all from guitar to vaudevillean dancing, acrobatics to trombone. A supernova of color and carnival chic, MarchFourth gets people of all ages clapping hands and stomping feet. Breaking the barriers between musical and visual performance, the troupe … - Pride in Photos
By Molly Walsh On Sunday, June 23, thousands of members of the LGBTQ community and their supporters convened on downtown Olympia to celebrate Pride. It was the largest parade on record, according to Capital City Pride Coordinator Gina Thompson. Accompanying the parade at Heritage Park were over 100 booths of local organizations, artisan crafts and … - Music on the Estuary Brings a Party to Hood Canal
By Molly Walsh Belfair – home to a population of about 4,000 – boasts quite an art scene, with the Salmon Center being no exception. As the headquarters for non-profit organization Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, the 38-acre Salmon Center is a certified organic farm and hub of environmental education and art for North Mason … - Molly Walsh
Molly Walsh is a writer and photographer, freelancing for Thurston Talk and the Shelton-Mason County Journal in addition to OLY ARTS. Her reporting assignments take her throughout the South Sound and she loves finding new people to meet and new stories to tell. You can always find Molly with a camera in hand and in …