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
- 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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, […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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. […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […]
