"Coriolis," sculpture by Cyrra Robinson, photo by the artist

REVIEW: Cyrra Robinson’s Of the Abyss

VISUAL ARTS REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS New to Olympia’s art scene is metal sculptor Cyrra Robinson, a recent graduate of The Evergreen State College, who’s showing a group of sculptures derived from life under the sea. Her sculptures are monumental in concept if not in actual size. They look like they should …

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Chef Amadeus

Fungi for the Whole Family

by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Perhaps making up for the pervasive aroma of fertilizer wafting from its mushroom farm in Lacey, Ostrom’s is one of the primary sponsors of the Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival. This year the event marks its 10th anniversary, and it’s grown — well, like a mushroom. Proceeds benefit Boys & …

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RADCO

Random Waters: Dance in the Fountain

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS On a clear, summer day, the view from the Heritage Park Fountain in Olympia is nothing short of stunning. The Capitol rises behind a line of cherry trees to meet blue sky as jets of water shoot upward, delighting park visitors. It’s the perfect backdrop for public performances, and …

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Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Olympians at Oregon Shakespeare Festival

by Kelli Samson for OLY ARTS Shakespeare famously wrote, “To be, or not to be? That is the question.” In theater as in life, this line from Hamlet always applies. Opportunities to grow in the craft present themselves to those actors passionate enough to heed their calling. Thus, under the dedicated artistic direction of Kathy …

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Olympia Improv Collective

Olympia Improv Collective

by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS The Olympia Improv Collective is producing its first show Sunday, and the group of 10 experienced improvisers already has big plans. Mark Alford and Vanessa Postil — both often seen on local stages and both formerly of Something Wicked, Harlequin Productions’ now-defunct improv troupe — and friends aim to …

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Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show

It’s Just a Jump to the Left

by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS “I see you shiver, with antici …” On July 15, things are bound to get a little spooky (and raunchy) down at the Capitol Theater. The Rocky Horror Picture Show will screen at midnight, featuring The Blue Mouseketeers, a live shadow cast. Audience participation is more than expected — …

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"Joie de Vivre," sculpture by David Varnau

Percival Plinth Project

by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Olympia is buying a new piece of art, and anyone who can get to Percival Landing this month is invited to help choose it. Over a dozen new sculptures by Northwest artists have been installed on the plinths, or sculpture stands, along the landing, and ballots on which to …

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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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Capital Lakefair Parade, 1964

The History of Capital Lakefair

by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS This year Capital Lakefair celebrates 60 years of service to our community and the communities around Olympia. The history of Lakefair begins with the lake itself: Capital Lake was built as an artificial structure in 1950. Swimming, boating and other activities took place in the lake. Capital Lakefair was …

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The Adarna

The Adarna at Capital Lakefair

by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS This July will see the return of Seattle rock band The Adarna to Lakefair, playing during the final hours of the last day of the festival. The Adarna describes its genre as “Jet City rock,” because Seattle is the birthplace of both the band and the Boeing company. The …

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