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The Phantom of the Diner — On Edible Art, an Introduction, Part the First

Oly Arts is happy to announce the beginning — joyfully starting in September 2026 — of a new column of culinary and artistic delight, “The Phantom of the Diner,” by a mysterious and erudite writer who identifies only as The Phantom, and who asserts that “There simply must be some right perspective in the world, … a hierarchy of principle and right order to our existence, even in our world of postmodern relativity.” So welcome, dear reader, to the world of The Phantom.

The Phantom

A mysterious and erudite Oly Arts columnist. Articles

Millions in Inspire Olympia Grants Awarded to 49 Arts Nonprofits

Because voters approved a one-tenth of one percent Olympia sales-tax increase (now in its third year) to fund the Inspire Olympia grant program, the city recently announced $3.3 million in grants for 2026-27, with $2.1 million awarded to 49 arts nonprofits. Thanks to this, Olympia has gained a theater and a gallery as well as other opportunities for the community to experience and participate in arts of all kinds.

Soundscape & Book Launch for Countershade Press: Uplifting Queer Voices in Olympia

The woods come alive in the theatrical soundscape performance, part of the August 28 book launch at Browsers Bookshop of “Menagerie: A Cluster of Loss,” published by Countershade Press, a new micro press for queer speculative fiction run by husbands Jonah and Austin Barnett. Following the performance, Jonah Barnett will host a Q & A with Cecelia Meade, the author of the story “The Woods,” one of five by local writers in “Menagerie.”

Sneak Preview of Tacoma Area Theatre This Fall

This is a selection of shows to keep your eye out for in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Federal Way this fall: Tacoma Little Theatre, Lakewood Playhouse, Centerstage Theatre, and Dukesbay Theater.

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