posts that contain mini-bios of our writers
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Tennessee Williams’ classic drama “The Glass Menagerie” is coming to South Puget Sound Community College in March, to be presented by student actors and directed by Lauren Love. It is the tragic story of Amanda Wingfield — who lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her …
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS Since his emergence on the folk scene in the ’70s, John McCutcheon has not only been one of the most respected songwriters and instrumentalists out there, but he’s also been one of the most prolific. The man nailed a stone cold genre classic in 1977 with “The Wind That …
VISUAL ART REVIEW by Alec Clayton FOR OLY ARTS Years ago, CJ Swanson and her husband, the painter David Noah Giles, opened the now defunct Art on Center Gallery in Tacoma. Back then, her paintings were reminiscent of Sonia Delaunay’s work — a kind of soft and decorative cubism with circles and interlocking, almost kaleidoscopic or …
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS Each year for the past 11, members of the Olympia musical group Entertainment Explosion have put on a show to benefit homeless children in Thurston and Mason counties. This year, the show features a guest artist, The Brothers Four. The group’s musical career spans 50 years and includes sing-along …
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS “3 Impossible Questions” at Olympia Family Theater is a world premiere play based on beloved Islamic folk tales and stories that have been passed down generation to generation about the wise Mullah (teacher or master) Nasreddin. Olympia writer, actor and director Christian Carvajal* says he was inspired …
In January 2017, OLY ARTS published our editorial about possible defunding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Today, the President released a proposed budget that proposes exactly that full defunding. OLY ARTS is thus re-publishing our clarion call from 2017 to retain and expand funding …
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Winter is in full swing in Olympia, so this is the best time of year to enjoy a warm theater, a big screen and a tub of popcorn at Olympia Film Society. OFS has curated a fine list of wonderful and unique films that will help you escape the …
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS When an orchestra covers a beloved composer, it must take care to play his music with precision. “No piece of music is easy,” said Huw Edwards, Music Director and Conductor of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, “but Mozart is famous for being so exposed — any blemish on [the performance’s] …
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS In mid-February, Emerald City Music will take Olympia South Sound music lovers on a spiritual journey through classical music. This is the first time an Emerald City concert will feature a soloist, baritone Christopher Herbert, a two-time GRAMMY nominated member of the male classical quartet New York Polyphony. Gilbert …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Olympia Family Theater premieres a new play by local actor, director and playwright Christian Carvajal based on ancient Muslim legends of the Mullah, or master, Nasreddin. This entertaining play for all ages tells the tale of when three wise men challenge Nasreddin to answer three impossible questions. While …