The Slug Who Stole Solstice at OFT, set painting by Steve Bylsma

Steve Bylsma: When Art and Science Meet

by Kelli Samson for OLY ARTS Growing up in Bothell, Steve Bylsma loved drawing the natural world. The 2011 Evergreen State College graduate and freelance artist continually brings art and nature together. Bylsma enjoys creative problem solving, so his set-design work for Olympia Family Theater has been a perfect fit. “I generally enjoy designing sets …

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photo by documentarian Anne Paq

Obliterated Families Film Screening

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS The effects of war and military offenses echo through a community long after the battles end. It’s a harsh reality that’s often forgotten, but photographer Anne Paq and journalist Ala Qandil hope to bring the issue back into mainstream media with their independent film Obliterated Families: Intimate Portraits of …

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Kathy Dorgan

Kathy Dorgan: Storyteller

by Kelli Samson for OLY ARTS Kathy Dorgan, a member of the Washington State Thespians Teacher Hall of Fame, is celebrating 20 years of directing plays at Olympia High School. If not for a broken leg as a teen, however, this California native and former athlete might have taken a very different path. “I was …

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Corinna Luyken

2017: Corinna Luyken at Captain Little

by Kelli Samson for OLY ARTS Most kids love to draw. The difference between artists like Corinna Luyken and many of us is she never stopped when she grew up. Luyken’s first book, The Book of Mistakes, was inspired by her young daughter crumpling her own artwork for the first time, declaring its imperfection. Luyken …

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Weekend Preview: April 14, 2017

WEEKEND PREVIEW is your weekly guide to events in Thurston County. This week, Olympia brings stunning musical performances, laugh-out-loud improv shows and a hearty dose of storytelling to keep you entertained each night. Get ready for another week of pure entertainment!   Click here to listen to our podcast version of Weekend Preview, sponsored by Shur-Kleen Car …

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Terren Zander and Olympia Poetry Network

Olympia Poetry Network Celebrates the Dead (Poets)

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS Once a month, the lights at Traditions Café dim and the noise of a room packed with poets and novelists dies down to a hushed whisper. The crowd anxiously awaits one of Thurston County’s highest-regarded and longest-standing literary events: the Olympia Poetry Network’s monthly reading and open-mic session. This …

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Torrey Pines

Clyde-o-Scope at The Evergreen State College

by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS As a medium, stop-motion animation has been around for well over 100 years, being first introduced by J. Stuart Blackton and Albert E. Smith in 1897’s The Humpty Dumpty Circus. A new stop-motion film, Torrey Pines, will be screened at The Evergreen State College on April 19. Clyde Petersen …

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La Petite Maison

Fine French Cuisine at La Petite Maison

by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS In a little house on Olympia’s west side, Justin Wells creates cassoulet, chateaubriand and morel tarts while Zoe Wells welcomes diners looking to celebrate an anniversary or enjoy a solo meal over a glass of Beaujolais. La Petite Maison, which the couple started six years ago, has received praise …

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Norway Day, photo by Joanne Gray

Norway Day in Lacey

by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Jippi! Norway Day returns to Thurston County, going strong in its 11th year. Guests are encouraged to attend the annual festival to experience Nordic culture, kindly hosted by the Sons of Norway and Daughters of Norway. “We just love putting on Norway Day, and we hope the public loves …

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Garrison Keillor

Weekend Preview: April 7, 2017

WEEKEND PREVIEW is your weekly guide to events in Thurston County. This week, there are enough high-profile author talks and beautiful classical music performances to keep you bouncing between venues.  Grab your tickets quick, before the seats fill and the lights dim.    Click here to listen to our podcast version of Weekend Preview, sponsored by …

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