Spring show for local art brings crowds to downtown

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published April 26, 2008

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Arts Walk is here. Procession of the Species, too. So is — gasp! — the sunshine.

Is it safe to say spring is finally here, more than a month after its arrival on the calendar? Sunlight and warm weather greeted the throngs of people who descended on downtown Olympia for the first day of Arts Walk, which opens one of Olympia's biggest weekends of the year.

One-hundred thirty-seven businesses, a record, are participating in the twice-yearly event, showing the work of more than 300 artists. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the two-day event, organizers say.

The intersection of Washington Street and Fifth Avenue was filled with visitors, checking out art and watching the street performers. Conversation and music filled the air. "I like the atmosphere and people, walking around and seeing all the street sights and all the artwork in the stores," said Karen Engel, a paralegal for the state Attorney General's Office who lives in Olympia, during a stop at State of the Arts Gallery, which was showing pastel paintings.

Inside The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, students from a South Puget Sound Community College continuing-education program for metal art were exhibiting works that they spent more hours on than they care to admit.

Margo Westfall called the center the pre-eminent location to showcase art during Arts Walk. "We're thrilled to be here," she said, standing in the black-draped studio as lights reflected off the intricate works. "This really gives a sense of drama to the pieces: the special lighting and special setting."

Fellow student Ron Barnhart, who last year started a business selling his metal art for garden and home use, has experience as both an artist and an observer.

"It's a little less nerve-wracking just to go and look at other people's things, but that's the part that I enjoy. ... It's fun to meet people and talk about what you do and get people's different perspectives on your work," he said of the difference in the roles.

Giles Arendt of Olympia said he has attended Arts Walk since it began in 1990 and that it has spurred collaboration between businesses and artists year-round.

"There's nothing big-box or generic," he said of the art on display, while keeping a watchful eye on his 18-month-old son, Owen. "It's all homemade."

Arts Walk continues from noon to 7 p.m. today. Procession of the Species, the annual parade through downtown Olympia that celebrates nature, begins at 4:30 p.m. The sun is forecast to stick around through the weekend with high temperatures in the upper 60s, according to the National Weather Service, a far cry from last weekend when snow fell on the area.

The Olympia Arts, Parks and Recreation Department and Olympia Arts Commission sponsor Arts Walk with the support of local businesses.

Christian Hill is a reporter for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or chill@theolympian.com.