Some Arts Walk standouts not to miss
‘World’ view
“This Old World,” a group exhibition opening Friday for Arts Walk, is a new kind of exhibition at Olympia’s oldest gallery, Childhood’s End. The experimental films of Sally Cloninger, making their Olympia debut in a temporary screening room in the gallery, inspired the exhibition, curated by Cloninger and Marilyn Frasca. The couple invited old and new friends to participate in the show, selecting pieces that expressed each artist’s world view and connected in some way with Cloninger’s dreamlike films and Frasca’s archetypal prints, in which figures inhabit a world that is both like and unlike this one. The show will be on view through June 11 at the gallery, 222 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia.
What snowmen do in spring
It might seem a bit out of season to sing along to “Frozen II” at spring Arts Walk (or maybe not, given that recent weather has included both snow and hail). But Olaf, the film’s indomitable snowman, knows no season. The sing-along version of is screening Saturday, April 29, at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The center has offered sing-along films in conjunction with November’s Downtown for the Holidays program, and is aiming to start a new tradition of spring sing-alongs, according to executive director Jill Barnes. There’ll also be a costume contest as part of the 6 p.m. event, hosted again by the glamorous Lauren O’Neill. “Taking the stage again … to lead a sing-along feels unreal,” she said. “I am excited and nervous to be with everyone and share in the wonder and magic of singing together to a movie we all love, Frozen II.” Tickets are $10. Also at the center for Arts Walk is “Measured,” an exhibition of paintings by Nathan Barnes (who is, in fact, Jill Barnes’ husband, but clearly got the exhibition on his merit). The paintings vary wildly in subject matter, including both surreal juxtapositions and beautifully illuminated street scenes, but were all “carefully observed,” according to the artist’s statement. There’s an opening reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, and the exhibition is on view at performances and by appointment through May 14.
Music, music, music
Olympia’s twice-yearly Arts Walk might be one of the few times when visual art gets the chance to bask in the spotlight. The Olympian applauds that but also is compelled to share news of the auditory arts as well. Here’s a sampling of musical highlights:
• Mercury Rising, Olympia’s own Queen tribute band, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 at Wild Man Brewing Gastropub, 414 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. There’s no cover charge, and all ages are welcome.
• The Bridge Music Project’s Performance Flowcase, showcasing original songs by graduates of the nonprofit’s songwriting workshops, starts at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
• The Olympia Peace Choir’s “Here Comes the Sun,” begins at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 at First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore is beyond excited that Arts Walk is back in its full glory. She talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.
This story was originally published April 27, 2023 at 4:55 AM.