Arts Commission

COVID-19 Impacts

Boards and commissions will be holding their meetings online until further notice. You can register to attend the Zoom meetings using a link posted in the meeting agendas.

Sculpture at Percival Landing

Purpose

The Arts Commission was created to help enrich the lives of the people of this region by making visual, performing and literary arts vital elements in the life of our community. The Commission works to support local artists through networking, skill development and visibility through a variety of unique opportunities.

Meeting Information

The Arts Commission meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, at 6:00 p.m., in Olympia City Hall Council Chambers, 601 4th Avenue East (unless otherwise noted below).

  • January 9, 2020
  • February 13, 2020
  • March 12, 2020
  • April 9, 2020
  • May 14, 2020
  • June 11, 2020
  • July 9, 2020
  • August 13, 2020
  • September 10, 2020
  • October 8, 2020
  • November 12, 2020
  • December 10, 2020

Get additional meeting details, agendas, and minutes on our online meeting calendar external link.

Members

  • Timothy Grisham, Chair  - term ends 2020
  • Frederick Dobler, Vice-Chair - term ends in 2021
  • Stacy Hicks - term ends 2022
  • Kathy A. Murray - term ends 2021
  • Katherine Williams - term ends 2021
  • Jim Burlingame - term ends 2022
  • Kathryn Dorgan - term ends 2022
  • Rose Emerson - term ends 2023

  • A majority of members of the Olympia Arts Commission must reside in the City of Olympia or Olympia's Urban Growth Area.
  • Term: 3 years, ends March 31
  • Appointed by: Olympia City Council

Subcommittees


The Community Events & Outreach Committee (CEO) provides policy support and direction for Arts Commission programs (except for Public Art).

The Art in Public Places Committee (APP) provides recommendation to Council on acquisition of new artworks for the City’s Public Art Collection.

Questions?

Contact Staff Liaison, Stephanie Johnson, at 360.709.2678 or sjohnso1@ci.olympia.wa.us

  • Register Online, Register Online at Your Convenience
  • Heritage Fountain, Summer Operating Hours
  • Follow Parks Arts and Rec on Twitter for the latest news

City Calendar

City Updates

  • 2021 City budget - Tell us what you think!

    City Council has started the 2021 budget process and wants to know your thoughts. Learn how to comment on our Budget & Financials page.

  • Eviction Rent Assistance Program (ERAP)

    Rental assistance is available for qualifying Thurston County households impacted by COVID-19. Landlords and tenants can learn more about these programs by connecting directly with the Community Action Council of Lewis Mason Thurston Counties or Community Youth Services.

  • Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan

    Are you interested in what we can do locally to tackle climate change? Check out an online open house, review the draft Thruston Climate Mitigation Plan and share your comments at thurstonclimateplan.com.

  • City buildings now open!

    City buildings are now open to the public. Special hours and restrictions are in place. Visit our COVID-19 page for details.

    Customers are reminded that they can still take care of most City business from home on our Online Services page.

  • Council Meetings during COVID-19 Emergency

    City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus emergency, but the Council Chamber will be closed to the public. You can register to watch the meetings live via Zoom (links on our City Council page). Meeting recordings are available the following day on the City's online meeting management system.

    How to comment

    Links to Council (and Council committee) meeting packets will be posted on the City Council page when available (typically 5 days prior to meeting). Once posted, the public can sign up to speak during the public comment period of the meeting when they register to attend or submit comments on agenda items until 4 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments can also be emailed to citycouncil@ci.olympia.wa.us.

  • Meetings

    Agendas and Minutes for City Council and most advisory committees.