Submitted by Arbutus Folk School
The Arbutus Folk School will host an open house grand opening on Saturday, October 19th from 3-9pm at its new 3,800 square foot campus across from Olympia City Hall. The school features a woodshop, ceramics studio, space for a wide variety of workshops and performances, a crafter’s gallery and supply store. The school is a venue for Northwest folk crafters and artisans to share their skill through workshops and events.
The grand opening will offer a taste of the classes and activities offered at the school. Woodworkers, potters and spinners will offer hands-on demonstrations, blacksmithing wares will be on display, and kids can participate in a corn-husk doll workshop. Western swing band Back Porch Swing will perform from 4-6 and will be followed by storytellers Joe and Paula McHugh whose enthralling tales will delight young and old. Local light refreshments will be provided by Jennifer Witherspoon, Wobbly Cart Farm, Abby’s Cupcakes, Nineveh Assyrian and Whitewood Cider.
The school’s founders will give a brief presentation of their vision and activities to the community at 5 pm and will be on hand for discussions throughout the day.
The Arbutus Folk School’s mission is to enrich lives and build community by teaching crafts of the Pacific Northwest Region in a student- centered, non-competitive learning environment that inspires the hands, heart and mind.
More information about the school can be found at www.arbutusfolkschool.org
