As the name implies, The Carpenter’s House was created by a real, local carpenter. Justin La Gra, owner of Steadfast Remodeling and La Gra’s Specialty Woodworking, wanted to create something special: a place where artists and craftsmen could come together. A place to showcase their skills to the community while building their own micro-community.
A Need for His Woodworking Craft in Olympia Turned Into a Broader Mission
“For Justin La Gra, the need was personal and practical,” shares Alexis Mellons of The Carpenter’s House. “As a woodworker, Justin found that Olympia lacked key resources he relied on, things like access to specialty lumber, high-quality woodworking tools, and spaces that truly supported large-scale, professional craft. Those gaps made it difficult not only to source materials, but also to present finished work in a way that felt appropriate to its scale and value.”
He also realized there was a lack of places with local artists to showcase their work for longer than a pop-up event, like the Arts Walks, with more space for larger pieces. “As a maker, it was difficult to find spaces where I could display my own works, given their size and value,” shares Justin La Gra.
Rounding out his vision included a family-friendly space, where literally the entire community could come. “It’s a place where families can experience art, music, demonstrations, and hands-on learning together, without worrying about whether the content is appropriate for kids,” shares Alexis. “In that sense, The Carpenter’s House isn’t just filling a logistical need. It’s offering Olympia a welcoming, inclusive space where craftsmanship, creativity, and community can coexist under one roof.”
The Carpenter’s House is the result of that dream. It opened on December 1, 2025, with an open house event.
“Since then, we’ve hosted two Artist Showcase events, which have helped set the tone for what the space is meant to be: a place where craft, creativity, and community come together,” shares Alexis.
The 4,000-square-foot space is divided into two areas: the main gallery, with over 2,000 square feet of open space, and the rest, a little under 2,000 square feet has room for specialty hardwood inventory, workshop/class space, and for the Carpenter’s Café, a coffee shop opening 2026.
“Together, the layout allows the space to function as both a gallery and a working creative hub,” shares Alexis.
Olympia’s The Carpenter’s House is Intentionally Vague
“At its core, The Carpenter’s House is a multi-use creative hub built to support both making and gathering,” explains Alexis. “The space offers a curated art gallery, a professional live recording studio operated by Tahoma Studio, woodworking and arts classes, and a flexible event venue that can host everything from intimate showcases to hands-on workshops.”
The term “creative venue” is vague, and that’s on purpose. “As a creative venue, The Carpenter’s House is intentionally flexible,” shares Alexis. “We both curate our own programming and open the doors for others to use the space in ways that make sense for their work.”
So, the answers to questions like, “Are you creating your own events?” “Do you host events for others?” “Is this a space people can rent out to hold their own events?” are yes, yes and yes!
The Carpenter’s House offers monthly Artist Showcases, where artists can have their work on display. “These events are paired with live music, with a local musician performing in the space while guests explore the artwork, shop from local vendors, and enjoy thoughtfully catered food and drinks, creating an immersive and communal experience,” adds Alexis.
They also have a Standard Gallery Display for longer-term exhibits. Multiple artists will be on display in the Standard Gallery, giving the public time to come and enjoy them as much as they want at events and during their regular business hours.
There are opportunities to be a vendor at events as well. Or, maybe you want to teach a class – or take one – through their workshop calendar.
Or, you can have your event in a flexible space. “The space is also available to rent for private events, workshops, or creative gatherings,” says Alexis. “The goal is to keep The Carpenter’s House dynamic, collaborative and responsive to the creative community around it.”
You can help The Carpenter’s House be successful by attending events and supporting the artists who have worked so hard on their crafts. You can also sign up for a class or commission a one-of-a-kind piece from one of the makers.
Follow The Carpenter’s House on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website to learn about upcoming events and workshops.
“The Carpenter’s House is designed to feel welcoming and alive,” finishes Alexis. “It’s a place where fine art shares space with raw design, where music fills the gallery during shows, and where conversations naturally spark between artists, builders, musicians, and visitors.”
The Carpenter’s House
212 Legion Way SW, Olympia
