The Arts Make Better Communities!

In communities large and small, arts and culture are important contributors to the quality of life for residents. With the voter-approved Metropolitan Park District in place, there is now additional funding for parks facilities maintenance and enhanced recreation programming - including cultural arts. We hope you'll get involved in one of our upcoming arts workshops, programs, and events. 

Arts Events

Arts Volunteering

Upcoming Classes/Programs

Arts & Ideas Lecture Series

Join us for the Tumwater Arts & Ideas Lecture Series. Each evening will consist of mini-lectures on topics related to that evening’s theme. Thanks to South Puget Sound Community College and the PARC Foundation for supporting this event. Lectures are free but pre-registration is required.

Dates/Topics:  Thursday, November 6 – The Business of Art
Thursday, December 4 – Film in the South Sound
Time: 6 to 7 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: SPSCC Brewing and Distilling Campus 
4200 Capitol Blvd SE, Suite 100, Tumwater, WA 98501
Age: 18 and up 
Min/Max: 5/40
Fee: FREE; pre-registration required

November 6 - The Business of Art: This evening will consist of two mini-lectures with economic development professionals, artists, gallerists, and other individuals important to the Thurston County creative economy. Lectures will cover topics such as creating art, the importance of local galleries, and how cities and economic development entities can support artists and their business efforts. Light refreshments will be provided.
Percival Creek will invite attendees to join them in their Craft District tasting room after the event for a 20% discount.   

December 4 - Film in the South Sound: This evening will consist of three mini-lectures with film industry professionals and other individuals important to film making in the South Sound. Lectures will cover topics such as screenwriting, production, and the efforts to support local filmmaking. Light refreshments will be provided.  

Register online today!

Color Your Canvas Painting Parties

Have you wanted to paint like Bob Ross? Join us for step-by-step painting workshops and create your own masterpiece to take home. No experience is required, just the desire to paint. Price includes supplies, coffee and tea. Registration Deadline is one week prior to each workshop. Pre-registration required. 

 6 - 8 p.m. Old Town Center. Ages 16 and up. $45 fee per session.

Thursday, September 18 (Autumn Blue Pumpkin Painting)
Thursday, October 16 (Cat and Moon)
Thursday, November 13 (Snowman Celebration)
Thursday, December 11 (Nutcracker)

Register online for classes. Questions? Contact Parks & Recreation staff: tumwaterparks@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4160.

For more information on the Tumwater Arts Program:

Contact Tumwater Arts Specialist, Britt Bowman via email (bbowman@ci.tumwater.wa.us) or call 360-252-5499 ext. 3254.