Welcome to Arbutus Folk School! Our mission is to enrich lives and build community through experiential learning in arts, craft, and culture.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit based in Olympia, Washington offering year-round classes, workshops, resources, events, and artist residencies with a focus on ceramics, music, woodworking, blacksmithing, fiber arts, glass arts, and folk & traditional arts.
Over a thousand unique individuals took a class with us in 2024, and hundreds more attended our events. Over sixty artists led programs in music, woodworking, ceramics, dyeing, weaving, glass arts, and much more. Click here to see highlights of the last year at Arbutus Folk School.
We are working to
Public support is critical for us to fulfill our mission and to continue expanding access to arts and culture for all.
Depending on the subject, our classes will vary in length, number of students and cost. Some classes may be taught in a single session or some may meet several times a week for several months.
All are welcome to take classes with us – there is no application, and classes are designed for all skill levels, including beginners, unless otherwise noted.
You can view our course catalog here. Click on class listings to sign up online, or call our office to enroll over the phone.
Recent students have shared this about our classes:
“I loved learning Makah traditional basketry from a Makah elder and youth. Such a wonderfully well taught class! Loved it!”
“Loved the connection with everyone weaving together.”
“Loved learning something I could never learn otherwise.”
“Hands-on, great environment for someone who has never touched woodshop machines!”
“It was really fun to do something completely different… [and] spending time with other people working together.”
In addition to our craft classes, here is some of the other work we are doing year-round to enrich lives and build community through gatherings, skill-building opportunities, and access to space & equipment:
Member – Folk Education Association of America
Arbutus Folk School
705 4th Ave E, Ste 101
Olympia, WA 98506
info@arbutusfolkschool.org
(360) 350-0187
Open Hours: Mondays–Fridays 11am-2pm.
Drop in for a tour and more.
Hours of Operation: 9am–9pm every day.
Class schedules vary. See catalog for current classes
Open Shop | Open Studio
Facebook @arbutusfolkschool
Instagram @arbutusfolk
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