How do you pronounce "Arbutus"?
We usually say “Ar-BYOO-tus” – but you can say it however you like!
When are you open?
Classes are held between 9am and 9pm throughout the week, and registered students come and go according to their class schedule. Arbutus Folk School is open to the general public on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and by appointment at info@arbutusfolkschool.org or 360-350-0187. We hope to resume more open hours when our staffing has recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Where do I park?
If you’re looking for parking to attend a class or event at Arbutus, you will find plenty of downtown-area street parking in our immediate vicinity. This parking is metered during weekday business hours and free on evenings and weekends. The closest free parking would be street parking near Harbor Church, a short walk away from our facilities. The bus is another great way to get downtown — it’s easy and free to ride!
Do you sell gift certificates for your classes?
Are masks required?
Please read your course description carefully to learn whether masks are required for your class. For classes in which masks are not required, they remain welcome and encouraged.
Do you fire work for members of the community?
Yes! Read more here.
Is clay for sale?
Due to supply chain challenges, clay is not available for purchase at this time.
What clay do you use in your studio?
WMP from Clay Art Center in Tacoma. We fire to cone 6. In the event that WMP is unavailable, we may substitute Oregon White.
When can I pick up my pottery?
Students can pick up their work at least two weeks after their class has ended, during the Open Studio times listed below. Work that is not picked up after 30 days will be discarded.
- Mondays 6-9pm
- Thursdays 2-5pm
- Sundays 9am-12pm
I received an email saying my registration is "Registered Not Paid". How do I finalize my registration?
A “Registered Not Paid” status occurs when a session times out or a student is otherwise unable to pay while completing the registration process.
You do not have a seat in the class until payment is complete.
To make a payment, log in to your student account and pay via the “Make a Payment” button in the lefthand menu.
If for any reason this process does not work, we are happy to process your payment over the phone or via emailed invoice. Please contact us at 360-350-0187 or info@arbutusfolkschool.org. Email is best – please include your name as it is spelled in the registration system.
After we receive your payment, your registration will be finalized and your spot in the class will be secured.
How do waitlists work?
If you are interested in a class that has already filled, you will have the option to join the waitlist for the class. We encourage students to pursue this option, as there is usually a fair chance of other students dropping out.
When an enrolled student drops out, we contact students on the waitlist in the order of sign-up, offering the spot and asking for confirmation by a given deadline. Waitlisted students interested in taking the opened spot will need to make a payment via their student account in order to secure their seat. If we don’t hear from you before the given deadline, we will offer the spot to the next student on the waitlist.
Unfortunately, we are unable to notify waitlisted students every time a similar class is open for registration so please keep an eye on our website, newsletter, and socials for class announcements!
How do I use my class credit?
If you are holding class credit in your account, please call or email us to sign up for your next class and we will apply your balance to your registration! info@arbutusfolkschool.org | 360-350-0187
What is your cancellation policy for students?
You can view our cancellation policies here.
What if I miss a class?
Do you host Open Mic Nights?
Yes! Learn more here.
Are alcoholic beverages available or allowed at Arbutus Folk School classes?
Do you offer private group classes?
Yes, we are happy to work with you to develop a private, fixed-rate class for your family or group of friends in ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking, and other possibilities. Cost varies depending on materials and time. To make arrangements, email info@arbutusfolkschool.org.
Do you rent out your facilities for meetings and events?
Yes! In our convenient downtown location (610 4th Ave E) we have an 8-12 person meeting room available for rent between 9am and 9pm any day of the week. Contact info@arbutusfolkschool.org for pricing, amenities, and availability.
Can I have your sawdust?
Arbutus does have some sawdust, but not as much as you would find at a cabinet shop or other commercial woodworking business. If you are looking for repeated access to sawdust, better check elsewhere. However, if you’d like to take home a trash bag of sawdust just once or twice, we are happy to make arrangements for that with you. Contact info@arbutusfolkschool.org to make a plan.
How can I support Arbutus Folk School?
Thank you so much for being a supporter of Arbutus Folk School!
Signing up for classes and participating in our events is an excellent way to support the School. Encourage friends and family to join you!
Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Help us spread the word about special events, job openings, and fun classes.
Meet with us to discuss volunteer opportunities — interesting projects abound, and helpers are so appreciated!
Send us your “testimonial” sharing how Arbutus has positively impacted you, or send us photos from your classes or showing what you created.
Tell artists to check out employment opportunities with us, especially ceramicists, woodworkers, and artists working in an ethnic or cultural tradition.
Contribute art or other items to our fundraising auctions and sales, or donate items such as printer paper, envelopes, thank you cards, dry erase markers, nametags, permanent markers, pottery wheels, spinning wheels, looms, or other tools, equipment, or materials — contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org to discuss!
Include Arbutus Folk School in your estate plan; make a donation; create a memorial fund in honor of a loved one; sponsor an event, program, or workshop series; hold a fundraiser for Arbutus on your Facebook; give stocks or other assets, or designate Arbutus for your IRA distributions; offer a matching gift that will inspire others to donate — and more! Please contact Hillary at hillary@arubtusfolkschool.org for more information about these or other options for financial support of the School!
There are many more ways to support Arbutus – please get connected with us to learn more! info@arbutusfolkschool.org | 360-350-0187
Where can I take other fun classes? (welding, painting, arduino...)
There are several local organizations offering hands-on classes and events:
The Lacey MakerSpace is a community workspace that provides affordable access to state-of-the-art equipment through instruction, mentoring and training opportunities to everyone, regardless of their skill level. They strive to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, skill building and collaboration. Example class: Welding
OlyMEGA (Olympia Makers, Engineers, Geeks and Artists) is an open maker community with regular class offerings and access to maker space. Members share their knowledge, learn from others, and create from what they learn. Their shared workshop is located at the rear of 312 4th Avenue E., Olympia, WA. They have a weekly Open House on Thursday Night starting at 7pm. Example class: Arduino
Olympia Lamplighters is a downtown Olympia art gallery and coworking space for artists and creators. They offer a recording booth for audio artists, desks for individual artists, a resource library, as well as classes and workshops to improve artistic skills. Example class: Drawing
Community Print is a community letterpress studio operating in Downtown Olympia and offers both introductory and specialty classes in letterpress, bookmaking, printmaking, and more, as well as 24/7 access for members to reserve presses.
Here at Arbutus Folk School, we offer community classes in ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts, blacksmithing, and more. Workspace is available in our downtown Oly woodshop, weaving lab, and ceramics studio. We also offer artist residencies for continued practice in these crafts.
Be sure to also check your City’s recreation program for classes, as well as local artists offering classes in their studio.
