Space for Rent at 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 offering year-round classes, workshops, events, and artist residencies with a focus on ceramics, music, woodworking, blacksmithing, fiber arts, glass arts, and folk & traditional arts. Most of these programs take place in our downtown facilities at 705 4th Ave E, Ste 101.
Our front classroom space at the above address, which is used for fiber arts classes, music events, and other programming for Arbutus Folk School, is also available for rent by outside organizations and individuals who would like to use the space on a one-time basis for their own events or gatherings.
This use of space must be aligned with the Arbutus Folk School mission. An approved use is one that is aligned with our mission of enriching the lives of participants or building community. As a result, eligible uses could include trainings, meetings, clubs, and other related practices.
Events that duplicate our own services to the community are not eligible for front room rental, e.g. art classes and crafting workshops that are open to the general public; however, art classes and crafting workshops held by and for private groups (not open to the general public) are eligible for front room rental.
If groups are interested in hosting events like this in our space, they are very welcome to approach us with a proposal to partner or co-present an event together with Arbutus Folk School. Individual artists interested in teaching out of our space are encouraged to learn more about joining our staff by visiting our “Employment” webpage or inquiring with our office.
About our Space
Our front classroom space is approximately 1200sf, located on the first floor with ramp and stair access from an indoor lobby shared with Courtyard Antiques. The room is brightly lit by two banks of windows and overhead lights and is furnished with 6 rolling tables, with both padded and non-padded chairs available for table seating or for rows and circles. The room includes a working electric range and AV equipment, which are available for your use as part of the rental. Use of looms and art supplies stored in the room are not included in the rental.
Two all-gender bathrooms with grab-bars are available in the back of the building. Members of the public, including participants or leaders of rental groups, are not allowed in the upstairs portion of the building except by permission (e.g. for use of a refrigerator or microwave upstairs).
Transit options are plentiful in our immediate area. Bicycles are welcome to park up front or inside, and we are proud to be in Olympia’s walkable downtown core. Vehicle parking is available in a dedicated lot on the east side of the building, as well as metered street parking throughout downtown.
Booking our Space
All rentals are subject to approval by an advisory board. We reserve the right to deny requests for space rental for any reason. This could include Arbutus Folk School programming needs or capacity limitations, unrelated to the renter’s eligibility.
When scheduling your booking, please be clear about your needs so that we can be sure the rental is a good fit. Unless renters specify otherwise, for example, there may be other events and classes happening in the building during your rental period. Please be prepared for minor disruptions such as Arbutus Folk School customers entering the building and passing through the front room to reach the woodshop or ceramics studio; you may also find that co-scheduled events or classes happening elsewhere in the building make noises that can be heard from the front room, such as power tools or music. We are happy to accommodate your need for a quieter environment, but must be notified of this at time of scheduling.
For rentals that do coincide with Arbutus Folk School events in the building, please do not create any excessive disruptions; for example, it is fine for members of your group to pass through the woodshop and ceramics studio to reach the bathrooms, but do not unduly distract the instructors or students in those rooms when classes are in session.
Rental Amenities
Group sizes are limited to 45 people or fewer, unless by special permission.
We will provide:
- Up to 9 tables – 6 rolling tables, 3 folding tables
- Up to 45 chairs – padded and unpadded available
- Easel with whiteboard and markers
- Cleaning supplies
- Media cart with TV and HDMI cord
- Wifi access
- 2 bathrooms
- Trash can be left in designated cans, but take recycling with you.
Scheduling
Front room rentals can be requested from 9am to 9pm daily, but will be subject to availability of space and staffing; we will provide you with scheduling options upon approval by the advisory committee. Requests may be submitted between 10 and 2 weeks prior to desired event date. Use our Rental Request Form to submit your request.
Pricing
Pricing is as follows:
Mornings & Afternoons: Your event is held exclusively during 9am-5pm.
- Up to 4 hours: $65
- Up to 8 hours: $95
- Add $55 to total for a Saturday or Sunday schedule.
Evenings: Your event is held exclusively or partially during 5pm-9pm.
- Up to 4 hours: $95
- Up to 8 hours: $125
- Up to 12 hours: $200
- Add $55 to total for a Saturday or Sunday schedule.
Reservation time is counted from scheduled time of arrival to actual time of departure. Please reserve enough time for yourself to set up and clean up.
Payment is due upon booking but is refundable up to 24 hours before your event start time. In cases of cancellation, please notify our staff as soon as possible.
We will require additional payment toward any costs incurred due to damage by your event. Please do not reserve the space if you do not have a budget set aside for an accident incurring additional costs.
Expectations
Leave the room in good condition when concluding your event. The space should be as clean as it was when you arrived. Please use the cleaning supplies provided.
We must receive one of the following for all bookings:
- Certificate of Liability in the renter’s name, or
- Any participants present in the space must sign an Arbutus Folk School liability waiver.
You are responsible for upholding safe practices while operating in the space and must ensure the safety of all event participants. In any marketing or communications concerning your event, it must be clear that Arbutus Folk School is your rented venue and not the property of the presenting organization.
Thank you for considering a room rental at Arbutus Folk School. Your payment contributes to our general operating budget, allowing us to expand our services to the community and make a greater impact through the arts. Thank you!
Contact: info@arbutusfolkschool.org | 360-350-0187
