Moving

Arbutus Folk School is moving one block up to a bigger space at 705 4th Ave E!

Our new home will have air conditioning, a parking lot, and more space for classes. The ceilings are high, the lighting is bright, and new possibilities are unfolding!

Read on for info about our moving fund, volunteer needs, and more ways to help.

Moving Fund

This is an exciting change, but it’s a BIG job for our small staff, and we’re on a tight timeline. We must be out of our current space and into our new one this December. Your support is vital to making this move happen. Our goal is to raise $18,000 by November 30th to pay for moving costs and the expense of building out the new space with a woodshop, ceramics studio, fiber lab, and flexible event space.

Donate Now

$18087

Raised!
Thank you!

Volunteers Needed

We will also need your “people power” to make this move happen! We will need help hauling things from one building to the next, building shelves and cabinets, organizing our supplies, and much more. If you can join our volunteer team to support this effort, fill out this simple form and stay tuned for more info.

Volunteer Sign-up

Donate Tools & Equipment

More tools and equipment will be needed to bring our new space to its full potential. Donated items help us stretch our limited resources farther and make a direct impact on the community members and artists who will use them for years to come.

In-Kind Needs

Support our Programs

Help us host guest artists representing vibrant cultures of the Northwest, create artist residencies and music events, and offer accessible programming with diverse community partners in our new space. Donate on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis to support the expansion of these important programs.

Pledge Now

Share the News

Please help us spread the word! Arbutus has always been a grassroots community-powered folk arts school, and we need your help to create a network of strong support in this critical moment. Please let loved ones know about this change, and how they can help!

What is the most important thing I can do to help right now?

Right now, the most important way you can help Arbutus Folk School with this move is by donating to our moving fund to help us furnish and improve the new space. Thank you for your support!

Can businesses help support the move?

Yes! If your company is interested in a sponsorship opportunity to support our move, contact Hillary at hillary@arbutusfolkschool.org. Sponsorship of our move will be available in November and December of 2023, with sponsoring businesses featured in our new, highly visible windows on 4th Ave!

What will the new space be like?

There will be a ceramics studio and kiln room, woodshop, and flexible space used for fiber arts classes, events, and more. We will offer an open house in the new year so you can see and celebrate the new space!

Where will my class take place?

In the midst of this transition, assume your class is happening in the location already listed unless you hear otherwise from our staff. Some classes may move from the old location to the new one in between sessions. Thank you for your flexibility and patience with this process.

How does this impact artist residencies?

Artist residencies will be delayed until the new year as we move and settle into the new space. Please feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in this program, and learn more here.

What is the address of the new location?

705 4th Ave E. This new location is one block up from our current location.

Will you be sub-leasing space to artists and makers in the new building?

Yes, we will open applications for rental of limited upstairs space after we move to the new location. You may be familiar with this model as we have hosted Classic Hound Collar Co. in our 610 4th Ave space, where their employees come to sew and assemble products in the room beneath our office. We will share more about available space soon, but inquiries are welcome in the meantime at info@arbutusfolkschool.org.

What is your mailing address?

For now, you can send us mail at our usual mailing address:
120 State Ave NE #298
Olympia, WA 98501

When will you need volunteer support?

Volunteer needs are sent by email to those who sign up here. The majority of the move will take place in the first 3 weeks of December. Thank you for supporting Arbutus Folk School!

When will you be out of the old space and into the new?

Our goal is to be operational in the new space by the end of 2023!

Contact Us

Info@ArbutusFolkSchool.org

(360) 350-0187

Our office is currently staffed Mon-Fri for phone & email support.

Open Office Hours: Tuesdays 10am-1pm

Mailing Address

120 State Ave NE #298
Olympia, WA 98501

Physical Address

610 4th Ave E.
Olympia, WA 98501