Invest in Art, Culture, and Community at Arbutus Folk School
Arbutus Folk School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Olympia, Washington dedicated to enriching lives and building community through experiential learning in arts, craft, and culture.
We offer classes, events, and artist residencies with a focus on ceramics, music, woodworking, blacksmithing, fiber arts, glass arts, and folk & traditional arts. Our studios are located across the Olympia area, with the majority of classes taking place in our downtown studios on 4th Avenue. We are proud to contribute to a vibrant and bustling downtown community.
In order to accomplish this we rely on income from our classes and events, grants, donations, and sponsorships from local leaders just like you. Support from sponsors is critical for us to fulfill our mission and to continue expanding access to arts and culture for all.
Our Mission & Programs
The mission of Arbutus is to enrich lives and build community through experiential learning in arts, craft, and culture. Our programs include:
- We offer classes for all ages in ceramics, fiber arts, metal arts, glass arts, music, woodworking, and more, including classes specifically for BIPOC community members, Spanish-speakers, foster youth, low-income families, and other underserved audiences in our community.
- Guest artists especially artists from Native and ethnic traditions
- Our Artists in Residence program supports Olympia area artists.
- We are home to the Olympia Woodworkers Guild.
- We bring folk music to the community with our annual Oly Old-Time Festival, concerts throughout the year, and our monthly Acoustic Open Mic sessions.
Who We Reach
Our classes, programs, and events at our downtown and satellite locations around the county engage community members of all ages. Last year we offered over 300 classes & workshops that engaged over 900 students with over 1,900 enrollments. Click here to see highlights of the year.
What We Need From You
As a 501c3 non-profit, we rely on support from the community to make our programs possible. We pride ourselves on being able to compensate our instructors, artists, and staff for their time and talent, and also face high costs for space, equipment, and materials. Your support as a sponsor significantly increases what we can offer at lower- or no-cost to our community, while sharing your own programs or products with a sizable local audience. Contributions from your business at any level are extremely meaningful to us.
Your sponsorships supports:
- Development for scholarships and reduced-cost classes & events
- Recruiting special guest artists & performers
- Operating our Artist in Residency program
- Expanding classes and outreach
- Purchasing supplies, tools, and equipment
- Investing in our instructors and organizational leadership
- Creating and sustaining partnerships with local social service organizations
- Sustaining our rapid growth since reopening in 2021 – improving our website, expanding accommodations, and increasing our staff.
All donations are tax deductible and go towards increasing arts and cultural experiences in the greater Olympia area.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR 2025
April or October Arts Walk sponsor – $500
*Limited Availability*
Sponsor a free Arts Walk activity at Arbutus Folk School! Your contribution will create accessible arts experiences and increase the vibrancy of our city during this special event. As a sponsor, you will be featured prominently on-site, receive shout-outs on social media, and included in Arts Walk marketing by the City of Olympia. Your contribution goes directly to the presenting artist(s) and materials costs, and your business will be an integral part of the event. You will be supporting our local creative economy and brightening your brand for all to see! For more information, contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org.
