By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com
The weather cooperated all weekend, and Arts Walk continued on Saturday in downtown Olympia, with some exhibits scheduled to be on display throughout the month. The pace on
Saturday was quieter, and allowed more time to see art and speak with artists
about their work.
Above:
Pianist Luke Davis, 16, played outside Browser’s Bookstore on Capitol Way for Arts
Walk. Davis said he’s been playing for eight years and has participated at Arts
Walk for six years. He attends Black Hills High School. He says donations are
going toward his college fund, and parts for his car. “My window isn’t staying
up,” he said.
Above: Members of Shahrazad dance Ensemble of Seattle perform at the Olympia Arab Festival yesterday at The Olympia Center.
The Olympia Arab Festival
Coinciding with Arts Walk was the Olympia Arab Festival, sponsored by the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace & Justice.
The theme of its second annual event was “Shuruq II,” which means sunrise. In a celebration of Arab culture, the event featured food, performances, speakers, and children’s activities.
Rachel Corrie, Olympia, was killed in the Gaza Strip
in 2003 as she tried to prevent the demolition of the home of two Palestinian
families.
The Rachel Corrie Foundation was established by Rachel’s family to
continue the work that she hoped to accomplish. The Foundation conducts and
supports programs that foster connections between people that build
understanding, respect and appreciation for differences.
Above:
Laith Amireh, 20, of Amman, Jordan, attends Bellevue College and is taking
courses in computer science and programming. He says he enjoys being part of
the Arabic Culture Student Association, which has 138 members. For more
information about the club, go to www.learnarabicculture.org. This is the
club’s first visit to Olympia.
Above:
Omar demonstrates the fine art of Arabic coffee making at the Olympia-Rafah
Mural today. The smell was irresistible. The result of just one cup made for a very productive afternoon and evening! The site at the mural featured a hookah lounge at last night’s Arts Walk.
For
more information about the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace & Justice, go
to www.rachelcorriefoundation.org.
Arts Walk is sponsored by the City of Olympia Arts Commission and the Department of Parks, Arts & Recreation with plenty of support by local businesses and artists. For more information about Arts Walk, go to www.olympiawa.gov/parks.
