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The Magical Arts of Olympia

Elegant aerial silk performance featuring a dancer with red hair, black attire, and dramatic red curtains, emphasizing art, dance, acrobatics, and performing arts elements.
Aerial silk dancer with red hair performing on red fabric backdrop, showcasing strength, flexibility, and artistic expression in the performing arts.
written and photographed by Bill Purcell

Considering Olympia is the capital of Washington, people are often surprised at how small the city of Olympia is. However, despite its size, Olympia has a large and robust community of performance artists. On any given day throughout the city, it is easy to find yourself entertained and awed by the talents of these artist — from aerialists performing high in the air at a local park (or bar!), an impromptu concert on a neighborhood porch, to a clown … well … clowning around in the streets. This encouraging and inclusive artistic community is truly unique and at the heart of what gives Olympia much of its character.

Naomi demonstrates her balancing skill by bottle walking at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia.
Naomi demonstrates her balancing skill by bottle walking at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia.
Colorful tie-dye crop top with rainbow windmill prop, young woman with red hair and confident expression, vibrant fashion shoot for 1889 Magazine, bold summer style, creative art photography.
Lindsay rehearses at the Airbound Arts studio before performing at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show at The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
Manual ropes act circus aerial performance.
Aerialist Aeric at the Airbound Arts studio.
Colorful clown with bright yellow hair and theatrical makeup sitting at a table with plush toys, in a dimly lit room with dark red walls, capturing a whimsical, artistic, and expressive scene.
One of Marlo’s many clown personas.
Eclectic musicians performing outdoors, featuring a woman with an accordion and wide-brimmed hat, and a man with a banjo and quirky hats, in a lush park setting for 1889 Magazine.
Luz and Francis perform at a neighborhood yard party.
Elegant female gymnast performing flexibility pose on stage with red curtain in background, showcasing athleticism and grace.
Lili prepares at the Airbound Arts studio before performing at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show at The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
Elegant aerialist performing in circus-style act with red silk fabric at 1889 Magazine event.
Em Ro at Airbound Arts before her performance at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show.
Colorful clown costume with bright polka dots and ruffled accessories at an outdoor event, featuring joyful performers, a dog in playful attire, and a whimsical setting.
Marlo (center), Luz (right) and Pal (left) hang out prior to an outdoor show in Olympia.
Vibrant woman with tattoos in nature, wearing colorful, fruit-themed clothing and a leaf headpiece, surrounded by tall grass and green foliage.
Kieran at an outdoor show in Olympia.
Elegant aerial silk performance featuring a dancer with red hair, black attire, and dramatic red curtains, emphasizing art, dance, acrobatics, and performing arts elements.
Naomi watches aerial performances in the park. Sparrow Studios is one of two aerialist studios in Olympia.
Swing dancer in colorful costume performing on aerial strap outdoors with lush green foliage in background.
Kieran performs at an outdoor show in Olympia.
Colorful tie-dye crop top with rainbow windmill prop, young woman with red hair and confident expression, vibrant fashion shoot for 1889 Magazine, bold summer style, creative art photography.
Mirrah performs at the monthly aerial show at the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
Manual ropes act circus aerial performance.
Lindsay performs at the monthly Brotherhood Lounge aerial show.
Colorful clown with bright yellow hair and theatrical makeup sitting at a table with plush toys, in a dimly lit room with dark red walls, capturing a whimsical, artistic, and expressive scene.
Giselle performing in her home studio.
Eclectic musicians performing outdoors, featuring a woman with an accordion and wide-brimmed hat, and a man with a banjo and quirky hats, in a lush park setting for 1889 Magazine.
Chelsea at Airbound Arts before performing at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show at the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.

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