Olympia aerial artist Giselle performs in her home studio.
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.
Lindsay rehearses at the Airbound Arts studio before performing at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show at The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
Aerialist Aeric at the Airbound Arts studio.
One of Marlo’s many clown personas.
Luz and Francis perform at a neighborhood yard party.
Lili prepares at the Airbound Arts studio before performing at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show at The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
Em Ro at Airbound Arts before her performance at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show.
Marlo (center), Luz (right) and Pal (left) hang out prior to an outdoor show in Olympia.
Kieran at an outdoor show in Olympia.
Naomi watches aerial performances in the park. Sparrow Studios is one of two aerialist studios in Olympia.
Kieran performs at an outdoor show in Olympia.
Mirrah performs at the monthly aerial show at the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
Lindsay performs at the monthly Brotherhood Lounge aerial show.
Giselle performing in her home studio.
Chelsea at Airbound Arts before performing at the monthly “Brotherhood Takes Fight” show at the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia.
