Who We Are
Watch to learn more about hummingbird studio and our future plans!
*Our lovely video was created by Cameron Holley-Fowlkes & Sophia Edwards*
What We Do
Established in 2015, hummingbird studio is a free, accessible, and inclusive community art program located in downtown Olympia. We believe that art belongs to everyone and provide the supplies and space for people to get in touch with their creativity and connect with people they may not otherwise meet. Artists work independently or with as minimal support as necessary to express their personal vision. There is no instruction or critique. However, we have weekly themes that artists may choose to use in their art. hummingbird studio was created with the belief that art is an essential part of the human experience and critical to a healthy, vibrant community.
We host weekly art sessions at Friendship Hall at the YWCA in collaboration with our friends at The Liberation Collective.
Friendship Hall: 220 Union Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
In-person sessions are every TUESDAY and THURSDAY at the following times:
SESSION 1: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
SESSION 2: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
SESSION 3: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Caregivers are required for artists who need assistance with personal care. We encourage everyone to participate at their comfort level. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Online sessions : temporarily on hiatus.
Registration is required. Please email us for more information or to reserve a seat. Come check us out-make art, make friends! We look forward to the opportunity to create in community with you.
Our fiscal sponsor, Kokua Services provides supported living for adults with disabilities in Thurston County. Their mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the support needed to live full and meaningful lives. Click here to sign up for Kokua’s Spirit newsletter.
hummingbird studio is honored to receive funding via the Inspire Olympia initiative through the City of Olympia for 2024-2025. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the City of Olympia Arts Commission for their ongoing support.
“Our daughter has never been comfortable in the disabled community. However, she has both the desire and need to interact with others and widen her circle of acquaintances. The hummingbird studio approach focusing on serving people of ALL abilities provides opportunities for everyone involved to participate in a community that is based on mutual respect and support.” – Parent of a hummingbird studio artist
Your donation keeps hummingbird studio open!
hummingbird studio is supported, in part, by grants from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are proud to be a 2024 recipient of ArtsFund’s Community Accelerator grant funded by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. We’re also supported by a grant from The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound and by participation in Give Local, an online giving campaign for non-profits across Thurston, Mason, and Lewis county.
“My time at hummingbird studio has shown me the beauty and resilience of people. It taught me the importance of human connection and creativity. Above all, it has shown me what an inclusive environment looks like. No matter their age, class, sex, race, gender, or ability, everyone is accepted for who they are. It is what society promises to be but isn’t.”
- hummingbird studio volunteer
