A MESSAGE FROM THE CARPENTER & TEAM
On days in our beautiful PNW—right here in our corner of Olympia—you’ll usually find Justin in the workshop, hands busy, music on, covered in sawdust and canvas fibers. There’s something grounding about building frames from raw wood and stretching canvas tight, knowing each piece will soon hold someone’s vision, their story, their expression.
With the shop doors open and the rhythm of the work in full swing, you get this quiet moment to take it all in—what we’re creating, not just with our hands, but together as a community. Every frame, every stretched canvas becomes part of something bigger than us… something that lives on the walls and in the hearts of the people who walk through our doors.
We’re incredibly grateful to be a small part of it all the artists, the makers, the musicians, and every person who shows up and pours into this space. You’re what bring it to life. Watching it grow into what it was always meant to be… that’s the real reward.
Much love to you all.
MAY’S FEATURED ARTIST
There are works of art that simply occupy a wall and then there are pieces that alter the atmosphere of a space entirely. Natali’s work belongs to the latter.
Her sculptural, textured wall pieces exist at the intersection of painting and relief, where material and light interact in quiet, captivating ways. Using acrylic, modeling paste, resin, and subtle gold accents, she creates luminous surfaces that shift throughout the day, offering a sense of depth that is both visual and emotional. Drawing inspiration from symbolic forms such as flowers and animals, her work explores themes of balance, strength, and transformation-inviting a calm, grounded energy into any environment.
On May 1st, we gather to celebrate Natali and the experience her work creates.
Guests are invited to enjoy an open gallery featuring her latest collection, accompanied by live music, a curated vendor market, and a selection of hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 5:30 PM at 212 Legion Way SW in Olympia.
This evening is designed to be more than an exhibition. It is an opportunity to step into a thoughtfully composed atmosphere where art, community, and conversation come together in a way that feels both rare and memorable.
AN EVENING OF EXPRESSION: THE STEVEN BORELLI SHOWCASE
There was a certain rhythm to the evening—one that unfolded gently, like the first warm stretch of spring. Notes of jazz from musical guests Vince Brown and Jessica Blinn drifted effortlessly through the room, setting the tone for a night that felt both elevated and deeply human. The music carried an ease that wove conversation and connection together, making the space feel alive from the very start.
Guests moved between moments, gathering with a glass in hand, connecting with local vendors, and exploring the layers of creativity throughout the room. There was a sense of discovery—each conversation, each interaction adding to the experience. Nearby, Steven Borelli brought a different kind of energy, creating live art throughout the evening. Watching his process unfold in real time added a dynamic element—art not just displayed, but felt as it came to life in front of us.
Chef Lela Cross curated a spread that mirrored the intention of the night. Delicate spring rolls and perfectly crafted potstickers offered a balance of flavor and comfort, grounding the experience in something familiar yet refined.
As the room filled, anticipation shifted into attention when Steven took his place for a live conversation with Alexandria Brown of Summit View Marketing. What followed was more than an interview. It was a story told with honesty and reflection. He shared the winding path that led him from illustration and design into a more intuitive, abstract practice rooted in instinct and emotion.
In describing his philosophy of “Art for Art’s Sake,” Steven spoke about release—the willingness to let go of rigid beginnings, of overthinking, and of the need to control every outcome. His work, much like his journey, is shaped by trusting what unfolds rather than forcing what should be.
It was a message that resonated far beyond the canvas.
In a room filled with art, music, vendors, and conversation, the takeaway was quietly powerful: sometimes the most meaningful creations—whether in art or in life—come not from holding on, but from letting go.
By the end of the evening, it was clear this was more than a showcase. It was a shared experience—one that blended sound, flavor, story, and live expression into something that lingered long after the last note faded.
OLYMPIA ARTS WALK
During Olympia Arts Walk, the city transforms into a living canvas—and The House invites you into the movement.
Across Friday and Saturday, the gallery becomes an immersive, ever evolving experience, featuring work from 23 local artists alongside live painting and artists creating in real time. Guests are invited to linger, observe, and connect with the creative process as it unfolds, while exploring open studio sessions with Tahoma Studio and enjoying curated bites by Chef Lela Cross.
As the artwork comes to life, the energy carries into live music, with Nikko and The Nightshift on Friday evening starting at 7:00 PM and Elevator Operator on Saturday afternoon starting at 3:30 PM. Step inside, experience it for yourself, and be part of the art while it’s still unfolding.
MURDER IN THE ART GALLERY
An evening where art and intrigue collide…
Step into a murder mystery art auction where every piece of art holds a secret and every guest is a suspect. Set against a backdrop of striking original works, the gallery transforms into a world of deception, motive, and misdirection.
This is an elevated affair and guests are encouraged to dress to impress, adding to the allure and mystery of the night.
Sip, mingle, and bid on captivating artwork as the story unfolds around you. Follow the clues hidden in plain sight, question every interaction, and immerse yourself in a night where nothing is quite as it seems.
Because tonight, the art isn’t just something you admire… it’s part of the mystery.
Saturday May 16th, 2026. Tickets to be released soon.
OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS & INSTRUCTORS
We’re opening the doors at The Carpenter’s House and inviting creatives of all kinds to step in, connect, and explore what’s possible.
Whether you’re a painter, photographer, woodworker, sculptor, florist or working in a medium entirely your own, we’re looking for people who feel the pull to share their craft, their story, and their ideas.
This isn’t a one size fits-all opportunity. You can bring a workshop you’ve already built or start from scratch and shape something new. Teach a one time class, a recurring series, or something more experimental. What matters most is simple: you care about what you do, and you’re open to sharing it with others. If you or someone you know is intersted, we host an instructors open house every other Wednesday. Our next instructor open house will be this Wednesday April 22nd at 6 PM.
BUILT BY COMMUNITY,
NOMINATED BY YOU
We’re incredibly honored to share that we’ve been nominated for Best of South Sound 2026. This recognition means more to us than we can fully put into words because it comes from the very community we’ve built our business around.
From day one, our mission has been about more than just what we offer. It’s been about relationships, trust, and showing up for the people who support us. Every conversation, every project, every familiar face that walks through our doors has helped shape who we are today.
That’s why this nomination feels so special—it reflects you.
If you believe in what we do and the way we do it, we would be incredibly grateful for your vote. You can vote once per day, and every single one truly makes a difference in helping us continue to grow and serve this community we love so much. Click the link below and find our name in the “Things To Do” category! Thankyou for being a part of our story!