Meet “The Gleam,” this fall’s Arts Walk Cover Art—a work in textile by Devin River that finds light and color in the season’s gathering gray. The piece reflects on a familiar PNW refrain as fall settles in: “How am I going to face the gloom?” Where others may brace against the gray, the artist finds reason to admire the way it transforms the colors of the atmosphere with an unexpected glow. “It’s like once the sun veils itself, the other colors can breathe and come alive.”

And so, when the gloom begins to wear you down, The Gleam offers a simple reminder: look for the colors.

Each year, two artists are selected and commissioned by the City to create a new, original work of art to be featured in the Arts Walk poster and other event publications. One artist is highlighted for each the fall and spring events.

The call for art is released each fall to select the artists for the following year’s Arts Walk events. The next application opportunity will be in October, 2026. Applicants are asked to complete a short form that includes a few multiple-choice questions and two written-response questions & requests submission ot five images to demonstrate the artistic style they would use to create the commissioned cover art if selected.

Selected artists receive $750 to create a new work, and are featured through multiple ways, often including:

• exclusive in-studio interviews
• City website & social media platforms
• promotion through additional event marketing and publications

ELIGIBILITY
Artists aged 18 or older who have officially participated in Olympia’s Arts Walk within the past two years—either individually or as part of a group show. The City of Olympia is committed to being an inclusive, affirming, and equitable place where community members and staff can live, play, and work. We adhere to the non-discriminatory treatment of all persons in employment, calls for art, and in the delivery of services and resources. We strongly encourage people who are Black or Indigenous, people of color, of any gender or non-binary, LGBTQ, immigrants, and people with disabilities to apply.

Check out the FAQ to find out more about the selection process.