The Washington Center Awards for Excellence in the Arts recognize the individuals and organizations whose work, support, and involvement help build a vibrant cultural community in the greater South Sound region. Awardees will be honored at the CENTER Stage Awards & Gala on Feb. 22, 2025. Previous awardees are noted below.
The Award for Achievement in the Arts recognizes outstanding performing or visual artistry by individuals or organizations based in the greater South Sound region (Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis Counties).
2025 Achievement in the Arts Awardee: Nikki McClure
Nikki McClure is a self-taught papercut artist. She grew up in Kirkland, graduated from Evergreen State College, and has made her home in Olympia since 1986. Nikki creates papercuts using an X-Acto knife in a style partially inspired by Works Progress Administration posters. Her early work involved creating t-shirts and album artwork for friends and Olympia-area bands. She was part of the music, art, and riot grrrl scene in the 90s, working with the indie record labels Kill Rock Stars and K Records, as well as the riot grrrl movement. She has authored and illustrated 22 books and has produced an annual calendar since 1998. Her many books for children are a lasting legacy. Nikki's work teaches us how to see the place we are so fortunate to live, and her activism teaches us how to care for the earth and live an embodied life. Her latest book, Something About the Sky, written by Rachel Carson, was selected as one of The New York Times’ best books of 2024.
The Award for Commitment to the Arts recognizes outstanding commitment to the arts through volunteerism, financial support, leadership, or advocacy by individuals or organizations based in the greater South Sound region (Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis Counties).
2025 Commitment to the Arts Awardee: Cheryl Selby
Cheryl Selby, Olympia's mayor from 2015 to 2023, was a fearless champion for the arts. She made it her mission to keep the arts front and center, even during tough times, showing how a strong focus on creativity can bring people together. During her time as mayor, Cheryl helped downtown Olympia earn its designation as a Washington State Creative District, secured the historic Armory as a Creative Campus, and led the campaign to pass the Cultural Access program, Inspire Olympia. These major initiatives, combined with Cheryl’s feet-on-the-ground presence at local artistic productions and personal love and support for South Sound’s creative community, encouraged and empowered others to speak up for the power of the arts. Thanks to Cheryl’s legacy, local arts organizations will have more funding and resources. In its first year alone, Inspire Olympia provided over $2 million in grants to 60 creative nonprofits, paving the way to a brighter future for the arts in our community.
Previous Recipients:
Achievement in the Arts
2024 - Sam Miller, comedian
2023 - Gabriel Rutledge, comedian
2019 – Jill Carter, technical set design expert and mentor
2018 – Jim This, lifelong theater performer and producer
2017 – Joe Baque, career musician
2016 – Bud and Mary Johansen, Co-founders of the Johansen School of Ballet
Commitment to the Arts
2024 - Olympia Junior Programs
2023 - Greg and Krina Allison, Founders of Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia
2019 – R.L. Ray Violin Shop
2018 – Olympia Family Theater
2017 – Stephanie Johnson, City of Olympia public art program
2016 – Andy Crow, advocate for pipe organs and music education
2020-2022 Awards not conferred due to COVID-19
