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. 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).
This year’s Achievement in the Arts awards will be awarded to Olympia-based comedian Sam Miller. Sam Miller is a nationally touring comedian from Olympia, Washington. He won the Comedy on Trial Competition in 2017 and was the runner-up in the 2021 Seattle International Comedy Competition. Sam has multiple videos with well over one million views on all platforms including a Facebook Reel that has over 8 million views. Sam’s most recent album, Round Trip, recorded live at the Capitol Theater, was released October 27, 2023, and immediately went to number one on the iTunes Comedy Charts.
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).
This year’s Commitment to the Arts award will be awarded to Olympia Junior Programs. Chances are if you, your child, or grandchild attended elementary school in Thurston County during the last 80 years, they have a memory of seeing a performance sponsored by Olympia Junior Programs. Olympia Junior Programs was established in 1940 and has now provided over 80 years of live theater to elementary students in the Thurston County area. Last year they served 55 different school groups and almost 14,000 students. The organization is run by dedicated community volunteers doing year-round behind-the-scenes work. Olympia Junior Programs performances introduce many children to theater for the first time and are intended for elementary students as part of their school curriculum.
Previous Recipients:
Achievement in the Arts
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
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
