Splash Gallery of Olympia — Attraction in Olympia

Beware: Rude Staff

Was disappointed in my experience here because I really enjoyed the art. The display itself was beautiful. There was a set of vases/pots for sale and I wanted to buy a vase for my mom because it matched the design of her dining room table. I quickly snapped a picture of the piece that I was going to get for her, just to make sure she wanted it. Mind you my partner and I were the only people there besides the cashier and my flash was off.

The cashier lady (probably in her late 30s/early 40s) stood up and said "I don't like it when people take pictures here." just in a very passive-aggressive way. I quickly put my phone down and apologized. She proceeded to speak in a condescending tone to us from that moment on, as if she suddenly thought of us as below her at that point. I understand her not wanting me to take a picture, but that was very rude the way she spoke to her customers considering there were no signs forbidding photography. I would not have taken a picture if that were the case.

The sad part is that I would have bought the vase because my mother wanted it, but I just felt uneasy with the gatekeeping Karen-vibe that we both got from the cashier. We love art galleries but probably won't return. I also ended up finding the same style of vase made by somebody in Puyallup for 1/3 the cost...

Today, we were finally able to visit Splash Gallery of Olympia. Robbi was very helpful and showed us many beautiful pieces of jewelry and other amazing art pieces. I loved her sea glass pieces of jewelry and mobiles and I'm hoping the next time we visit we will be able to buy a mobile. My husband did surprise me and bought a piece of pottery I was admiring. The artist used embossed clay on the body of the piece and carried the pattern to the foot. Very unique! Loved that so much. Thank you, Robbi, for sharing some of your life-long endeavors and how you gather the sea glass on the island Marie-Galante you use in your art. What an amazing creative life you lead. We look forward to visiting again. If you get a chance, check this Gallery out. It's small but full of great work....

I aways enjoy checking out this artist run co-op gallery on the waterfront in Olympia. While they feature a variety of fine art pieces they've recently incorporated more options of stickers, cards, and prints so that any visitor can find something in their price point. I make a point to stop in whenever we visit the nearby waterfront park or farmer's market. You can check their website ahead of time for an idea of some offerings or the artists' styles but the inventory is...