Thurston County, Washington

UPDATED PHONE SCAM ALERT

Scam calls and emails are impersonating county employees and services: Permitting, Courts, Pretrial staff and Sheriff's Office deputies. Court staff don't call jurors, and Sheriff's deputies do not collect fines by phone. Report scams to Thurston County Sheriff's non-emergency line at 360-704-2740 and you can verify your Jury Service by clicking here. Click here for office or department contact info.

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.
County Contacts
Logo

Thurston County Washington

County Launches 3rd Annual Community Art Contest

April 23, 2026
2026 Art contest flyer

CONTACT:  Matthew Rounsley, Executive Aide, 360-280-5394 or email artcontest@co.thurston.wa.us

Thurston County Launches 3rd Annual Art Contest for Residents of All Ages
Submissions are due by May 29, 2026

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that the Thurston County Art Contest is back for a third round in 2026! This opportunity is open to county residents of all ages to showcase their artistic talents. The contest is open to youth, and adults and is a showcase of all types of artistic medium. 

The theme for the 2026 contest is “Thurston in Motion”. Capture the energy and movement of Thurston County, including its changing seasons, active communities, and evolving landscapes. From flowing waters to open prairie and forested paths, artists are encouraged to interpret what makes this region feel alive and in motion.

“The Thurston County Art Contest has been enthusiastically embraced by our community, with more than 100 submissions last year showcasing an extraordinary level of talent. We are thrilled to host this event once again. Our community is rich in creativity, and I am truly grateful to everyone who shares their artistic gifts with us,” said Tye Menser, Thurston County Chair. “We encourage all forms of creative expression: music and dance recordings, and physical art of all mediums - if you can create it, we want you to share it. We look forward to seeing how artists interpret and bring to life this year’s theme, ‘Thurston in Motion.’”

Artwork submissions can be dropped off the week of May 18 – May 29 at one of 4 drop off locations, including the Thurston County Atrium, Yelm & Rainier City Hall, and Thurston County Public Works. Visit the website for additional details on drop off times & locations.

Last year’s contest drew in over 100 submissions and entries of seven different mediums, including paintings, drawings, quilt and fiber arts, song writing, photography, sculptures, and poetry.  

The submissions will be judged by the public, art industry members, and Thurston County Commissioners. The categories for judging will be youth, adults, and Thurston County employees. A gallery show open to the public June 11 & 12, 2026 and a Facebook voting contest will take place in mid-June. The winners will be announced on June 23rd , with winning artwork featured at county offices for public viewing. 

For more information regarding the contest requirements and required submission form, visit: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/thurston-county-art-contest             

If you have questions, please email artcontest@co.thurston.wa.us 

 

Board of County Commissioners
Press Release
Announcements, Events