Member Spotlight: The Carpenter’s House Crafts a Haven for Art and Community in Downtown Olympia

Inside The Carpenter’s House, fine art and handcrafted woodworking pieces come together to create a space that feels instantly alive. At the heart of it all, a central platform invites musicians, artists, and community members to gather, framed by towering timber slices that add inviting, natural warmth.

It’s the vision of owner Justin La Gra, a fourth-generation carpenter and lifelong craftsman who believes that “beautiful things are made slowly, relationships matter, and people deserve places where they feel at home.” This philosophy infuses every corner of the gallery. La Gra’s efforts to blend decades of custom woodworking experience with a love for local art have made this Downtown Olympia art gallery a haven for ingenuity, skill, and community under one roof.

Carved for Connection

The Carpenter’s House beautifully showcases the work of talented Pacific Northwest artists, roughly 80% of whom are local artists in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. The gallery regularly transforms into a community hub filled with live music, storytelling, and opportunities to connect with artists and makers.

One of its signature events is The Artist Showcase, held on the second Friday of every month. Each showcase highlights a featured artist alongside a local musical act chosen to complement their work. The evening includes professional photography and videography that captures the artist’s story, catering by a local chef, and an inviting atmosphere where guests can experience art in a personal way. The gallery has also introduced First Friday, offering visitors the opportunity to meet resident artists, learn about their creative process, and discover new work.

“Art has always had a unique way of opening conversations that might never happen otherwise, La Gra says. “It allows us to share our stories, express our passions, and see the world through someone else’s eyes. That’s the kind of environment I hope to cultivate at The Carpenter’s House.”

The Heart Behind the House

Rooted in a long-standing love for our capital city, Justin La Gra’s decision to open The Carpenter’s House in downtown Olympia was less about business strategy and more about a personal calling. Drawn to the spirit of places like Percival Landing and Heritage Park, he envisioned a space where craftsmanship could directly enrich the local community. For La Gra, setting up shop in the heart of downtown is a deliberate choice to be a light where he’s planted, turning a dream of local stewardship into an open door for art, music, and storytelling.

As La Gra puts it, “I believe every community is shaped by the people who choose to invest in it. This is my way of investing in Olympia, and it’s a privilege to be part of its story.”

Designing a Legacy

Like a finely joined piece of woodwork, La Gra believes lasting community is built with care and intention. One conversation, artist, and showcase at a time, The Carpenter’s House brings people together to celebrate both our distinct perspectives and shared humanity, letting art start the conversation.

“I want this to be a space where we’re reminded that before we’re anything else, we’re people; neighbors who can listen to one another, encourage one another, and treat each other with dignity and respect,” La Gra shares.

Looking forward, Justin envisions the space as far more than a Downtown Olympia art gallery. He remains focused on cultivating a place where artists, musicians, and families can gather, share their time, and forge genuine relationships through creativity. Every event reflects his conviction that strong communities are built on small, steady acts of encouragement.

“I believe lasting change doesn’t usually happen through grand gestures,” La Gra says. “It happens when ordinary people choose to love, serve, and invest in one another, day after day.”

Discover your next favorite local artist—visit The Carpenter’s House in downtown Olympia and experience community in the making.

The Carpenter’s House
212 Legion Way SW
Olympia, WA 98501
360-999-7707

Photo Credit: Olympia Downtown Alliance. All images are our own; please contact us (mwillie@downtownolympia.org) for explicit permission before use.