FISH ON THE MOVE >>>

Tim Smith, the owner of the recently embattled arts space The Loft on Cherry, has released an open letter stating that on Feb. 28, The Loft will vacate its location in the Fish Brewing building to allow for expansion of the brewery.

In the letter, Smith writes that, "the growth Fish is experiencing is good for the brewery and good for Olympia." Smith explains that The Loft has always existed courtesy of Fish Brewing and has enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the brewery for many months. According to the letter, Smith is now working with Jenny Shaw, the owner of the Urban Onion, to continue to operate an arts space at the Olympia Ballroom.

Independent newspaper Olympia Power & Light is reporting that ballroom at the Olympian Hotel will open for Loft events starting March 1. A grand reopening event for the ballroom, complete with renovations to make the space more suitable for various arts and performances, will be held sometime in the spring.