STILL TIME TO DESIGN YOUR LADYBUG COSTUME >>>

The Olympia Spring Arts Walk, and it's highly regarded Procession of the Species, is just six short weeks away, set for Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27.

Preparation for Arts Walk is in full swing, with artists, businesses and parade participants gearing up for the event that brings 15,000 people - and an additional 5,000 for the Procession of the Species - to downtown Olympia.

"Downtown is full to the brim!" exclaims Stephanie Johnson, arts and events manager for the city of Olympia, and voted Arts Scene MVP in the 2013 Best of Olympia issue.

While the 128 participating businesses have already paired with artists, Johnson recommends prospective contributors to "keep an eye out for places your art would be a good fit and then contact them."

The artists and businesses may be in place, but the Procession parade workshops continue until April 18. Coordinators encourage volunteer participation to help create, build and design. Three studios are open to the public - a whale studio, butterfly studio and central studio - where animal, insect and luminary costumes and props come to life.

And for those who go to enjoy the art, rather than create it, the city of Olympia created a mobile app that gives real time event updates and acts as a virtual tour guide, complete with interactive map.

For Procession of the Species volunteer hours and information call 360.705.1087.

For more information about Arts Walk and a link to the mobile app, click here.