March 23, 2026
Personal Reflections
Did you ever watch the Twilight Zone “Eye of the Beholder” episode? If you have not, please wait to read the remainder of this section until you have watched it (click here to watch for free).
The first time I saw this infamous episode was when I was a kid, and I was completely floored when the doctors removed the bandages and revealed the mysterious face of the patient. She looked like a model! My jaw DROPPED when the camera showed the “deformed” faces of the doctors and nurses. That’s when it hit me — beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
This Twilight Zone episode is tattooed to my heart, and the idea of the “eye of the beholder” continues to influence my perspectives today.
Last weekend, I sat in the audience for very diverse experiences including women centric comedy show “Ladies of Laughter,” Thurston County’s “Runway Revolution,” and a brunch and art auction experience with The Carpenter’s House. Each of these events led into conversations about how art, beauty, comedy, what is inherently “good” or “bad” is all in the eye of the beholder.
Engaging in these conversations felt like a breath of fresh air, perfectly fitting for the beginning of spring.
Honestly, I don’t think we can be reminded of this “eye of the beholder idea” enough! This idea challenges us all to open our minds to new perspectives, choose to think colorfully rather than in black and white, and think outside of the box. We need that in the arts, and we need audiences to continue to engage in these ways of thinking.
The question I get asked the most often is, “do you ever see a show [or a piece of art] that you don’t like?” Of course I do, but I will never tell you! I always write in a way that celebrates aspects of different works because there is always something to celebrate (and if there is not, I don’t write about it).
Just because I do not enjoy a show or like the way something looks or tastes does not mean that someone else will not think the exact opposite. I would hate to be the reason someone does not give a show, artist showcase, or restaurant a chance, especially when these opportunities could be life changing.
I think my word is trustworthy, but I want to challenge you to always to go experience things for yourself, and not take my word alone for it. When you do go out there, come back to me and tell me about it! I love hearing about artistic experiences from someone else’s perspective.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think our own understanding can be expanded when we choose to put on somebody else’s glasses.
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing three pieces in my JOLT Column including:
A look at Capital City Chorus’ upcoming Spring concerts March 27-29.
A celebratory piece for Thurston County Inclusion’s “Runway Revolution.”
A review of the Carpenter’s House “Sunday Best” Intimidate Brunch & Art Auction Experience.
Next week, I will be writing about Theater Artists Olympia’s new venue and upcoming show “Anna Considers Mars,” Bayview Thriftway’s “Ethiopian Flavors” Cooking Class, and the Washington Center’s Adventure Series Event on “The Power of Creativity.”
To hear about these sooner, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and/or follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Last week “In the Audience” at the JOLT News
Both articles within my column last week felt exhilarating to write in different ways.
Writing my review of Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s “Transform” concert allowed me to relive the incredible experience my sister and I had in the audience. The pieces in featured in the program were both emotional, lyrical, and completely stunning!
It was a real privilege to tell readers about the Carpenter’s House “Sunday Best” brunch and art auction experience. Telling readers about this event and venue felt exciting and rewarding. This was my first time hearing about it too, and I love being able to tell readers about new and interesting opportunities. Stay tuned for my review of this event later this week.
You can read both of these articles in my column.