Highlights“Systematic Landscapes” by Maya Lin closes soon. Through Sept. 3, this exciting show consists of three installations and related sculptures and drawings. The prize-winning architect/artist of Vietnam Memorial fame will make a special appearance at the UW where she will be interviewed by the Henry Art Gallery Director Richard Andrews on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. in Kane Hall 130. The catalogue for the current exhibition will also be available at this event. Tickets at the Henry Art Gallery, (206) 543-2281. www.henryart.org.
Looking for an event that sounds like fun and a bit unusual? Try “Trapdoor 62: The Dream Interpretation Panel” where using only words, an Indian harmonium and a sonabulist, a panel of writers and musicians will interpret the meanings of your dreams. Before the panel, enjoy apertifs and surreal conversation. Conceived and coordinated by poet/writer Anna Maria Hong. Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Rendezvous Jewelbox Theatre at 2322 Second Ave., (206) 214-6703 or e-mail: [email protected] A repeat performance is scheduled for Labor Day at the Bumbershoot Literary Stage at 8 p.m. in the Alki Room.
“Coexistence: Kyo Zon” is a temporary outdoor art installation at Yashiro Japanese Garden in Olympia created by digital painter Barbara McConkey and Japanese calligrapher Chiyo Sanda. “East Meets West” is a special celebration set for Aug. 19 from 4 – 8 p.m. This free public event gives visitors a chance to view the scrolls and talk to the artists. With calligraphy demonstrations, live “koto” performances and a special tea ceremony from 5 – 5:30 p.m. The installation itself will be on view in the garden through Sept. 15. A project of the Olympia Arts Commission and Olympia Arts & Recreation Department, with the support of the Washington State Arts Commission, (360) 709-2678.
Queer People of Color (QPOC) Liberation Project presents “WITHIN,” the second in a three-part series of theatrical performances set for Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. Building on work that has been happening in the community, QPOC Liberation Project reshapes politics, art and education into a series of performances designed to inspire, challenge, heal and transform. UW Ethnic Cultural Theatre. 3940 Brooklyn Ave. N.E. For tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com. A community discussion for “WITHIN” takes place Sept. 17 from 1 – 4 p.m. at LGBT Community Center at 111 S.E. Pike St.
Noted playwright/writer Frank Chin, in town to work on a new novel, will give a reading of Asian folktales for children on Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m., Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee house, 607 S. Main, (206) 515-4000.
The 5th Avenue Theatre season opens with “Bombay Dreams, Where Bollywood Meets Broadway” from Sept. 12 – Oct. 1. Staring Sachin Bhatt and directed by Baayork Lee, this is a rags-to-riches story of a poor young man who seeks his fortune in Bollywood. This musical played London and New York to great acclaim. Expect a lush score, glittery costumes and exotic dance numbers – 222. 5thAvenue.org.
Visual Arts
Two contemporary Chinese artists, Xiaoze Xie and Ying-Yueh Chuang, will have a show together at Davidson Contemporary. Opening reception is Sept. 7 from 6 – 8 p.m., 310 S. Washington. On view through September, (206) 624-7684, www.davidsongalleries.com.
A Chinese painting exhibit will be on view Sept. 11 – Oct. 6 at the Tacoma Community College Gallery. Work will feature the traditional Gong Bi Style. Artists represented include Xu Xue Fwa, Yan Feng and Zhao Xiao-wei along with local students Evelyn Chan, Amy Sie and Patsy Surh O’Connell. Opening reception on Sept. 9 from 2 – 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific Cultural Center. Free, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., M- F, 6501 S. 19th St., (253) 460-4306, www.tacomacc.edu.
An appropriately entitled show, “fresh! – contemporary takes on nature & allegory” curated by Julie Cho Bailer features the work of younger artists from around the world, many making their Seattle or American debut. The work of Takagi Masakatsu and Saeko Takagi, Gordon Cheung and Xiaoqing (Jenny) Ding is included. Through Dec. 31. Glass artist Boyd Sugiki is Guest Artist on Aug. 28 -29. Museum of Glass/International Center for Contemporary Art in Tacoma, (253) 284-3009.
Byron Kim (see related article) will discuss how his work challenges our notions of color, form and meaning in abstract painting in the Henry Auditorium on Aug. 17. 7 p.m. “Threshold: Byron Kim 1990-2004” is on view through Sept. 17. UW Henry Art Gallery, (206) 543-2280.
“High Seas” is the title of a show of paintings by Liz Tran who grew up in a boat shop around fishermen. Show on view through Aug. 26, Gallery 110 at 110 S. Washington, (206) 624-9336.
Rosemary Pham presents new work inspired by the Australian Bower Bird. The male bird entices his mate by building architectural structures of found objects. Through Aug. 23. Facere Jewelry Art Gallery at City Center located at 1420 Fifth Ave. #108, (206) 624-6768.
The Seattle Branch of Sogetsu Ikebana presents their annual exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement at Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall at the east end towards Sears. Aug. 19 & 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. with demonstrations planned for both days from 1 – 3 p.m., (425) 744-9751.
A pair of new shows open up at KOBO at Higo Store. Jewelry designer Lisa Kinoshita shows new work that is a synthesis of art + fashion. Ceramic artist Damian Grava shows new work that is soda-fired and drawn from a fire kiln. Runs till Aug. 20, 604 S. Jackson, (206) 381-3000.
“At Once” is the title of a group show of gallery artists at Catherine Person Gallery. The work of Arlan Huang (paintings) and Kensuke Yamada (ceramic sculpture) is included. Through Aug. 25, 319 Third Ave. S., (206) 763-5565.
Chinese artist Long Gao shows a variety of work including ink paintings, oils, wood carvings and “image seal cuttings” at the Roosevelt Hotel. On view through September, 4531 Seventh Ave., Second Floor (206) 467-6951.
Showing through Sept. 7 will be “Recent Paintings” by Ameen Dhillon. Gallery 63 Eleven, 6811 24th Ave. N.W., (206) 478-2238. www.gallery63eleven.com.
Hawaiian artist Miho Morinoue presents new work through Sept. 8. Mikijio Arts at 114 1/2 First Ave. S. Studio #4, (206) 624-2588. www.mikijio.com.
“Dresses I Thought I Knew” is a new show of unusual garments by talented Seattle metal artist Sandy Lew-Hailer. Show is on view through Sept. 4. From 4 – 11 p.m. daily. Mitchelli’s Gallery Bar, 84 Yesler Way in Pioneer Square, (206) 623-3883.
Diem Chau’s work is included in a group show at Howard House, “New Sculpture Survey” on view through Aug. 26, 604 Second Ave, (206) 256-6399.
The work of Jeongmee Yoon is included in “Resonance – 11th Annual Photographic Competition” as juried by Paul Kopeikin. On view through Aug. 30, Photographic Center Northwest at 900 12th Ave., (206) 720-7222.
“The Legacies of War” sheds new light on the Vietnam War-era U.S. bombings in Laos and their harmful effects on local villages today. With historic drawings by survivors and Laotian silk weavings and paintings. Extended through August at Art Xchange at 512 First Ave. S., (206) 839-0377.
“Big Drum” was a groundbreaking exhibition devoted to the history of the “taiko” drum. This exhibit was presented by the Japanese American National Museum of LA. Now its on view at Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in Portland through Aug. 27, 121 N.W. Second Ave. (503) 224-1458. www.oregonnikkei.org.
Wing Luke Asian Museum has a special exhibition on the work of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani. This 80-year-old Japanese American artist who lost his family and friends to internment camps and war has survived these events and homelessness by creating art every day. On view till Sept. 17. Hear the true story of “Sadako and the Thousand Cranes” and learn how to make your own paper cranes. Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. Register at (206) 623-5124×114 or email [email protected]. 407 Seventh Ave. S., (206) 623-5124.
The Seattle Children’s Museum offers a workshop: “Dress Up in Japanese Kimono” by Nobuko Foss. Aug. 20 from 1 – 4 p.m. Seattle Center’s Center House, www.thechildrensmuseum.org.
“Between Liberation, Space And Time of Need, 1945 – 1950” is an exhibit of rare literary works from the Korean Collection of the UW Library. Through Aug. 31. UW Allen Library N. Lobby.
Quilt instructor Sachiko Yoshida and her students have a group show entitled “Colors of Japan: Old and New” through Sept. 17. La Conner Quilt Museum at 703 S. Second St. in La Conner, Wash. Visit www.laconnerquilts.com.
Across from the Maryhill Museum in Goldendale, Wash. will sit “Maryhill Double,” artists Annie Han & Danial Mihalyo’s (Lead Pencil Studio) full-scale architectural double of the museum, made entirely out of scaffolding and construction netting. On view Aug. 27, Sept. 10 & 24. On Route 14 just west of U.S. 9 in Goldendale, (509) 773-3733 or email [email protected]. www.leadpencilstudio.com.
Performing Arts
Gamelan X is a 15-person world music ensemble that performs all original, high-energy music. They draw inspiration from Balkan, African, Indian and American traditions. Also, workshops in Balinese monkey chant. Sept. 8. 7:30 p.m., Capital Hill Arts Center, Lower Level, www.onepeople.com.
Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center will celebrate 10 years of great teen theatre with an original production of “Summer Rhapsody – The Reunion” Aug. 22 – 27 at Seattle Repertory Theater located in Seattle Center at 155 Mercer. This original musical production is written and directed by Isiah Anderson, Jr. – 206-443-2222 for tickets.
Site-Specific/2006 King County Performance Network will put performers in a series of site-specific art happenings outside of the usual indoor venues integrating them into the daily life, work and play of King County residents. Through Nov. 2006 all around King County. Composer/performer Byron Au Yong is one of the participants. For details email [email protected].
Deems plays jazz piano as part of the Argosy Cruises new “Simdau Brunch Jazz Cruise Series,” Aug. 20 and Oct. 8. Boards at 11 a.m. at Pier 56. Through Oct. 22, (206) 623-1445.
ReAct, under the direction of David Hsieh, presents a staged reading at Elliott Bay Book Company. They do Neil LaBute’s “This is How it Goes” on Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. 101 S. Main, (206) 624-6600.
Ragamala presents one of the rising stars of Indian classical music, vocalist Suranjana Bose in concert on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m., St. John’s United Church at 5515 Phinney Ave. N., www.ragamala.org.
Free public tour of Kubota Garden on Aug. 26. 10 a.m., 9817 55th Ave. S. www.kubota.org.
There will be a “Moon-viewing Festival” which includes the presentation of poems written about the moon from a contest co-sponsored by the WA Poets Association. Sept. 3. 7 – 10 p.m., Washington Park Arboretum in the Japanese Garden, 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E., (206) 684-4725.
