HIGHLIGHTS
In Stephen B. Nguyen’s installation entitled “Migration”, prepare for some visual sleight of hand and the magic of flight through an enclosed space as you watch the flight pattern of birds. The Brooklyn-based artist’s work opens on May 24 and continues on view through August 6. A reception for the artist takes place May 21 from 5 – 7 p.m. The artist will give a talk about his work on May 22 at noon. Open M – F from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free to the public. Suyama Space is at 2324 Second Ave. within the offices of Suyama/Peterson/Deguchi Architects. Visit www.suyamapetersondeguchi.com/art or www.stephennguyen.com for more information.
Want a sneak peek at UW Professor Shawn Wong’s forthcoming new novel? Look no further. Wong will talk about his forthcoming novel entitled “The Occupied Heart of Greg Li” in which a Chinese American in Rome is mistaken for a typical Asian businessman and he must come to terms with adjusting to a new culture, language and customs. June 8 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. At the ID/Chinatown Branch of the Seattle Public Library. 713 Eighth Ave. S. (206) 386-1300. Co-sponsored by Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and 4 Culture of King County.
Muhammad Yunus revolutionalized the system of economic aid to poorer countries over thirty years ago when he proposed making small loans out to women in rural villages and cities across Asia. As the success of his programs have paid off in healthy assets and economic progress for his members, people have taken notice. He will come to Seattle on behalf of his new book, “Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism That Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Needs” (Public Affairs) and talk about his philosophy. Sunday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. 1119 – 8th Ave. 1 (800) 838-3006. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the University Book Store and Town Hall.
The Seattle International Film Festival (see our enclosed program guide) returns on May 20 and screens new local, national and international films across the Puget Sound at various venues until June 13. Log on to siff.net for details.
For those of you interested in the work of the late northwest artist Paul Horiuchi, it’s a good time. Seattle ArtREsource Gallery decided to extend their retrospective of his work until May 29. Includes some work loaned by collectors and the family. 625 First Ave. (206) 838-2695. [email protected] Also “A Major Exhibition of Artworks from 1939 – 1989 by Northwest Master Paul Horiuchi” is now on view through June 10 at Woodside Braseth Gallery located at 2101 9th Ave. (206) 622-7243.
In Lisa Linn Kanae’s “Islands Linked By Ocean” (Bamboo Ridge), the characters, the sense of place and the rhythm of language all come together to offer a simmering stew of real life on these islands far removed from the tourist brochure gloss of an island paradise. Instead these are real people with real stories to tell. Lisa reads on Tuesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. To hear an excerpt from the book, go to http//ww.hawaiipublicradio.org/audio/as/AS_Divas_podcast.mp3
Free & open to the public with a reception to follow after the reading. KOBO at Higo at 602-608 South Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
Miss the funk/ jazz of the 1970’s or just want to catch up with DEEMS latest soulful piano stylings on CD? You are in luck! The NVC Foundation presents “Nine Lives 3” in concert with DEEMS performing cuts from his new CD, “On Irving Street”. This is the third reunion concert for one of Seattle’s most popular funk/jazz groups of the early 70’s comprised of some of Seattle’s premiere Asian American jazz players. After DEEMS plays with Nine Lives, catch him with his own group performing selections from his latest musical offering on CD. Sat., June 12 from 8:30 p.m. – midnight. No Host Bar with light food and new CD’s for sale. 1427 S. Main St. Tickets are $20. (206) 715-6313 or visit [email protected].
Last chance to catch Seattle Opera’s production of a new modern production of “Amelia” now through May 22. By composer Daron Aric Hagen & librettist Gardner McFall and story by director Stephen Wadsworth. The story concerns flight as a metaphor for the human condition. One scene of a downed US airman hunted down in a Vietnamese village features a large Asian American cast singing in Vietnamese. It is believed to be the first major U.S. opera production to feature that language. Seattle’s McCaw Hall at 321 Mercer St. (206) 389-7676 or www.seattleopera.org.
“Rhythm of Dance 2010” is the annual recital by the Lu Heng Da Creative Dance Group. Set for June 12 at 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. A performance of modern and traditional Chinese dance with special guests, the principal dancers of Hong Kong Dance Company. June 12 at 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Bagley Wright Theatre at 155 Mercer St. at Seattle Center. (206) 287-9998 or visit www.AAPAT.org.
“Show of Hands – Northwest Women Artists 1880 – 2010” is a new group show that takes an in-depth look at northwest women artists from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. More than 90 works by 63 area artists. Curator Barbara Matilsky (originally from the East Coast) says “she became conscious of many ‘unseen artists’ regarded highly in their lifetime that have since been forgotten.” The work of Diem Chau, Elizabeth Jameson, Margot Quan Knight, Norie Sato, Maki Tamura and Patti Warashina is included. Well worth the trip to Bellingham to see this beautiful, new contemporary art facility. On view through August 8, 2010. Whatcom Museum at the Lightcatcher. 250 Flora St. (360) 778-8930 or log on to www.whatcommuseum.org.
CHAYA is the only organization in Seattle serving South Asian women and families impacted by domestic violence. Their annual dinner and auction is set for May 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Seattle Grand Hyatt. Come out and support this important non-profit organization. For details, go to www.chayaseattle.org.
Elliott Bay Book Company has achieved a smooth transition to its new Capitol Hill home. Can capitalism ever get a humanistic face? Rajni Bakshi has been turning heads with her new theories of the world economy and how it needs fixing in her new book “Bazaars, Conversations And Freedom” (Penguin India). She reads May 19 at 6pm. And finally on May 20 at 6 p.m., Suruchi Mohan looks at a turbulent time of political social change in India and how it affected friends, family, society and the role of women in her novel, “Divine Music” (Bayeux Arts).1521 – 10th Ave. www.elliottbaybook.com (206) 624-6600.
“ID Spring Roll 2010 Party Down For Chinatown” takes place May 24 at Union Station from 6 – 9 p.m. It’s a benefit for SCIDPDA, a non-profit that helps preserve, promote and develop Seattle’s Chinatown/ID neighborhood. This culinary extravaganza features some of Seattle’s most delicious restaurants. Visit [email protected] or call (206) 838-8227 for details.
Looking for ceramic figurative art with a twist spiked with humor and irony? There are plenty of places to look. Nationally known ceramic artist Patti Warashina has a show of new work entitled Conversations” at Howard House Contemporary on view till June 12. Well-crafted figures sculpted in a surreal landscape that Magritte and Buster Keaton would be glad to share provides a setting with equal parts whimsy and irony. 604 Second Ave. (206) 256-6399 or log on to http://www.howardhouse.net. When Japanese art student Kensuke Yamada first came to America, his English skills were not up to snuff so he relied heavily on his observations of body language while observing people for understanding. His new show, “I and Love and You” recreates that period in his life with his depiction of people communicating with gestures and movement. On view till June 26 at Catherine Person Gallery. 319 Third Ave. S. (206) 763-5565 or www.catherineperson.com. If Jason Huff’s whimsical, mischievous take on Japanese pop culture garnered from a look at his work in a past show at the “Wing” is any evidence, then his new show entitled “So Long” should be fun. It ‘s on view till May 30 at Gallery IMA at 123 S. Jackson St. (206) 625-0055 or galleryima.com.
What happens when the surprise guest at a family dinner turns out to be an untouchable? Find out in the play, “Kanyadaan” by Vijay Tendular as directed by Agastya Kohlj. Even performed in Hindi, this play might still to be of interest. Through May 23. Ethnic Cultural Center Theatre at 3940 Brooklyn NE. Visit www.pratidhwani.org/kanyadaan for details.
“Navarasa – Duets for Shakuhachi and Contra Bass” (Belly to Belly Records) features spontaneous improvisations by Christopher Yohmei Blasdel on shakuhachi and Mark Izu on contra bass, sheng and sho. Blasdel, an American has spent most of his adult life studying shakuhachi in Japan. Izu is known for his collaborations with musicians of diverse genres from jazz to classical to world music traditions and for leading such diverse Bay Area cultural institutions such as the San Francisco Asian American Jazz Festival and Kearny Street Workshop. For more information on this recording, email [email protected].
With Our Hands – Folk Art Treasures”. Vietnamese paper folding is just one of the many folk arts gathered from across the state for this exhibit that attempts to answer the question, “What is folk art?”. On view through December with various folk art demonstrations and activities planned. Washington State History Museum. 1911 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. (253) 272-3500.
“Media Alchemy of Nam June Paik” is a show of work by the late internationally acclaimed video artist at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Oregon. He is considered a pioneer and influenced future generations of video installation artists. Through June 27, 2010. 1430 Johnson Lane. (541) 346-3027 or visit jsma.uoregon.edu.
VISUAL ARTS
The work of Seattle artist Nhon Nguyen is included in a group show entitled “URBAN” on view till June 11. This group show features eight Northwest artists work on the city. SAM Gallery at 1220 Third Ave. (206) 343-1101.
“American/Asian: A Tale of New Cultures” is a group show curated by ArtXchange Gallery that presents the work of 14 regional artists who explore their identity in various media and styles. Includes work by MalPina Chan, Carina del Rosario, Deborah Kapoor, Chiyo Sanada with Barbara McConkey, June Sekoiguchi, Arun Sharma, William Song, Joseph Songco, Jonathan Wakuda Fischer, Barry Wong, Dean Wong, Fredric Wong and Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw. On view through June 14 City Hall Gallery & Anne Focke Gallery. 600 Fourth Ave. (206)684-7171 or www.seattle.gov/arts.
The work of local ceramic artist Reid Ozaki is in a three-person show at Northwest Craft Center through May 31. NCC is located in Seattle Center at 305 Harrison. (206)728-1555 or www.NorthwestCraftCenter.com.
“Future’s Past: The Black Ships” is a new show by Jonathan Wakuda Fischer who investigates the dual perception of Japanese culture as hyper contemporary and yet traditional by grafting on his own uerban graffiti techniques onto the theme through the vehicle of storytelling and history and folktale. Through June 26. 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or log on to www.artxchange.org.
The work of Saya Moriyasu is included in “Blow Up”, a group show in honor of the 30th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. May 20 – June 26. G. Gibson Gallery at 300 S. Washington. (206) 587-4033 or www.ggibsongallery.com.
The work of sculptors Pam Hom, June Sekiguchi and Mary Coss is in a group show entitled “Bloodlines” which deals with the linkage between heritage and blood. On view through June 13.Columbia City Gallery at 4816 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843.
“A Continuing Cultural Legacy” showcases selections from the Safeco Insurance Collection Donation to the Washington Art Consortium as curated by Beth Sellars. Includes many notable Northwest artists such as Andrew Chinn, Fay Chong, Paul Horiuchi, Frank Okada, George Tsutakawa, Gerard Tsutakawa, Patti Warashina, Roger Shimomura and more. On view through June 25 on Th. & Fri. from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with two Saturdays as well on May 22 & June 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wright Exhibition Space at 407 Dexter Ave. N. (206) 264-8200.
“Fleeting Beauty – Japanese Woodblock Prints” is a new show on view through July 4 at Seattle Asian Art Museum. May 21 from 1 – 4 p.m., Patricia Junker and Catherine Roche speak at a graduate student symposium about the show. Free but registration required. Visit seattleartmuseum.org for details. June 3 at 7 p.m brings scholars Sebastian Izzard and Patricia Junker who will discuss how Japanese prints were received outside of Japan. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org.
The work of Seattle glass artist Masami Koda with Ginny Ruffner and James Minson is included in a show entitled “Resonances in Glass” on view through June 13 at the Museum of Northwest Aret in La Connor, WA. 121 South First St. (360) 466-4446 or www.museumofnwart.org.
“Tiger Tiger Burning Bright” is a group show with work by Yumiko Kayukawa, Travis Louie, Audrey Kawasaki and others around the theme of tigers. Through July 3. Roq La Rue Gallery at 2312 Second Ave. (206) 374-8977.
Ceramic artist Arun Sharma has two pieces on view at Monarch Contemporary. “(de)composition” uses an unfired ceramic bust of the artist, the (de)composition video is a visual representation of the breakdown of the human form. The “100 Flowers Campaign” is composed of images of flowers, each inspired by a work of western art that represents the “blooming” of one hundred schools of thought within the western art world. On view through May 29. 312 S. Washington St., Suite A. (206) 682-1710 or visit www.monarchcontemporary.com.
Local artists Diem Chau and Etsuko Ichikawa had their work recently on view at Art Chicago. Chau was represented by the Packer Schopf Gallery and Ichikawa by Patrajdas Gallery, www.patrajdas.com.
“A Refugee’s Journey of Survival And Hope” is the latest show to open at the “Wing”. See life through the eyes of a refugee through personal stories, photographs and multimedia. Show continues on view till Dec. 12, 2010. “Cultural Transcendence is a group show at Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience curated by Lele Barnett that “explores the importance of technology in our modern experience and technology’s influence on contemporary installation art.” Features the work of Robert Hodgin, Eunsu Kang, Heidi Kumao, Horatio Law and Brent Watanabe. Show continues through June 19. “Paj Ntaub – Stories of Hmong in Washington State” remains on view through Oct. 17. 2010. “Return Home From War – Remnants of War Through Recent Asian Pacific American Veterans’ Perspective” continues through August 15. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
KOBO at Higo presents the following.A show of “Northwest Ceramics” by Chris Nielsen on view till May 15. A summer theme Ikebana class by Megumi Schacher on Sat. June 5 from 1 – 3pm. Pre-registration required (call ahead or email Kobo). $30 a session. Jon Janosik presents his original watercolor paintings and illustrations from “The Backyard Birdsong” Series with opening reception on June 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. Show up till July 18. There will also be a book signing and gallery talk to follow. Ceramics by Debra Schwarzkopf on view June 12 – July 10. Opening reception June 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
Aimee Mori’s show, “In Context” shows that words have a multitude of meanings biased on context, unreadable messages created in Braille. Through June. La Familia Gallery at 117 Prefontaine Place. S. (888) 907-9119 or www.lafamiliallc.com.
Kamla Kakaria makes imperfect patterns in a show with Rickie Wolfe entitled “Multiples” through May 29. June Sekiguchi’s sculpture explores pattern in a cultural context in a show on view throughout June. Shift Studio at 306 S. Washington in the Tashiro Kaplan Building. (206) 947-3774 or www.shiftstudio.org.
Seattle artist Tram Bui has a show of new work that showcases her paintings of Seattle buildings that weave an intricate line of patterns at Davidson Galleries. Through May 29. 313 Occidental Ave. S. www.davidsongalleries.com (206) 624-7684.
Architect and photographer Phuong Phan-McManamna shows photos of Northwest landscapes through the seasons. “Changing Landscapesz’ on view June – July. Café Paloma at 93 Yesler Way. (206) 405-1920.
A thesis exhibition by Art Institute of Seattle graduate Yukari Isa explores themes of loneliness and emptiness on view in the Suberranean Room of ART/NOT Terminal Gallery till June 3. 2045 Westlake. (206) 233-0680.
Chinese artist Long Gao shows his paintings, scrolls, prints and sculpture. Also his 2009 commission for the City of Woodenville is documented. Opening reception June 3 from 5 – 7 p.m. On view through Sept. 4. Jeffrey Moose Gallery at 1333 – 5th Ave. in Rainier Square. (206) 467-6951 or www.jeffreymoosegallery.com.
Arts Council of Snohomish County presents “Art Education in Action: The Art of Asia” through June 24. 1507 Wall St. in Everett. (425) 257-8380 or vist www.artscouncilofsnoco.org.
Puget Sound Sumi Artists present a group show with sumi, sumi-collage and brush calligraphy entitled “Northwest Spring: Critters, Blooms & Views” on view through May 27. Tacoma Nature Center at 1919 South Tyler St. (253) 591-6439.
The work of Yuko Ishi and Nasna Kuo is included in a group show entitled “The Shell” at Bainbridge Arts And Crafts opening June 4 from 6 -9 p.m. and on view through June 29. 151 Winslow Way E. (206) 842-3132 or www.bacart.org.
PERFORMING ARTS
“Ten Grands” is an annual educational fundraising concert that features 10 pianists from a variety of genres such as pop, jazz, classical and modern playing on grand pianos. Ten year-old Alexander Lu of Redmond and Japanese Tango pianist Naoko Aoki participate. May 21 at 7 p.m. Benaroya Hall. 200 University St. (206) 215-4747 or www.benaroyahall.org or visit www.tengrands.com.
Seattle Jazz vocalist Primo Kim performs as part of more than 30 free concerts in downtown Bellevue as part of the Bellevue Jazz Festival that takes place June 3 – 6 throughout various locations in the downtown area. Ticketed concert performances also at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center. For complete information, visit bellevuejazz.com or call 1- 800- 838-3006.
Comedian Dat Phan , winner of “Last Comic Standing” fame performs at Parlor Live Comedy Club on May 27 & 28. 700 Bellevue Way NE STE. 300 in Bellevue. (425) 289-7000 or www.parlorlive.com.
“Killerbees” is a new musical offering by a Seattle group composed of Bob Antolin, Bud Schultz and Makini Magee. Produced and recorded by Bob Antolin. Catch the Killerbees every Thursday in May at 9pm playing songs from their debut CD at Waid’s Haitian Cuisine at 1212 E. Jefferson. Call (206) 328-6493 for reservations. To get a taste of the Killerbees music, log on to www.myspace.com/killerbeesmusic.
The 6th Annual “Sounds of Hawai’I” concert with artists and guest speakers takes place May 21 at 7:30pm. With Augie T., Teresa Bright, Ke’alo Okamailelauliilii, Manawai’opuna and others. Green River Community College Student Center in Auburn. 12401 SE 320th. (253) 833-9111 x2400.
The Vietnamese Student Association presents their 5th Annual “Voice of the Heart” Vietnamese Cultural Festival with ethnic food and entertainment. May 22 at 6 p.m. Seattle University Campion Ballroom. At 915 E. Jefferson. Visit [email protected].
Come to Seattle Miyagi-kai’s 50th Anniversary Koto Concert set for Sat., May 22 at 1 p.m. This organization is one of the oldest institutions in Seattle that has taught traditional Japanese music. Shamisen and shakuhachi will also be performed. The organization was founded by Kuniko Takamura in 1959. Free. Blaine Methodist Church. 3001 – 24th Ave. S. Log on to [email protected] for details.
Catch Olympic ice skaters like Shen & Shao, Mirai Nagasu and Miki Ando as they perform as part of the Smuckers Stars On Ice Tour. Sat., May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Key Arena. Tickets on sale at starsonice.com or call 1-800-745-3000.
Future file- Catch the bluegrass/folk/rock sound of the very talented singer/songwriter Thao Nguyen with the Get Down/Stay Down Band as the opening act for the Avett Brothers on July 18 at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. 911 Pine St. (877) 784-4849 or stgpresents.org.
FILM/MEDIA
“Princess Ka’lulani’” (see related article in this issue) opens May 14 at the Guild 45th, a Seven Gables/Landmark theatre in Seattle. The film has stirred up some controversy in Hawai’i amongst native Hawaiians about its’ depiction of the last ruler of the Islands from Hawaiian royalty.
POV (Point of View), the noted documentary series on PBS has some interesting films set for the future. Deann Borshay Liem, Bay Area filmmaker was a Korean adoptee. In “Fiorst Person Plural” she finds her Korean birth mother alive and unites her biological and adoptive families. Set for August 10. In “In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee” she finds that her identity was switched and she returns to Korea to locate her “double”. Aires Sept. 14. “Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy” is Stephanie Wang-Breal’s look at an 8 year-old Chinese orphan adopted by a Long Lsland Jewish family. Aires August 31. Check with your local PBS station for details. www.pov.org.
WRITTEN ARTS
Nitin Rai speaks about “Reconstructing Landscapes, History, Culture and Local Knowledge in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, India” as part of the speaker series, “Global Issues & Perspectives” presented by Antioch University. May 19 at 7 p.m. Free. 2326 6th Ave. in Belltown. www.antiochseattle.edu.
442nd veteran and author Virgil Westdale reads from his book entitled “Blue Skies and Thunder” on May 22 at 3pm. At Densho located at 1416 S. Jackson. (206) 320-0095.
Poet and Professor at Western University in Bellingham, Oliver De La Paz reads from his new book entitled “Requiem For The Orchard” (University of Akron Press) at Open Books: A Poetry Emporium on May 25 at 7:30 p.m. with fellow poet Allen Braden. 2414 N. 45th St. (206) 633-0811 or [email protected]. De La Paz was a recent recipient of a Camano Island residency sponsored by Artist Trust and the Hafer Family Foundation. His book was the winner of the 2009 Akron Poetry Prize as selected by Martin Espada.
UW Professor of Architecture/author Ken Oshima will give a talk on May 26 at 6:30pm on his new book entitled ”International Architecture in Interwar Japan” (UW Press) that looks at architects from America, Europe and Japan that tried to synthesize the novel with the old in a distinctive way in Japan between the wars. UW Architectural Hall 145.
ART NEWS / OPPORTUNITIES
Artist Trust offers a clinic for artists at Country Doctor Community Clinic on Capitol Hill. Uninsured low-income artists are encouraged to apply for vouchers that will help underwrite costs of a visit. This program extended through June 2010. (206) 467-8734×11 or e-mail [email protected].
The Chinatown International District JamFest is a monthly neighborhood summer music festival that will take place on First Thursdays June through Sept. Interested in performing? Contact Jessica Rubenacker at (206) 623-5124×109 or [email protected].
Miguel Guillen, Artist Resources Manager of Artist Trust presents free workshops for artists May 27 (grant writing for artists) in Seattle. “Artists And Aging: A Professional Development Series” takes place in May and June. Each program tackles a different topic. Also apply now for 2010 Grants for Artist Projects (GAP). Deadline is June 25, 2010. Log on to www.artisttrust.org for details.
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is currently looking for artists to lead family art activity workshops. For more information, call (206) 623-5124×114.
Wing Luke Asian Museum changes its name and gains a new nickname. The museum recently announced it has expanded its name to Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience to better reflect the community that it strives to serve. Recognizing that this new name is a mouthful, it has also created a new nicknamewhich is simply “The Wing”. The museum also offers a YouthCAN Summer Studio on Style to any high school student or graduating senior interested in art and leadership. Open to youths ages 15 – 20. Join artist Jonathan Wakuda Fischer (his new show at ArtXchange Gallery opens this month.) and other artists, designers and museum professionals and find out about getting your own style. Apply by May 21. Email or call Joshua Helm at (206) 623-5124×115 or [email protected].
The Bruce Lee family unveiled an exhibit of the late Kung Fu star’s memorablilia in Hong Kong recently. It was part of a tribute to the late actor at the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival. The family also revealed plans to convert Lee’s old home in Hong Kong into a museum and build a new museum in Seattle.
