Michelle Cruz Skinner, a Filipino American writer from Hawai’i reads from her new book of short stories entitled “In The Company of Strangers” (Bamboo Ridge Press) on Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Author R. Zamora Linmark describes the book as “deceptively simple stories about Filipinos tongue-tied and alienated in the motherland, or scattered across the map of heartaches and homesickness in the company of strangers called countrymen, family, lovers.” Hawai’i has a rich literary scene of its’ own and Bamboo Ridge is in the middle of it supporting local writers with workshops, readings and publications. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see and hear Michelle Cruz Skinner read from her new book. Free & open to the public with a reception to follow after the reading. KOBO at Higo at 602-608 South Jackson. Call (206) 381-3000 or visit [email protected].
“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. 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. Coming of age in America as an immigrant can be a tough struggle with the push and pull of traditions and the need to be accepted pulling you in many directions. Two new books tell the story. Jean Kwok reads from her highly acclaimed debut novel “Girl in Translation” that tells the harrowing, life-changing tale of self-discovery of a young immigrant girl living in a tenement and working in a sweat shop in America on May 8 at 7 p.m. Ira Sukrungruang’s reads from his bittersweet and yes, funny memoir, “Thai: The Adventures of a Buddhist Boy” (University of Missouri Press) that tells the tale of a chubby Thai boy obsessed with comics who tries to find his way through puberty n America. May 11 at 6 p.m. Noted artist/writer Belle Yang is back with a new book that again features her artwork and prose and a continuation of her family history. “Forget Sorrow: An Ancestral Tale” (W.W. Norton) begins with a father’s stories of his ancestors and how his daughter takes those tales and brings them to life in word/image with adventures throughout China and abroad makes for a book brimming over with magic. Yang reads May 17 at 7 p.m. 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 6 p.m. 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. Visit www.elliottbaybook.com or (206) 624-6600.
In the mood for comedy. Check out Pork Filled Players (see related article in this issue) new show entitled “Pork Fiction” in which they skewer fanatics and pulp stories they love. Runs May 7, 8, 14 & 15 all at 8pm. Special guests includes Charles, Killer Donut, Assaulted Fish (from Vancouver, B.C.) and bonus performances by winners of UW Asian Student Commission’s 2010 Talent Show. Tickets at the door or call (206) 365-0282. At Theatre Off Jackson located at 409 – 7th Ave. S.
“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.
Last call – “Paintings And Collages” by the late Northwest master artist Paul Horiuchi is currently on view through May 8 at SeattleArtRESource. Paintings from several decades of the artist’s work including work borrowed from family and collectors are included. 625 First Ave. at Cherry. Second Floor. Open Tu. – Sat. from 11 to 5 p.m. (206) 838-2695 or visit www.seattleartresource.com.
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience opens yet another new exhibition entitled “Paj Ntaub – Stories of Hmong in Washington State” on view through Oct. 17. Family photos, cultural artifacts, first person stories uncover their history and culture in Washington state. Family Fun Day activity for March 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. is the popular workshop entitled “Making Buttons” led by WLAM staff. Free and open to the public. (206) 623-5124.
Nationally known ceramic artist Patti Warashina‘s work will be included in “Colloquial: An Exhibition of Local Ceramics” (Diem Chau & Akio Takamori also have work in this) at Gage Academy of Art’s Steele Gallery through May 15. There will be a show of new work by Warashina entitled Conversations” at Howard House Contemporary on view till June 12. Opening reception is May 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. 604 Second Ave. (206) 256-6399 or log on to http://www.howardhouse.net.
Internationally known jazz piano talent Hiromi comes to Seattle to perform with the Stanley Clarke Band as a special guest at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. May 6 – 9. 2033 – 6th Ave. (2o6) 441-9729.
Sometimes we forget how some of our public institutions also house important northwest art collections. The Seattle Public Libray is a case in point. They are now showing items from their Northwest Art Collection on the eighth floor of the central library downtown. Highlights include Paul Horiuchi’s “Thrust Fault” (newly re-furbished) and the prints of local people at work by Fay Chong. 1000 Fourth Ave. (206) 386-4636 or www.spl.org.
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. April 10 – June 27, 2010. May 5, a presentation entitled “The Video Art of Nam June Paik” is given followed by a talk by Richard Herskowitz, director of Cinema Pacific Festival. Events start at 5:30 p.m. at the Cheryl Ramberg Ford Lecture Hall. 1430 Johnson Lane. (541) 346-3027 or visit www.jsma.uoregon.edu.
“Return to Minidoka” is a memory-sharing forum sponsored by the Omoide Project that will feature Minidoka Relocation Center stories from the internment camps. May 15 at 1 p.m. Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington at 11414 S. Weller. (206) 568-7114 or e-mail [email protected].
“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. Call (206) 684-7171 or www.seattle.gov/arts.
The work of local ceramic artist Reid Ozaki in in a three-person show at Northwest Craft Center May 7 – 31. Opening reception May 7 from 6 – 8 p.m. 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 Rischer 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. May 6 – June 26. Opening May 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. 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.
“Underphotos” is the title of a new show by Margot Quan Knight who always finds new ways to combine photography with other elements to expose the ambiguities of life. Also the work of Akio Takamori is included in a group show entitled “Mirror Mirror”. Hurry – ends May 8 at James Harris Gallery. 312 Second Ave. S. (206) 903-6220 or jamesharrisgallery.com.
“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 Chin, 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 April 24 at 2 p.m., scholars Tim Clark and Julie Nelson Davis talk about printmakers Kuniyoshi and Utamaro respectively. Catherine Roche gives a lecture on the show she curated on May 7 at 11 a.m. 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. All artists appear on a panel talk on April 18 at 2 p.m. as well. 121 South First St. (360) 466-4446 or www.museumofnwart.org.
Tina Koyama’s work is included in “New Perspectives – Novel Interpretations”, a group exhibition of fiber art on view through June 13. University House Wallingford at 4400 Stone Way N.
“Tiger Tiger Burning Bright” is a group show with work by Yumiko Kayukawa, Travis Louie, Audrey Kawasaki and others around the theme of tigers. May 14 – 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. Opening reception May 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. 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.
“New Old and New New: Recent Acquisitions of Asian Art” is a new show that responds to recent interest in contemporary Asian art showcasing new acquisitions from the museum’s growing collection. The show presents the work of Asian and Asian American artists such as Miwa Yanagi, Tomoko Takahashi and Joseph Park. A concurrent exhibition of new acquisitions of Chinese painting and calligraphy is also on view. Through July 4. Also a 60-minute tour on the “Arts of Asia” is given every Sat. & Sun. at 1 p.m. starting at the Fuller Garden Court. Free with museum admission. Seattle Asian Art Museum. 1400 E. Prospect. (206) 654-3100 or log on to seattleartmuseum.org.
“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. Exclusive preview for members is on May 13 from 6 – 7 p.m. with public preview from 7 – 8 p.m. 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, 2010. Extended hours on this day are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. “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 with the opening reception set for April 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. Show remains on view till May 15. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
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.
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.
The late Paul Horiuchi’s “Seattle Mural” created in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair is in disrepair. It needs a facelift. Vote daily till May 12 to get funds to complete this process by logging on to PartnersinPreservation.com Come for an informational Open House on May 2 from noon to 5 p.m. There will be music, cake and crafts. Mural Amphitheatre at Seattle Center. For details, log on to www.partnersinpreservation.com.
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.
Professor Doug Slaymaker will give a talk about turn-of-the-century Japanese artists who traveled to Paris to live in Europe and study Western painting. “Japan’s France: Fujita Tsuguharu and Kaneko Mitsuhara in 1920s Paris”. Monday, May 17 at 4 p.m. Seattle UW campus at Thomson Hall Room 331. For details, contact [email protected].
Perreniasl Seattle favorite, singer/songwriter Vienna Teng return to Triple door with Alex Wong on May 11. 216 Union St. (206) 838-4333 or thetripledoor.net.
A Tacoma staging of the Rogers & Hammerstein musical “Flower Drum Song” with a new book by Chinese American playwright David Henry Hwang runs till May 9. Tacoma Musical Playhouse. 7116 Sixth Ave. (253) 565-6867 or www.tmp.org.
Anna Homier & Friends perform May 14 at 8pm. Includes Susie Kozawa, Byron Au Yong and others. Presented by Seattle Occultural Music Festival and Nonsequitar. The Chapel for the Performing Arts at 4649 Sunnyside N. in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.
On May 15 from 4 p.m. – 4 a.m., many of the area’s finest pianists will perform Erik Satie’s “Vexations” played 840 times. Includes Tiffany Lin, Byron Au KYong and many others. Jack Straw Productions at 4261 Roosevelt Way NE.
“This Old Piano” project by composer/pianist Tiffany Lin is a series in which she has two old pianos taken apart and re-tuned for new music. A “Composer Spotlight” event will have Lin and some members of her team of instrument designers Colin Ernst, Hugo Solis, composers Jherek Bischoff and Tom Baker and master woodsmith Joel Kikuchi speaking about the process with another performance on May 12
at 7:30 p.m. At Jack Straw Studio. 4261 Roosevelt Way NE (206) 634-0917. www.jackstraw.org.
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Craft Fair takes place on
Sat., May 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 3001 – 24th Ave. S. Call (206) 723-1536.
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.
DEEMS, Seattle’s jazz pianist has a new release entitled On Irving Street” which features post-modern arrangements of new originals by the pianist, Tim Horiuchi and Paul Richardson. Other musicians include Merwin Kato, David Yamasaki and Gordon Uchima. Available from J-Town Records. Visit www.deemsmusic.com for details.
“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 9 p.m. playing songs from their debut CD at Waid’s Haitian Cuisine at 1212 E. Jefferson. Call (206) 328-6493 for reservations. Seattle pianist legend Overton Berry sits in on May 6. 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.
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. Free. Blaine Methodist Church. 3001 – 24th Ave. S. Log on to [email protected] for details.
“The Good, The Bad, The Weird” (see review this issue) is Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-Woon ‘s idea of an “Oriental Western” set in the badlands of 1930’s Manchuria. Opens May 7 at The Varsity. 4329 University Way NE (206) 781-5755.
“Princess Ka’lulani’” opens May 14 at a Seven Gales/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.
“The Warlords” uses the Taiping Rebellion as a backdrop to a broiling mix of drama and war with Jet Li, Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro. Now at The Varsity at 4329 University Way NE. (206) 781-5755.
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”. Airs 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 Island Jewish family. Aires August 31. Check with your local PBS station for details. www.pov.org.
Noted retired bookseller David Ishii who had a used bookstore in Pioneer Square for many years appears in a series of public service announcements commemorating the 100th anniversary of Swedish Hospital. In his segment, he talks about being left at the hospital after his mother died by his father who had to go on an important business trip to Japan. For three years he was taken care of by Swedish Hospital staff until his father was able to return.
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. inb Belltown. www.antiochseattle.edu.
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 6:30 p.m. 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.
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].
Apply now for the EDGE Professional Development Program for Visual Artists which takes place July 16 – August 27, 2010. This program provides artists with relevant and necessary skills to achieve personal career goals. Deadline is April 30, 2010. Also Miguel Guillen, Artist Resources Manager of Artist Trust presents free workshops for artists on May 15 (resources for artists) and May 27 (grant writing for artists) in Seattle. “Artists And Aging: A Professional Development Series” takes place April 24 (“Better With Time: Creativity And Aging”) and also in May and June. Each program tackles a different topic. 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.
Students in the Seattle area, help celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May 2010 and enter an original aert piece that showcases API Heritage and culture in America. Awards given to the best of each grade level and work will be displayed at Seattle Center. Deadline is April 16, 2020. For more information, contact Frieda Takamura at (425) 235-7254 or [email protected] or Antoinette Folino at (206) 322-9080.
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 nickname which 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. E-mail 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.
