Visual Arts
Mia Bradshaw
Mia Bradshaw is of Japanese American and French and German American ethnicity. She had the privilege of growing up in a rich culture of two wonderful worlds. The simplicity and beauty of her Asian American heritage is often highlighted in her work. The tradition and opulence of her European background often enhance many of her pieces. While attending Western Washington University, Mia discovered that printmaking was a wonderful and creative venue to express her ideas, feelings and perspective. She incorporates her true identity, culture and tradition through many of her pieces.
Mike Curato
Mike Curato is originally from Nanuet, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University’s Visual Communication program with a BFA in Illustration. He now resides in Seattle. He has been featured in several local exhibitions, and was recently featured in the Nordstrom Asian Heritage Month Exhibit “Love Now” in May 2005. In his spare time, Mike volunteers his talents to several local non-profit organizations and serves as the Sponsorship Director on the AIGA Seattle Board.
Aki Sogabe
Aki Sogabe was in middle school when she imitated a paper cutting illustration using origami paper, and ever since she has loved to practice the ancient art form of Japanese paper cutting. Sogabe started to introduce this art form to Northwest in 1978 and now her works are included in the collection of the State of Washington and the State of Oregon Public Art, Fort Lewis Army Reservation in Washington and many others. Her works are displayed at more than 30 public schools from elementary through college in Washington State.Her public art is installed in the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, Nikkei Manor and Uwajimaya Village in Seattle.
Nha Vuu
In 1979, Nha Vuu (of Chinese ethnicity) and her family fled from their home in Vietnam to escape communist persecution. After living for two years as refugees the Vuu family was granted asylum in the United States. Nha lived in Seattle for 20 years before making a bold return to Asia to study Chinese painting and travel abroad.Ü Since her return to America, Nha Vuu has developed a brush technique and style that is difficult to categorize by a single school of painting.ÜShe inundates the senses with overlapping forms, expressionistic brushstrokes, and the use of rich opaque colors, that leave an indelible impression on the viewer.
Clothing Vendors
Reputation
Voted one of Seattle Magazine’s Best 115 Shops July 2004 & Seattle Magazine’s Best New Boutiques 2002. “Trendy Fashions at an Affordable Price” Melrose meets SOHO at Reputation, a trendy boutique in the heart of Wallingford. They feature high fashion clothes, shoes and accessories at very affordable prices. 1622-B N. 45th St., Seattle, (206) 632-4999. www.shop-reputation.org.
Soy Clothing
Soy Clothing represents the common “thread” and the soul ingredient to a way of life. Their designs reflect the many segments of the urban/street culture for today’s youth: music, dance, sport and heritage. Soy transcends cultural lines, borders, generations, and everything else in between. It’s about independence, it’s about pride, and it’s about street culture evolution and more importantly, revolution. .
