1. Highlights
  2. Visual Arts
  3. Performing Arts
  4. Film/Media
  5. Written Arts
  6. Art News/ Opportunites

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Highlights

  • “Beyond The Threshold: Seattle International Dance Festival” with performances from dancers/choreographers from around the world, across the country and in the region. June 4 – 13 at various venues. Maika Misumi/M3T from Japan, Rainbow Dance Theatre from Hawai’i/Oregon will perform. Local groups, Haruko Nishimura & Degenerate Art Ensemble and Kogut Butoh also participate. For complete details, go to www.PHFFFT.org.
  • “The Wing” presents “JamFest!”, a summer festival of live music on  First Thursday Gallery Walk nights from June to September from 6 – 9 p.m. at four different venues in the ID. Start it off June 3 at the museum at 6 p.m. First 25 JamFest ticketholders get a free gift bag full of JamFest goodies. There will be a map of venues and complete schedule of performers at the museum. JamFest ticket holders also get 15 percent off all items purchased in the Wing Marketplace. Some performers already booked include Lester Iwana, Blue Bossa and Bob Antolin. Go to www.wingluke.org for complete details.
  • “The Fishes and Dishes Cookbook” (Epicenter Press) is a new regional cookbook penned by sisters Kiyo & Tomi Marsh and Laura Cooper. All have a long history of working on fishing boats in Alaska. The book details the ways fresh Northwest catch of the day can be combined with other ingredients to make satisfying, distinctive Northwest dishes. Cooper and Kyo Marsh will discuss the book on Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m. University Book Store. 4326 University Way N.E. in Seattle. Free. (206) 634-3400 or www.ubookstore.com.
  • The work of Jenny Kam, Rumi Kushino, Ren Sun, Si Yang Song and Shuo Yang is included in the UW MFA 2010 Thesis Exhibition on view through June 27 at Henry Art Gallery. 4100 – 15th Ave. N.E.  (206) 543-2280 or www.henryart.org.
  • The Seattle Japanese Garden has a 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 6 at 11 a.m. at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. There will be entertainment and speeches from dignitaries. The original design for the garden was created by Juki Iida of the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Department Free. (206) 684-4725 or www.seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/japanesegarden.htm.
  • The 20th Annual Walk for Rice, the annual fundraiser for Asian Counseling and Referral Services Food Bank takes place on Sat., June 19 from 8 a.m. – noon at Seward Park. Come out and support this valuable community resource. 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S. (206) 695-7551 or visit www.walkforrice.org.
  • 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 continues on view through August 6. 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 how 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.
  • The Seattle International Film Festival screens new local, national and international films across the Puget Sound at various venues until June 13. Log on to siff.net for details.
  • Vancouver B.C. based classical pianist Jon Kimura Parker performs on June 23 at 8 p.m. Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College at 2011 Mottman Rd. in Olympia. (360) 753-8585 or www.washingtoncenter.org.
  • “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.
  • 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. Call (206) 715-6313 or visit [email protected].
  • “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 http://www.whatcommuseum.org.
  • Elliott Bay Book Company has achieved a smooth transition to its new Capitol Hill home. Former Elliott Bay staffer Irene Akio returns as author/illustrator with her new book, “T for Tokyo” (Things Asian {Press) in which a father tells his daughter about the city where she was born. In a bi-lingual editon. Sunday, June 27 at 4 p.m.  1521 – 10th Ave. www.elliottbaybook.com (206) 624-6600.
  • 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 (see related article this issue) 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 (see related article this issue) 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.
  • “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.

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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 Sekiguchi, 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.
  • “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. Open during First Thursday on June 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. 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 one Saturday  on 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. 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.
  • “One Hundred Horses” is the title of a show of watercolors by Haili Chai on view Through June 10. At the Wallingford Center in Seattle. 1815 N. 45th. (206) 650-9126 or www.hailiart.com.
  • 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.
  • Tacoma-based ceramic artist Yuki Nakamura has closed her Seattle studio in the Noodleworks building in the International District. She will work at home from now on. Her most recent show at Howard House was reviewed by Matthew Kangas in the May issue of Art in America”.
  • “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.
  • 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. Visit 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 Sept. 2010. “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 – 3 p.m. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 visit www.artscouncilofsnoco.org.
  • The work of Yuko Ishi and Nana 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.

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Performing Arts

  • The Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival takes place on the weekend of June 5 & 6 with arts, entertainment, food and activities. Seattle Center House and Mural Amphitheatre. 305 Harrison St. www.seattlecenter.com. Presented by Seattle Center Festal.
  • Japanese pop star Miyavi performs in seattle as part of his “Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour 1010 on June 18 at 8 p.m. at Showbox at the Market located at 1426 1st Ave. For details, go to www.showboxonline.com.
  • “The Warrior Queen” is an Indian dance drama that pays homage to Jhansi Ki Ranbi. June 3 – 5. The Evergreen state College Experimental Theatre. 2700 Evergreen Parkway N.W. in Olympia. (360) 867 – 6651 or www.evergreen.edu/expressions.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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Film/Media

  • “Kites” (Reliance Big Pictiures) may yet prove the surging popularity of “Bollywood” film in the states. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori as a couple on the road, the film was #10 in sales at the box office recently.
  • 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.

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The Written Arts

  • Local poet and Examiner contributor Keivin Minh Allen reads on June 12 at 1 p.m. as part of the  “Mixed Roots Film & Literature Festival” in Los Angeles at the Japanese American National Museum. http://www.mxroots.org/readings-3.

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Art News/ Opportunites

  • 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 email [email protected]
  • “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 x114.
  • 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”.
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