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

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Highlights

  • As part of the 17th Seattle Festival of Dance, two “Off the Cuff” faculty performances happen at 8 p.m. on August 5 and 6. Both concerts feature a mix of local and out of town talent. Teacher/dancer/choreographers Aiko Kinoshita and Haruko Nishimura (Degenerate Art Ensemble) will perform with others in the August 6 concert. Broadway Performance Hall at 1625 Broadway. (800) 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com for tickets and (206) 686-7323 or www.danceartgroup.org for more information. Support local dance by attending one or both of these concerts.
  • “From Hiroshima To Hope”, the annual memorial for victims of war with the lantern lighting ceremony and program takes place by Seattle’s Green Lake Northwest shore, just south of the Bathhouse Theater. Friday, August 6 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call (206) 453-4471 or go to [email protected].
  • Boo Duck Lee, a visiting artist from Korea who will be teaching at Tacoma Community College has a special show of paper art from August 20 – September 5.  Also enter the fantasy world of photographer Christian Peterson in the show entitled “KOBO Wonderland” on view August 5 – 17. Opening reception August 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. The work of Japanese ceramic artist Keizaburo Kubodera remains on view through August 15. KOBO Gallery at HIGO. 604 South Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or www.koboseattle.com.
  • Novelist Shawna Yang Ryan reads from the new paperback edition of “Water Ghosts” her debut novel, “” (Penguin Books) detailing the story of a Chinese picture brides sent to the rural enclave of Locke, a Chinese American settlement in the San Joaquin Delta at the turn of the century. 1 p.m. on August 12 at Elliott Bay Book Company. 1521 10th Ave. (206) 624-6600 or www.elliotbaybook.com.
  • Sev Shoon welcomes Zhang Guanghui, one of China’s emerging printmaking artists whose work attracts international recognition, here from Beijing. Part of Second Saturday Ballard ARTwalk on August 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. 2862 NW Market. (206) 782-2415 or www.sevshoon.com.
  • “Children of Nature” is the title of a show by Isnia (Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam), internationally known batik artists. The essence of the show is not so much about the cloths but the shadows that are created by them, symbolic of the illusive connection we all have to all living beings and nature. August 6 – 31. Island Gallery at 400 Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island. (206) 780-9500 or www.theislandgallery.net.
  • Cans of Spam, Cup Noodles, evaporated milk are just some of the images found in Lynne Yamamoto’s cast porcelain sculptures evoking memories of her upbringing and family history in Hawai’i. Opening reception is August 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. Remains on view August 19 – September 30. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770 or www.gregkucera.com.
  • The annual moon viewing event features Japanese traditional cultural activities including tea ceremony. Starts at 7 p.m. on August 21. Also on August 29, there will be a tea ceremony tribute to the 14th Urasenke Grandmaster Tantansai at 1, 2:15 & 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association. All events take place at Shoseian Teahouse in the Seattle Japanese Garden. 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. Call (206) 684-4725 about moon viewing event. Call (206) 324-2829 about special tea ceremony.
  • Akiko Izumitani’s documentary film, “Silent Shame” will have its North American premiere in Pasadena, Calif. at the Regency Academy Theatre. It is the journey of a Japanese-born filmmaker trying to uncover the hidden truth behind her country’s involvement in war crimes during WW II and the impact on today’s society. IE contributor Yakoi Winfrey worked on this film. Nominated for Best Documentary & Best Political Statement Movie at Active on Film International Film Festival. For details of screening schedule, go to www.silentshamedocumentary.com.
  • The Cullom Gallery, a Seattle gallery specializing in Japanese prints & paper and work by artists inspired by the Japanese print tradition has officially relocated from Pioneer Square to the Japantown area of the Chinatown/ID neighborhood. Their new show “Cuttin’ It Up” features Ryohei Tanaka’s mischievous, irreverent take on the “kirigami” (folded and cut paper) tradition is the perfect prescription for summer. Bold colors and zany figures abound. On view through Aug. 14.  6035 Main. For more information, go to www.cullomgallery.com.
  • La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum presents a pair of exhibits that focus on the Japanese quilt. “All That Blooms” looks at the use of blossoms, flowers and plants by quiltmakers. “Japanese Textiles” shows the variety of materials used in the quiltmaking process from the perspective of the quiltmaker. Both shows on view through Sept. 26. 703 A. Second St. in La Connor, Wash. (360) 466-4288 or visit www.laconnorquilts.com.
  • “Windfall” is a temporary installation by Seattle artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo of Lead Pencil Studio. A thousand wind chimes have been hung from newly planted trees on the walkway that leads to Seattle Rep and Intiman Theatre at Seattle Center. Stroll by and wait for the wind to conduct this leafy orchestra. Up till Sept. 17. Second Ave. N. at Mercer St.
  • “The Wing” presents “JamFest!”, a summer festival of live music on  First Thursday Gallery Walk nights through September from 6 – 9 p.m. at four different venues in the ID. Go to www.wingluke.org for complete details.
  • 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.
  • “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.

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Visual Arts

  • Pojagi Now is a group show of Korean wrapping textiles from both American and Korean artists. Picture stained glass transformed to cloth with unique patchwork design. When exposed to light, the colors dance. Another Korean related show entitled “You Are Here” shares the space. August 4 – Sept. 19 in the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. Opening reception is August 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or www.columbiacitygallery.com.
  • The work of stained glass artist Joby Shimomura is included in a group show entitled “Three Different Views of Nature” at Alchemy Gallery through September. Opening reception is September 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. 619 Western Avenue on the 2nd floor. (206) 719-3769. Open First Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. or by appointment.
  • The work of Diem Chau and Thuy-Van Vu is included in a Summer Gallery Artist Exhibit at G. Gibson Gallery through August 14.  300 S. Washington. (206)587-4033 or www.ggibsongallery.com.
  • Z.Z. Wei’s paintings of Northwest landscapes and back roads are on view  Sept. 2 – Oct. 4 at Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273. Opening reception September 2 from 6 – 8 p.m.
  • “Recent Work” by Eric Adrian Lee of mixed media abstract paintings associated with specific memories or reactions are on view August 5 – 29 with opening reception on August 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. Gallery IMA at 123 S. Jackson. (206) 625-0055 or www.galleryima.com.
  • The work of Minh Carrico is included in ”Postscripts From The Edge”, a group show showcasing the artwork of 15 graduates from the 2009 Artist Trust EDGE Program. Opening reception is August 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. with an artists talk set for 7 p.m. On view through August 29. Collective Visions Gallery at 331 Pacific Avenue in Bremerton. (360) 377-8327 or www.collectivevisions.com.
  • The current trend towards abstraction is shown in contrast to the use of the figure in a group show of photography entitled “Contemporary Works from the Monsen Collection” on view from August 5 – Nov.  28 in the North Galleries of the Henry Art Gallery. The work of Weng Fen is featured.  15th Ave. NE & NE 41st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org.
  • “! Eightfold Six Trinity” is the title of a show that displays traditional Japanese motifs from Shinto and animist customs on rice paper and scrolls. Form Space Atelier at 2407 First Avenue. (206) 349-2509 or formspaceatelier.com Through August 15.
  • The work of Mark Takamichi Miller, Joseph Park and Akio Takamori is included in the group show entitled “Honoring 15 Years of Neddy Artist Fellows. On view through August 22. Tacoma Art Museum. 1701 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. (253) 272-4258 or www.tacomaartmuseum.org.
  • The work of Patsy Surh O’Connell and Cathy Woo is included in the group show entitled  “Annual Fall Exhibition” by Women Painters of Washington. Opening reception is August 5 from 4 – 6 p.m. On view through October 29. 701 Fifth Avenue in Suite 310, (206) 624-0543 or www.womenpainters.com.
  • “ 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.
  • Seattle Asian Art Museum has a series of “Summer Art Talks in Volunteer Park” that will enrich your understanding of Asian art. “Four Individualists: Four Modernities in Chinese Painting” is a series in which Ben Wang of the China Institute in New York discusses the work of Chinese scholar-painters who excelled at the Three Perfections – painting, poetry and calligraphy. August 5 is “Eccentric of Yangzhou – Jin Nong (1687-1764)”, August 10 is “The Older You Are, The Better You Paint – Qi Baishi (1864-1957)” and August 12 is “Dispossessed Imperial Prince and Painter – Pu Ru (1896-1963)”. All talks begin at 7 p.m.
  • Ping-Kwan Wong emigrated from Hong Kong to Seattle in 1996. He used the McCaw Foundation Library at Seattle Asian Art Museum for years to study calligraphy and classic poems. He created hundreds of bookmarks featuring famous Chinese poems and well-known sayings before passing away in February of 2010. A small show of his bookmarks will be on view August – October 2010 in the library. Also “First Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. feature programs that connect your family with the arts and cultures of Asia. Free and no registration is required. The August 7 program will have a workshop on painting landscapes of the amazing imaginary places you want to go. Visit www.seattleartmuseum.org/gardnercenter  for details. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer  Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org.
  • “Order and Border” is an on-going exhibit on the third floor World Textiles Gallery at Seattle Art Museum downtown. The selection from SAM’s permanent collection puts stripes in the spotlight with Japanese bedcovers and undergarments, a meditation cloth from Laos, an African teacher’s disguise and items from many other global cultures. Also worth noting, a series of tea ceremony demonstrations in the teahouse on the Third Floor.   Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Instructors are Bonnie Soshin Mitchell, Mitsuko Soki Gale and Naomi Somi Takemura. Free with museum admission but seating is limited so registration is suggested. Call (206) 654-3121 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org to register.
  • Seattle Center For Book Arts has classes and workshops all summer. Lisa Hasegawa teaches  a workshop on “Spontaneous One Hour Books” on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Naomi  Kasumi does a workshop entitled “Creating Altered Books” on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a full schedule, go to www.seattlebookarts.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. 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.
  • Artists such as Kamia Kakaria, Lisa Haswgawa, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Tina Koyama and Mark Takamichi Miller will all be teaching classes at Pratt Fine Arts Center this Fall. For details or to register, go to www.pratt.org or call (206) 328-2200. The arts facility is open to the public and has their Annual Open House on Sat., November 13 from 6 – 9 p.m. Mark your calendars.
  • Chinese artist Long Gao shows his paintings, scrolls, prints and sculpture. Also his 2009 commission for the City of Woodinville 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.
  • The mixed media/fiber paintings of Hye Young Kim and Jennifer Nerad are on view at Gallery at Towne Centre September 1 – October 9 with an opening reception for the artists on September 16 from 5 – 7 p.m.  17171 Bothell Way N.E. in Lake Forest Park. (206) 417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net.
  • The work of Chunghong Chang is included in a group show through August at the Bainbridge Art museum located at the corner of 305 and Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island.
  • Amy Sie in her retirement rediscovered the pleasure of brush and ink using the Gongbi style of Chinese  painting. “Discovering the artistic I/eye in Second Adulthood” is on view through August at Gallery at Grace on Bainbridge Island. 8595 Day Raod E. (206) 842-9997 or www.gracehere.org.
  • Iyoko Okano’s Japanese calligraphy is on view in the Edmonds Arts Festival Museum Sept. 10 – Oct. 30. Located at the Frances Anderson Center at 700 Main St, in Edmonds. (425) 771-1984 or www.eaffoundation.org.
  • Fans of Japanese Pop culture, anime, and manga won’t want to miss “Aki Con 2010”. This festival includes 24 hour anime viewing, panels, workshops and more. Coming November 5 – 7 at the Bellevue Hilton Hotel. For details, go to www.akicon.org.

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Performing Arts

  • Now playing through August 8 is “Happy Summer from the Pork Filled Players”, a new program by this local Asian American sketch comedy collective. At Hugo House at 1634-11th Avenue in Seattle. 8 p.m. Go to brownpapertickets.com/event/112181 to order tickets.
  • Japanese Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka brings his band to Chop Suey  on September 13 as part of his “Wind Land And Sea Tour”. 1325 East Madison St. 1-800-745-3000.
  • ReAct Theatre presents the World Premiere of Seattle playwright Maggie Lee’s “Kindred Spirits” (see review this issue) as directed by David Hsieh. It is a modern ghost story that sheds new light on the restless spirits from our past. Through August 8 with several “pay-what-you-can” performances. At Hugo House on Capitol Hill. 1634 Eleventh. (206) 364-3283 or log on to www.reacttheatre.org.
  • Don Daryl Rivera takes the part of Sancho Panza in the new Taproot Theatre production of “Man of La Mancha” now on stage through August 7. 204 N. 85th St.  Go to www.taproot theatre.org or call (206) 781-9707 for details.
  • “Beacon Rocks!” is a music series that stroives to bring music and community together. Takes place on Lander Festival Street next to the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. August 8 and 29 from 1 – 5 p.m. For details, go to [email protected] or www.rockitspace.ning.com.
  • The 11th Lakewood International Festival is an international cultural event featuring Lakewood’s sister cities abroad. August 28 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Clover Park Technical College, McGavick Conference Center at 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W. in Lakewood. (888) 522-6116 or go to www.lakewoodsc.com.
  • Aki Matsuri is a Japanese Fall Festival set for September 11 & 12 at Bellevue College. With food, Japanese crafts and cultural activities for adults and kids alike. 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. (425) 861-7865 or go to wwwenma.org.

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Film/Media

  • “Hausu”, a Japanese comedy/horror film directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi screens at Northwest Film Forum August 6 – 8. 1515 – 12th Avenue. Call (206) 329-2629.
  • “Second Battle” is a documentary film that looks at families influenced by the presence of family members serving in Iraq and Afganistan. Japanese widow Hotaru Nakama Ferschk and her family is featured. Aires on August 13 on Channel 9, KCTS. For details, go to www.intheirboots.com or http://kcts9.org.
  • A new 35mm print of the late Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran” will be shown for one week starting September 3 at the Varisity. The epic film is a meditation on Shakespeare’s King Lear and features a marvelous performance by Tatsuya Nakadai as the aspiring ruler. 4329 University Way N.E. (206) 781-5755.
  • “Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo” recently was screened at SIFF 2010. Now it returns for a regular run at the Grand Illusion. Written, directed & produced by Jessica Oreck, this documentary film looks at Japan’s obsession with the beetle in its various and many forms. Through August 5.  1403 – NE 50oth St. in the University District. (206) 523-3935.
  • “Enemies of The People” is a documentary film by Thet Sambath and Rob Lemkin that attempts for the first time to expose the truth about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rogue. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2010. Opens in Los Angeles on August 6 with plans underway to screen it nationally. For details, go to http://enemies of thepeople/movie.com.
  • “Tales From Earthsea” is a new film from Japan’s Studio Ghibli as directed by Goro Miyazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki) loosely based on the series by Ursula K. LeGuin. This adventure follows the journey of a character as he attempts to find the cause for an imbalance in the land of Earthsea. Set for release by Walt Disney Studios/Studio Ghibli on August 13 nation-wide. Check your local listings.
  • “Mao’s Last Dancer”, a movie based on a true story about a Chinese dancer who sought asylum in America which played at SIFF 2010 is now playing at Metro Cinemas at 4500 9th N.E. (206) 632-5820.
  • Call for entries for the Couch Festival Films 2010. Films must be under 6 minutes and will be screened in people’s houses. For details go to http://www.couchfestfilms.com. The Festival happens on Nov. 7, 2010.
  • Seung-heon Sog and Nanako Matshushima are set to star in an Asian remake of the Hollywood smash film, “Ghost”.

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The Written Arts

  • Excerpts from a forthcoming graphic novel by Eroyn Franklin entitled “Detained” were recently shown at Gallery4 Culture in July. The book is based on the oral histories of two illegal immigrants, Cambodian American Many Uch and Mexican American Gabriela Cubillos covering months of captivity and legal appeals.  Franklin did interviews with reporters from the Common Language Project. Look out for this book when it hits the stands.

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Art News/ Opportunites

  • The idea for a collective art gallery in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District neighborhood is in the planning stages. Plans call for a gallery space that will showcase visual art by new & emerging artists of color. If you want more information or want to attend a meeting, email Carina at [email protected] or log on to www.flickr.com/photos/cadelrosario
  • WESTAF’s Visual Arts Touring Grant awards grants to visual arts organizations to support the preparation and touring of visual arts exhibitions of important regional artists. Deadline is 8/1/10. Visit http://amp.cgweb.org for details.
  • “NOTHING TO DECLARE’ is an International Contemporary Art Exhibition in Manila. To participate, send proposal of artwork you would like to show or new work you will make. Deadline is 8/30/10. Visit http://bit.ly/bkxyuY for details.
  • Berliner Liste takes place from 10/7-10. You can apply as a gallery, an artist or as a project. Over 100 international galleries and artists will exhibit. No deadline but visit www.berliner-liste.org/app07 for details.
  • The 2011 Multnomah Arts Center Gallery is looking for Oregon (Portland area) and Washington artists to submit proposals for group or solo shows. Deadline is 9/1/10. Visit www.multnomahartscenter.org for details.
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