Art Etc. – 9/1/2010

Alan Chong Lau

September 1, 2010

653

Highlights
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Film/Media
Written Arts
Art News/ Opportunites

Highlights

Would you like to hear a classical Indian music concert in a perfect acoustic space? Check out Pandit Vikash Maharaji who will play the sarod with his son on tabla in the lovely acoustic setting of the Chapel Performance Space located on the 4^th floor of the Good Shepherd Center. September 2 at 8 p.m. 4649 Sunnyside N. in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle.
Interested in meeting other artists, curators, collectors and art professionals in a friendly, supportive environment and getting a peek at the latest shows at the “Wing” at the same time? Then mark your calendars for the 2^nd annual “Mix It Up Again: Asian Pacific American Artist Reception” set for September 10 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. There will be a program, snacks and images of work by local Asian Pacific American artists shown throughout the night. $7 for museum members and $10 for non-members. To find out more information or to become a member before this big event, call (206) 623-5124 or www.wingluke.org. Wing Luke Museum Of the Asian Pacific American Experience is located at 719 S. King St., in Seattle.
Those girls are at it again! SIS Productions presents the 18th installment of “Sex in Seattle” entitled “An Everyday Kind of Love” set for September 10 – October 9. Come see what your favorite female characters are up to now in this quirky comedy about today’s Asian American women, their lives and loves. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. Hugo House on Capitol Hill, 1634 11^th Ave. Call (206) 323-9443 or e-mail: [email protected].
“Wheedle’s Groove”, the documentary film by Jennifer Maas about Seattle’s lost “soul music” scene of the late 60’s should be the Seattle “feel-good” film of the year. When it screened at SIFF, people were turned away and the audience was full of musicians from the era. Asian American connection here is guitarist Philip Woo, one of the few musicians to make it out of this local scene. Of course Kenny G. was the only one to really hit the big time. Again, expect some of the special guests at these screenings to be local Seattle musicians from “back in the day.” September 3 – 9 at Northwest Film Forum. 1515 12^th Avenue. 1 (800) 838-3006 or go to www.nwfilmforum.org for tickets and information.
The work of Liang-Cheng Yen, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yeonnmi Kang, Ron Ho, Nadine Kariya, Emiko Oye and many others are included in a fun group show that celebrates the 70^th birthday of Facere Jewelry Art Gallery owner, Karen Lorene with each artist taking a year and designating a significant event of that year into a priceless one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. ”Celebrating 70” is on view through September 5. 1420 Fifth Ave. in the City Centre Building. (206) 624-6768 or www.facerejewelryart.com.
Kaatsuhide Motoki’s “Battle League Horomo” is a fantasy/action-comedy/love story all rolled into one. A group of college students get mixed up in the world of Horumo – a fighting competition where contestants call upon ancient spirits to inhabit miniature statues to do battle from then in an arena. September 3 – 9. Grand Illusion Cinema.1403 N.E. 50^th St. in the University District. (206) 523-3935 or grandillusioncinema.org.
The work of Saya Moriyasu, Yuki Nakamura, Arun Sharma, Brendan Tang, Patti Warashina and others is included in “BAM Biennial 2010: Clay Throwdown”. This is Bellevue Arts Museum’s new juried exhibition competition where artists are asked to make work expressly for the show. Continues on view through January 16. Noted ceramic artist and UW Art Professor Akio Takamori was one of the judges. Also on view is “The Art of Discovery – The Northwest Art Collection of the Junior League of Seattle” which features work by Norie Sato on view till September 19. 510 Bellevue Way N.E. (425) 519-0770
Judy Yung and Erika Lee,, the authors of “Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway to America” (Oxford University Press) will give a slide/ talk about their book, one of the first comprehensive looks at this West Coast immigration station (the equivalent to Ellis Island on the East Coast) and how it affected the lives of countless immigrants from China, Korea, Japan and other countries. September 2 at 7:30pm. Town Hall at 1119 Eighth . Downstairs, enter on Seneca St. (206) 652-4255 or visit www.townhallseattle.org
Artwork created by staff, volunteers and clients of Asian Counseling and Referral Service will be featured during the Chinatown/ID Jamfest on Thursday, September 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. Art by Dean Wong Rebecca Ip, Jeff Wendland, Gary Tang, Cora Edmonds, Carina del Rosario, Eun-Young Won and others will be on display. The band Naugahyde will also perform. Come to Canton Alley on King St. between 7^th Ave. & 8^th Avenues S. Sponsored by Chinatown’s oldest gift shop, Sun May Company. Go to www.scidpda.org for details.
Boo Duck Lee (see related article this issue), a visiting artist from Korea who will be teaching at Tacoma Community College has a special show of paper art through September 5. The work of two visiting ceramic artists from Oregon, Barb Campbell and Javier Cervantes are on display through September 18. A “Kimono Textile Show” by artist Yuri Kinoshita opens September 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. and continues on view through September 26. KOBO Gallery at HIGO. 604 South Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or www.koboseattle.com.
“Trace Series” is a solo show of new work by Etsuko Ichikawa who uses the fire and smoke of molten glass as a paint brush. Opens September 2 and on view until the end of this year. At Tramel-Gagne in the Design Center located at 5701 – 6^th Avenue S. #105. (206) 762-1511 or visit www.tgshowroom.com. Etsuko also does “Firebird”, a live performance piece at the Museum of Glass (in the Hot Shop) in Tacoma on September 11 at 6:45 p.m. during their annual fundraising event with the collaboration of dancer Mizue Trinidad. This event is open to registered guests with the museum. Seating is limited. Call (253) 284-4715 or try rsvpmuseumofglass.org for details. Located at 1801 Dock St. in Tacoma.
Festal 2010 presents the following cultural festivals at Seattle Center House and Mural Amphitheatre. Korean Cultural Celebration on September 11 from noon – 7 p.m. Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival on September 12 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Expect music, performance, food booths and kids activities. Log on to seattlecenter.com for details.
The late actor Sessue Hayakawa was the first Asian American star of the screen in Hollywood’s silent era. Although his career in Tinsel town had its’ ups and downs throughout the years, it ended on a high note when he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in David Lean’s “The Bridge Over The River Kwai”. Now SIFF Cinema brings back that classic war film in a new digital 4k restoration. September 10 – 12. 321 Mercer St. in McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. (206) 633-7151 or [email protected].
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. Remains on view through September 30. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770 or www.gregkucera.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 quilt-makers. “Japanese Textiles” shows the variety of materials used in the quilt-making process from the perspective of the quilt-maker. 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., in Seattle.
“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.
One of China’s most well known directors, Zhang Yimou (“House of Flying Daggers”, “Hero”) is back with “A Woman, A Gun And A Noodle Shop”, his clever adaptation of the Coen Brothers “Blood Simple.” Opens September 10 at the Harvard Exit. At Broadway & E. Roy. (206) 781-5755.
Congratulations to writer/activist/performance artist Canyon Sam. Her book entitled “Sky Train: Tibetan Woman on the Edge” (UW Press) was turned down by editors and agents for over fifteen years. Now it has won the PEN American Center/Open Book Award for excellence by an author of color which has not received wide media attention. Only 3 authors were chosen from over 200 nominations. She will receive the award on October 13 in New York City.
After a long time in the studio, Saya Moriyasu bursts out with some new, fun work culled from her Pilchuk Glass Residency and experiments with two glazes. See shelves that shrink, dogs that grow and a fu dog diaspora all in her new show entitled “Charm” she’s sharing with fellow artist Maija Fiebig. It opens September 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. and remains on view through October 9. G. Gibson Gallery at 300 S. Washington St. in Pioneer Square. (206) 587-4033 or go to www.ggibsongallery.com.
See over 100 U.S. and international short films as well as three feature films at SIFF Cinema over Labor Day weekend September 3 – 6 as part of ONE Reel’s Film Festival at Bumbershoot. With lots of local/international Asian/Asian American talented directors represented. For details, go to www.bumbershoot.org for details.

Visual Arts

Cora Edmonds, Photographer and founder of ArtXchange Gallery will have on display a veritable photographic quilt of images taken on her many travels around the world. Artist reception on September 2 from 5 – 8pm. On view through October 30. Also closing September 4 is a small show of cut paper artworks, accordian books, cards and prints by Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw inspired by Edo period kimono patterns. 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or www.artxchange.org
The work of Ed Ou is included in a group show of contemporary photography entitled “PERSPECTIVES” opening Sept. 2 and on view through September 25. Foster/White Gallery. 220 Third Avenue S. (206) 622-2833 or go to www.fosterwhite.com
“Wings”, a group show on the history of flight features the work of Paul Horiuchi, Wada Sanzo and many others. Open on First Thursday on September 2 and October 7 from 5 – 7pm. Show is up till October 9. Art Resource Galllery at 625 First Ave., # 200. (206) 838-2639 or www.SeattleArtResource.com
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. Through Sept. 19 in the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or www.columbiacitygallery.com
“Revealing The Root: Moku hanga by Eva Pietzcker” is the latest show at Cullom Gallery. Through October 9. This German artist seeks “to reconnect to the root and reveal a vital energy” as embodied in “foundational elements of life, like stone, waves, or mountains.” 603 S. Main (206) 919-8278 or www.cullomgallery.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 – 9pm. 619 Western Avenue on the 2^nd floor. (206) 719-3769. Open First Thursdays from 6 – 9pm or by appointment.
Z.Z. Wei’s paintings of Northwest landscapes and backroads are on view Sept. 2 – Oct. 4 at Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273. Opening reception September 2 from 6 – 8pm.
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 through Nov. 28 in the North Galleries of the Henry Art Gallery. The work of Weng Fen is featured. 15^th Ave. NE & NE 41^st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org
“From Edo To Tacoma”””- Three Eras of Japanese Woodblock Prints: Edo, Meiji, and 20^th Century Works” opens September 4 and remains on view through February 13, 2011.Curator Zoe Donnell will talk about the show and there will be a Gallery Tour afterwards on September 8 starting at 10:30am. “Arts Bento: A Taste of Japanese Culture” will give participants a chance to sample the variety of Japanese art forms in hand-on activities on September 12 from 1 – 5pm. Free Third Thursday takes place on September 16 from 5 – 8pm.Tacoma Art Museum is at 1701 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. (253) 272-4258 or 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. On view through October 29. 701 Fifth Avenue in Suite 310, (206) 624-0543 or womenpainters.com
The work of early Seattle Camera Club member Frank Kunishige is included in the current exhibit entitled “The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest” on view now through November 28. There will be “Coffee and Lecture with the Curators” on September 11 from 9:30 – 11:30am. “ 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
“New/Old: Recent Acquisitions of Chinese Painting” is on view through October 31. 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 through October 2010 in the library. Also “First Saturdays from 11am – 2pm feature programs that connect your family with the arts and cultures of Asia. Free and no registration is required. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org
“Order and Border” is an onging 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 demonsrations in the teahouse on the Third Floor. Sept. 16 at 6:30pm and Sept. 19 at 2:30pm. 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 seattleartmuseum.org to register.
“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. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
Work by Ellen Ito, Lisa Kinoshita and Yuki Nakamura is included in the group show of recipients and nominees for “The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s ‘Foundation of Art Award, 2008 – 2010’”. On view till October 2 at the University of Puget Sound’s Kittredge Gallery. Opening reception on September 2 from 5 – 7pm. Located in Kittredge Hall on the UPS campus at . 15^th & N. Lawrence in Tacoma. (253) 879-3701 or go to www.pugetsound.edu/kittredge
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 – 9pm. Mark your calendars.
Chinese artist Long Gao shows his paintings, scrolls, prints and sculpture. Also his 2009 commission for the City of Woodenville is documented. On view through Sept. 4. Jeffrey Moose Gallery at 1333 – 5^th 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 – 7pm. 17171 Bothell Way N.E. in Lake Forest Park. (206) 417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net
“Farming the Waters: Japanese American Oyster Growers in Willapa Harbor” is the title of a free lecture by the Center for Columbia River History’s 2009 James B. Castle Fellow, Katy Fry set for September 8 at 7pm. Looks at the contributions of Japanese and Japanese American workers before, during, and after WW II. The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is located at 115 SE Lake St. in Llwaco, WA Got to CCRH.org for details.
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
“Dropping the Urn (Ceramic works, 5000 B.C.E.-2010 C.E.)” is the title of an exhibit by contemporary Chinese photographer/ceramic/installation artist Ai Weiwei now on view through October 30 at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland. Through October 30. (503) 223-2654 or www.museumofcontemporarycraft.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
Local poster artist Emory Liu got a “Poster of the Week” mention in the August 26 issue of the Stranger. To see more work, go to www.holyblackgold.com

Performing Arts

Popular singer/songwriter Vienna Teng plays Bumbershoot with her trio on September 5. Seattle Center. Go to Bumbershoot.org for details.
The legendary all-women punk pop group from Japan, Shonen Knife play the Tractor Tavern on September 8 on behalf of their new album, “Free Time”. 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W. (206) 789-3599.
Invocative Productions present “KALI DESCEND!” with vocalist Sumitra Guna and Peijman on tabla/drum on September 7. Doors open at 7pm. NEUMO’S. (206) 709-9467 or neumos.com
“An Evening With Asia” is the title of a program set for the Moore Theatre on September 8 at 7:30pm. 1932 Second Ave. (877) 784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org
“Sounds of Aloha” is a concert that presents Grammy-award-winning slack key guitarist Keoki Kahumoku paired with Ukelele master Herb Ohta Jr. and slack-key master Patrick Landeza in an evening of hula, storytelling and island beats. Washington Center for the Performing Arts512 Washington St. S.E. in Olympia. (360) 753-8586 or [email protected]
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.
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
Japanese Tea Ceremony Master Kannoh presents a mobile tea house where he offers a casual tea ceremony every Saturday at Seattle Uwajimaya at 600 – 5^th Ave. S. and every Sunday at KOBO Capitol Hill at 814 E.Roy. From 1 – 3pm at both sites. For more details, go to www.kannoh.com
Brittni Paiva, one of the preeminent female ukulele players in Hawai’I has released a new CD, “Four Strings: The Fire Within” featuring originals and covers of well-known compositions. For details, go to www.brittnipaiva.com

Film/Media

Quentin Lee’s new film, “The People I’ve Slept With” stars Karin Anna Cheung. This ribald romantic comedy about a promiscuous woman was written by Koji Steven Sakai. Opens in selected theatres across the country soon.
POV, the award-winning documentary film series that runs on PBS channels across the country offers tow films of interest to our viewers. On August 21, they present “Wo Ai Ni (I Love YOU) Mommy”, an intimate account of how a Jewish family on Long Island adopt an 8-year old girl from Guangzhou Province, China. A Co-production of American Documentary/POV and Diverse Voices Project presented in Association with the Center for Asian American Media. Directed by Stephanie Wong-Breal. On September 14, a Korean American adoptee tries to untangle the identity switch that sent her to the U.S. in “In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee”. Directed by Deann Borshay Liem. Check local listings for exact date and showtimes. Locally on Channel 9, KCTS. For details, go to www.pbs.org/pov/pressroom 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 perforamce by Tatsuya Nakadai as the aspiring ruler. 4329 University Way N.E. (206) 781-5755.
“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 7 Gables Theatre in the “U” district.
POV’s “The Betrayal” a documentary film by Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath about how a Laotian family was forced to leave their homeland due to a secret war waged there by the U.S. won a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit in Non-fiction filmmaking.
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”.

Written Arts

“A Cold Wind from Idaho” (Black Lawrence Press) is local writer Lawrence Matsuda’s debut collection of poetry that details his experience at Minidoka internment camp, the facility that most Japanese Americans from this area were sent for lock-up during WW II. Noted poet/writer Tess Gallagher says of this book, “I receive Matsuda’s narratives about the Camps with the shame and empathy of a fellow citizen who knows we must never let this happen again—which is the central message of this many layered document written by a modern samurai of the pen.” For ordering information, go to www.blacklawrence.com. Matsuda reads at the “Dedication of the NVC Foundation Japanese American Memorial Wall at 2pm on September 5. 1212 S. King St. Free but advance tickets required. Call (206) 390-1253 or email [email protected]

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
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 Greater YMCA International offers two life-enriching journeys to Asia. More field trip and live-in experience than tourist focused, the Japan Global Food Trip will feature a group of international travelers interested in learning about food production in Japan with seminars, hand-on experience with farmers and talks. September 30 – October 14. The Thailand Trip is for young adults who wish to get to know another country, its people and culture on a day-to-day basis. Takes place next March with an orientation and introductionary meeting for interested parties set for this fall. For more information on the Japan trip, call (206) 382-4362. For the Thailand trip, go to (206) 749-7554.