Arts Etc.- 12/02/09 Update

Highlights

• Bora Ju, Korean gayageum virtuoso (traditional Korean stringed zither) is the “artist-in-residence” at UW’s School of Music for the fall quarter, 2009. During her time here, Ju is performing around as much as possible. Don’t miss hearing this virtuoso Korean musician while she is in the area. Future performances include Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center at UW Tacoma campus. Log on to www.tacoma.washington.edu for details. On Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., she plays at Traditions Café & World Folk Art in Olympia located at 300 – 5^th Ave. SW. Log on to www.traditionsfairtrade.com/events/index.php.
• Promising young singer/songwriters hit Seattle – Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka, known for his refreshing blend of blues and folk influences is touring the country on behalf of his forthcoming second album, “Gray” and plays Neumo’s in Seattle on Dec. 3 at 7pm. Tickets at TicketWest or call 1-800-992-TIXX. Malaysian-born singer/songwriter Zee Avi makes her Seattle debut on Dec. 10 at Seattle’s Crocodile. Her self-titled album on Jack Johnson’s record label was released in May of 2009 to good reviews. Avi accompanies herself on guitar and ukelele with a small band. 2200 2^nd Ave. For details, email [email protected]
• Jody Diamond, one of the premiere proponents of contemporary gamelan music in America today joins the Seattle ensemble, Gamelan Pacifica for a recital of original compositions on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Cornish College of the Arts. For tickets & information, go to www.cornish.edu/music/series.
• “Cultural Transcendence is a new group show at Wing Luke Asian Museum 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. Opening reception for WLAM members Dec. 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. features “Shin’m ”, an interactive dance performance with Eunsu Kang and Choreographer/performer Diana Garcia-Snyder. RSVP [email protected] or call (206) 623-5124×106 for reservations. Opening reception to the general public is free and begins from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Show continues through June 19, 2010. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
• A new gallery installation of fifteen Chinese artworks produced between 1629 and 2009 (many donated in honor of Director Emerita Mimi Gates) opens Dec. 16 at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. Also on tap for the Saturday University Lecture Series: Asia in Focus is UW Art History Professor Cynthea Bogel’s talk on “What’s Art and What’s Not in the History of Japan” on Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m. 1400 E. Prospect St. (206) 654-3100 or seattleartmuseum.org.

Visual Arts

• Images from Japanese printmaker Imao Keinen’s (1845-1924) “Bird and Flower Album” are on view through December at Davidson Galleries. 213 Occidental Ave. S.  For more information, visit www.davidsongalleries.com.
• Local paper-cut artist Aki Sogabe will give two Kiri-e Workshps for children ages seven and up at Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington on Dec. 3 and 120. 1414 S. Weller. (206) 568-7114.
• On view through Dec. 22 is a new show by of ceramic sculpture and installation by UW ceramic professor Akio Takamori entitled “Europeans” in which the artists continues his wry look at world history, colonialism and how different cultures meet and collide. Expect humor and lovely handling of color, glaze and calligraphic lines. On view with a show of new photographs by Danny Lyon famous for his shots of civil rights struggles, work camps and prisons in the deep south. James Harris Gallery at 312 Second Ave. S. Hours are Tues. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (206) 903-6220 or visit jamesharrisgallery.com.
• Meiro Koizumi (see related story this issue) is a contemporary Japanese artist who will be in residency in Puget Sound in the fall. Viewers have a chance to see various aspects of his work around the area as curated by independent curator Yoko Ott. The show at Hedreen Gallery/Lee Center for the Arts at Seattle University is a career retrospective of his video work on view through Jan. 9.  901 – 12th Ave. Call (206) 296-2244. This show runs concurrently with a new installation the artist is contemplating on Japanese American agriculture and the internment experience entitled “The Corner of Sweet and Bitter”. On view through Jan. at Open Satellite in Bellevue located at 989 – 112th Ave. NE #102. (425) 454-7355.  For complete details, go to http://opensatellite.org/exhibition-2009-11MeiroKoizumi.
• “So Long” is a multi-media installation by Brent Watanabe that explores computer controlled generated animations, robotics and sound.  On view through Dec. 30. At Jack Straw Productions at 4361 Roosevelt Way NE (206) 634-0919 or www.jackstraw.org.
• KOBO at Higo presents the following. “Enfu” is the artist monker for Japanese artist, Ken Taya whose “Hybrid Nippop” work portrays a parallel world where both Japanese and American worlds co-exist.His latest show entitled “I fart rainbow” showcases his latest projects and characters from his latest comic. Dec. 3 – Jan. 3, 2010 with an opening reception set for Dec. 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. Also set for this month are a couple jewelry trunk shows to tempt your holiday shopping. Dec. 5 from 1 – 8 p.m. is “Potluck Paris (www.potluckparis.com) which puts on view the latest creations from Europe. Dec. 12 from 12 – 6 p.m. Highlights the work of Zuzana Willis Jewelry (www.zuzkjewelry.com). Ceramic artist John Dix now based in Japan will be showing his wood-fired ceramics  during Jan./Feb. of 2010. 604 S. Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
• The work of Seattle photographer Carina del Rosario is included in “A Community Art Show” featuring the work of emerging Seattle artists.  Show on view through Dec. 11th. Hosted by South Seattle Community College Art Gallery – Brockey Student Center at 6000 – 16th Ave. SW (206) 764-5337 or visit student [email protected]/art.html.
• ArtXchange Gallery  presents  on view through Dec. 31, gouache on paper and paintings on wood panel by Bui Vong Khanh. The exhibit traces the evolution of Kkanh’s work from post-graduate to the present through his transition from various media. The artist has a playful take on traditional and modern motifs of Vietnamese culture.  512 – 1st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377. www.artxchange.org. Also during Nov./Dec., the gallery has mini-shows of lacquer paintings by their artists at The Teacup at 2128 Queen Anne Ave. N., The Signature at 530 1st Ave. N., Red Square Yoga at 1911 – 10th Ave. W. and Ummelina Int. Dayspa at 1525 Fourth Ave.
• “Surface, Dot, Line: Puget Sound Sumi Artists” is a new group show opening Nov. 21 from 5 – 8 p.m. and continues on view through Jan. 17 of 1010. Columbia City Gallery at 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843.
• “Layers” is the title of a show by glass artist Boyd Sugiki remains on view through Jan. 3. This Northwest artist created a series inspired by Istanbul’s skyline of historic domes and minarets alongside modern buildings. Museum of Northwest Art at 121 South First St. in La Connor, Wash. Call (360) 466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org.
• Seattle Asian Art Museum has on view until Feb. 21, 2010, “Transforming Traditions: Japanese & Korean Art Since 1800” and “Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art”. Mimi Gates, former director of SAM and now the museum’s Director Emerita, inaugurates the new Center for Asian Art and Ideas at SAAM with a “Saturday University” series of lectures by professors who specialize in different aspects of Asian Studies from art to history to political science. Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m.  The topic is “The Troubled Spirit of Modern Japan” by Kenneth Pyle on Nov. 21 and “What’s Art and What’s Not in the History of Japan” by Cynthia Bogel on Dec. 5. Log on to www.seattleartmuseum.org/calendar/calendar.asp for details and call (206) 654-3121 for tickets. 1400 East Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or log on to www.seattleartmuseum.org.
• Wing Luke Asian Museum –“Drawing a Story: Asian Pacific Islander Amwericans, Animation and Comics” is still on view but hurry as the show comes down Dec. 13. “Across the Spectrum: Stories from Queer Asian Pacific America” will be on view through Feb. 14 of 2010 in the Boeing Company Community Portrait Gallery.  “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” is ongoing through April 18, 2010 in the Special Exhibition Hall. The Family Day activity at the Museum will continue nest year on Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 20.   More info. at www.wingluke.org.
• The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) features the exhibit, “The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest on view till Jan. 16, 2020. 2700 – 24th E. (206) 324-1126.
• The work of Patsy Surh O’Connell, Deng Juo and Fumiko Kimura is included in a group show entitled “Ink Connection: China, Korea and Japan” at the Gallery at Tacoma Community College through Dec. 15.
• What does graffiti inscribed on canvas beds by American military on ships heading towards Vietnam during the war era tell us about that time in history? Find out by seeing “Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam”, a new show opening Sept. 17 and on view through Dec. 13. Washington State History Museum. 1911 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. (253) 272-3500 or www.washingtonhistory.org.

Performing Arts

• Seattle Pro Musica, a Northwest contemporary choir opens their new season with a concert entitled “Eastern Lights – Music from Asia and the Pacific” with traditional songs and new choral music from Japan, Korea, China, India, Southeast Asia, new Zealand, and Australia. Family matinee for children and families on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and a longer concert the SAM night at 7:30 p.m. Both at Town Hall at 1119 Eighth Ave. in Seattle. Two more concerts on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Chapel at Bastyr University at 14500 Juanita Drive NE in Kenmore. (206) 781-2766 or visit seattlepromusica.org.

Film/Media

• Seattle filmmaker Gabriel Miller has spent the last few years doing short features on local artists but his latest film, “Degress of Inspiration” is his first attempt to trace in depth the lives of three featured artists and how their lives intersect. Profiled are Lori Goldston, Britta Johnson and sound artist Susie Kozawa. Look out for public screenings and appearances at local film festivals and public television.
• In conjunction with their current show, “Drawing a Story: Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Animation and Comics” (ends Dec. 13), Wing Luke Asian Museum will screen “Kung Fu Panda” and “Origins: Spirits of the Past on Sat., Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
• “Aoki” is a documentary film that chronicles the life of Richard Aoki (1938 – 2009),  a Japanese American who became one of the founding members of the Black Panther Party. View the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOB-mzSnK-k.
• Presently showing in Seattle is a new martial arts action film entitled “Ninja Assassin” with Korean dancer/actor Rain in the starring role. Also showing now is Hong Kong director John Woo’s adaptation of the classic Chinese classic story of  warring factions in ancient times, “Red Cliff”. The film’s full-length version is in two parts with each part two hours long. However this version was deemed too long for Western audiences so the version showing here is edited down to 2 ½ hours.
• Early warning – Alexander Sokurov’s “The Sun” is a new documentary film on the fall of Japan’s Emperor Hirohito following the end of WW II when he renounced his status as divine ruler during the American occupation  in 1945. Set for Jan. 8 – 14. ”Animated Art” presents a program of assorted works by local filmmakers that rethink the boundaries of animation, visual art and experimental filmmaking. The work of visual artist/filmmaker Brent Watanabe is included. Screens only once on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Northwest Film Forum at 1515 – 12^th Ave. www.nwfilmforum.org.

Written Arts

• Bay Area writer/editor/artist Patricia Wakida does an annual letterpress linoleum block calendar that is always a collector’s item. This year’s calendar honors the tragic histories of extinct animals. Printed in a limited edition of 50. Visit http://www.etsy.com/view_listing_id_35451940 to see images and order.
• Philip Lee, formerly of Lee & Low Children’s Book Publishing Company, has started a new foundation called “Readers to Eaters – food literacy from the ground up.” Their aim is to provide books to the community that will give us a basic knowledge of where our food comes from so we can make better food choices and make a more positive impact on our body, mind, community and the world. Plans include displays around area events and eventually, a permanent bookstore.  For details, email [email protected] or call (206) 849-1962.
• Author Louis Fiset will discuss and sign copies of his new book “Camp Harmony – Seattle’s Japanese Americans and the Puyallup Assembly Center” (University of Illinois Press) on Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Wing Luke Asian Art Museum at 719 S. King. Free. (206) 623-5124.
• Noted Chinese American prose writer Ha Jin is back with another strong collection of short stories entitled “A Good Fall: Stories by Ha Jin” (Pantheon Books) that looks at Chinese American characters facing life in unusual circumstances in America. Set for national release on Nov. 24 with a book tour to follow.
• “Indian Cinema in the Time of Celluloid – From Bollywood to the Emergency” (Indiana University Press) is a new book by Ashish Rajadhyaksha.

Arts News/Opportunities

• Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture presents a residency program for emerging visual artists set for the summer of 2010.  Dinh Q. Le is part of the facultuy. For more information on how to apply, go to www.skowheganart.org Deadline is Feb. 1, 2010.
• Artist Trust continues to provide Washington State artists with news of opportunities, events, jobs, space, and resources. They are also seeking donations of art from area artists for their annual fundraiser. There will be free grant writing workshops for artists of all disciplines coming to Ellensburg, Hoquiam, Seattle and Tacoma. The deadline is Dec. 7 for the next EDGE Program for writers. Uninsured or under insured low-income artists can receive vouchers up to $150 for healthcare at Seattle’s Country Doctor Community Clinic. Artist Trust’s 2010 Benefit Art Auction takes place Feb. 20, 2010 at Seattle Center. For more information on all this and more, log on to www.artisttrust.org.
• Artists Ellen Ito and Yuki Nakamura were nominated for The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s 2009 Foundation of Art Award.
• Bellevue Arts Museum issues a call for artists for the 2010 Bam Biennial entitled “Clay Throwdown!”.  Northwest artists (AK, BC, ID, MT, OR & WA) working in clay are encouraged to apply. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 31, 2009. For details, go to www.bellevuearts.org.
• Congratulations to Seattle ceramic artist and former UW Ceramics Professor Patti Warashina who received the 2009 Regis Masters Series Award from Northern Clay Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art.
• A three-week residency for playwrights at Sundance has a deadline of Dec. 12, 2009. Visit www.sundance.org for details.
• SIFF has a deadline of Jan. 4, 2010 for submissions to its’ festival. Call (206) 464-5830 or visit www.siff.net for details.
• NEA’s Literature Fellowships: Translation Projects has a deadline of Jan. 7, 2010. Visit www.arts.gov/grants/apply/Lit.Translation/index.html for details.
• Over 14 Asian American women artists are represented at this year’s celebration of craftswomen event taking place in the Bay Area on Nov. 28 & 29 and Dec. 5 & 6. Hebrst Pavillion at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Open 10 – 5 p.m. For tickets, call (650) 615-6838 or visit www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org.
• The Friends of International Children’s Park seek professional artist(s) to submit an application for an opportunity to design a public art piece to be installed in the redeveloped International Children’s Park located on 7th Ave. S. and S. Lane St. located in the Chinatown/ID community. For details, log on to www.friendsoficp.org or call (206) 838-8721.