Highlights
“Kurosawa-sensei” brings new prints of five classic films by master Japanese filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa. Includes “Seven Samurai” and “Stray Dog.” Feb. 5 – 15 at SIFF Cinema at 321 Mercer St. (206) 633-7151.
“Farewell: A Fantastical Contemplation of America’s Relationship with China” features Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dancers with a live score by composer Byron Au Yong. Pieces include “Considering Beijing Coma” and “With Begging Bowls in Hand.” Feb. 18 – 20. For those who want a preview, there will be an Open Rehearsal at the Moore on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Moore Theatre at 1932 Second Ave. (877) 784-4849.
“TET Festival – Vietnamese Lunar New Year is celebrated Feb. 6 & 7 with music, food, martial arts and a flower-arranging contest. Free. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Seattle Center. 305 Harrison St. (206) 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.org. Also Seattle’s Chinatown/International District’s Lunar New Year Celebration of The Year of the Tiger takes place at Hing Hay Park at 411 Maynard Ave. S. on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with an Opening Ceremony Lion Dance at noon at the Chinatown Gate on S. King St. and a Children’s Costume Parade from 1:30 – 2 p.m. Produced by Chinatown/International District Business Improvement Area. For details, go to www.cidbia.org.
“Beijing Dance Academy: The Butterfly Lovers” is a concert based on Chinese traditional dance and Chinese ethnic and folk dance, with contemporary influences, and performed to the popular violin concerto of the same name that celebrates China’s Romeo & Juliet. Feb. 27 & 28 at the Paramount. 7:30 p.m. 911 Pine St. 1-877-stg-4tix or visit www.stgpresents.org.
‘Inspiring Community Through Film: A Night with Tadashi Nakamura” gives us a chance to meet this L.A. based filmmaker and see 2 of his community based films. Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. NVC Community Hall. For reservations, go to [email protected].
Ann Irish, a local Vason Island author reads from “Hokkaido: A History of Ethnic Transition and Development in Japan’s Northern Island” (McFarland). One of the first books in English to explore the history of Japan’s northernmost island. Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. Elliott Bay Book Company at 101 South Main. (206) 624-6600.
Two new series debut at Seattle Asian Art Museum. The Gardner Center For Asian Art & Ideas Presents “Saturday University Lecture Series – Health, Sex & Women’s Rights in Contemporary Asia” on Saturdays through Feb. 20 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Feb. 6 program is “Asia: The Frontier in the Battle for Health Equity in the World.” “Guilty Pleasures: Popular films from Asia” is a new series at Seattle Asian Art Museum Jan. 31 – Feb. 21 on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14 brings Shosuke Murakami’s “Train Man” which tells the story of a nerdy young man who helps a woman being harassed on a train. For more information, visit seattleartmuseum.org For tickets to either series call (206) 654-3121 or email [email protected]
Dr. Abraham Verghese (see related article in this issue) speaks on Feb. 10 at Benaroya Hall as part of the Seattle Arts & Lectures Series. He burst on the literary scene a few years ago with “In My Own Country: A Country Doctor’s Story”, a moving story detailing his own experiences treating AIDS patients in the early 80’s. His most recent book is a novel entitled “Cutting for Stone” that takes place in his home country of Ethiopia. The title of his talk tonight at 7:30 p.m. will be “Touching where it Hurts: Bedside Medicine in a Technological Age”, sponsored by Swedish Medical Center. 200 University St. (206) 215-4800.
Visual Arts
“Farewell” is a group show that explores personal moments of leave-taking and the public ramifications of migration. Artists include MalPina Chan, Diem Chau, Annie Han + Daniel Mihalyo (Lead Pencil Studio), Paul Kikuchi, Tiffany Lin, June Sekiguchi and Ying Zhou. Curated by composer/performer Byron Au Yong. Held in conjunction with Spectrum Dance Theatre’s “Farewell: A Fantastical Contemplation on America’s Relationship with China” (World premiere of this production will run Feb. 18 – 20 at the Moore Theatre. Choreography by Donald Byrd and music by Byron Au Yong. Presented by STG. (877) STG-4TIX or STGpresents.org) The art show on view through March 7. Artists return to the gallery on February 5 at 6 p.m. to talk about their work and the dance production. In the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or visit www.columbiacitygallery.com.
“Personal Stories” is a group show featuring the work of Sara Zinn, Wanxin Zhang, Joyce Scott and Beverly McIver set to open Feb. 4 and remain on view through the 27th. Zinn explores her cross-cultural journey between Korea and America in her paintings. Zhang, a sculptor, was born in China and has lived in America since 1992. Scott explores her experience as an African American woman through her beaded sculpture. McIver shares her experience as a black woman growing up and living in the South through her paintings. Pacini Lubel Gallery at 207 – 2nd Ave. S. (206) 326-5555 or visit www.pacinilubel.com.
The work of Jason Hirata previewed in our last issue will be in a small show opening Feb. 25 from 6 – 8 p.m. at James Harris Gallery at 312 Second Ave. (206) 903-6220 or visit www.jamesjharrisgallery.com.
The Seattle Print Fair hosted by Davidson Galleries takes place Feb. 12, 13 & 14 with over 10 local and national galleries represented including Azuma Gallery, Cullom Gallery, Egenolf Gallery Japanese Prints. Preview reception on Feb. 12 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Visit SeattlePrintFair.com or call (206) 624-7684 for more information. Sponsored by the Lenny Wilkens Foundation. 313 Occidental Ave. S.
A group exhibition based on the book, “Speak For The Trees” includes paintings, sculpture, photography, glass and conceptual art. The work of Yoko Ono and Lynda Lowe is included. Previews begin on March 25 with an opening reception planned for April 1. Friesen Gallery 1200 & 1210 Second Ave. in Seattle. (206) 628-9501 or visit www.speakforthetreesbook.com to learn more about this project.
“The Colors & Cultures of SE Asia” is the title of a photo exhibit by Ian Mackie that reflects his experiences traveling through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Opens Feb. 4 and remains on view through the end of March. Globe Gallery. (206) 612-7655 or visit www.globegalleryseattle.com.
“New Old and New New: Recent Acquisitions of Asian Art” is a new show that responds to recent interest in contemporary Asian art showcasing new acquisitions from the museum’s growing collection. The show presents the work of Asian and Asian American artists such as Miwa Yanagi, Tomoko Takahashi and Joseph Park. A concurrent exhibition of new acquisitions of Chinese painting and calligraphy is also on view. Through July 4.Two shows both closing Feb. 21 are “Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art” and “Transforming Traditions: Japanese And Korean Art Since 1800”. Also a 60-minute tour on the “Arts of Asia” is given every Sat. & Sun. at 1pm starting at the Fuller Garden Court. Free with museum admission. Seattle Asian Art Museum. 1400 E. Prospect. (206) 654-3100 or log on to seattleartmuseum.org.
Pratt Fine Arts Center’s Winter 2010 classes feature the following instructors. Mark Takamichi Miller teaches “Experimental Acrylic Figure Painting.” Lisa Hasegawa teaches “Letterpress Gift Tags”, “Letterpress Fundamentals” and “Continuing Letterpress Printing.” Kamla Kakaria teaches “Printmaking Fundamentals” with Shaun Doll. Romson Regarde Bustillo teaches a workshop entitled “Intuitive Paths – Printmaking and Collage.” 1902 South Main St. (206) 328-2200 or visit www.pratt.org.
“Mad Art Redux” is a group show co-curated by Bryan Ohno and Phen Huang that presents the work of seventeen emerging artists from the Seattle area. Feb. 4 – 27. Foster/White Gallery at 220 Third Ave. S. (206) 622-2833 or visit www.fosterwhite.com.
“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. Show continues through June 19, 2010. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
KOBO at Higo presents the following. Ceramic artist John Dix now based in Japan will be showing his wood-fired ceramics. Opening is Feb. 13 with a gallery talk at 5pm and a reception from 6 – 8 p.m. 604 S. Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
ArtXchange Gallery presents “News Year/Fresh Eyes”, a group show remix of ArtXchange artists from past shows. Includes work by Miya Ando, June Sekiguchi, Deborah Kapoor, Oksana Perkins, Yang Chun Hua, Chou Yi Ching, Elaine Hanowell and Tu Duy & Sun Zhe Zheng. Remains on view through January. 512 – 1st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377. www.artxchange.org.
Wing Luke Asian Museum presents a new exhibit entitled “Return Home From War- Remnants of war through recent Asian Pacific American veterans’ perspective.” Show is on view through August 15. “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” is ongoing through April 18, 2010 in the Special Exhibition Hall. 719 King St. (206) 623-5124. More information at www.wingluke.org.
Sol Hashemi & Jason Hirata present “To be like that which you have” (see related article in this issue) through Feb. 13 on the gallery’s sculpture deck. The art team will create an ongoing installation of light based sculptures that will change over time. Roger Shimomura has a show of “Recent Work” from his “internment Camp” series inside the gallery Feb. 18 – March 27. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-4031 or visit www.gregkucera.com.
The work of Gerard Tsutakawa and the late George Tsutakawa is included in a group show entitled “Brown as a Primary Color” on view through March 3 at the Museum of Northwest Art. 121 South First St. in La Connor, WA (360) 466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org.
A group show of artists influenced by Asian traditions includes the work of Midori Kono Thiel, Beverly Saito and Carol Heath Albrecht. Through Feb. 28. Northwind Arts Center at 2409 Jefferson St. in Port Townsend, WA (360) 379-1086 or visit www.northwindarts.org.
Performing Arts
The premiere of a new work by choreographer Edward Liang is included in “Project 3”, a concert by Seattle Dance Project now on stage through Feb. 6. ACT Theatre at 700 Union St. (206) 292-7676.
Eastside choreographer Aiko Kinoshita and her acorn Dance Troupe is planning a Skate Park piece as part of their Bel-Red Corridor Project. Visit acorndance.org for updates. They will also perform in “Chop Shop: Bodies of Work”, a dance festival with samplings from local choreographers/companies/artists including Spectrum Dance Theater and Seattle Dance Project. Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. The Theater at Meydenbauer Center located 11100 NE 6th St. in Bellvue. Visit www.chopshopdance.org for details.
The Second Annual Seattle Sake Matsuri takes place on Feb. 17 from 6 – 8 p.m. Visitors will be able to taste about 50 varieties of sake from over a dozen visiting Japanese brewers. The Chinese Room in the Smith Tower located at 506 Secon Ave. $50 admission. (206) 467-7253 or e-mail [email protected].
A benefit concert with local taiko groups will be held for the Minidoka Pilgrimage Committee and the Friends of Minidoka at Pigott Hall at Seattle University on Feb. 21. $20 donation. Broadway & E. Madison. Call (206) 568-7114 or visit www.minidokapilgrimage.org for details.
A stage adaptation of Seattle writer David Guterson’s novel, “Snow Falling on Cedars” will be performed through Feb. 7 at the Gerding Theatre at the Armory at 128 NW 11th Ave. in Portland. Set in Washington State, the story looks back to the internment of Japanese Americans during WW II and follows the murder trial of a Japanese American charged with killing a follow fisherman. For tickets/information call (503) 445-3700 or visit www.pcs.org.
Seattle Chamber Music Society presents their annual “Winter Festival” featuring a host of international and national classical musicians including Richard O’Neill on viola. Jan. 28 -31. Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. (206) 283-8808 or visit seattlechambermusic.org.
The 5th Avenue Theatre presents the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”, winner of seven 2008 Tony Awards for “Best Musical Revival” to their venue from Jan. 29 – Feb. 21. 1308 Fifth Ave. (206) 625-1900.
Shantala Shivalingappa brings her unique blend of classical Indian “Jkuchipudi” storytelling through dance with live musical accompaniment to the UW World Series at Meany Hall on Feb. 11 – 13 at 8 p.m. (206) 543-4880 or visit uwworldseries.org.
Film/Media “Seeing Movies at Kane” or “SMAK” is a new film series screening at UW’s Kane Hall 210 on the Seattle campus every Thursday at 7 p.m. Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai” is set for Feb. 4. The series runs through March 18. Free and open to the general public. For a complete schedule of films, go to http:/jsis.washington.edu/smak.
“Kid Flicks” is an Asian film series for children as part of Free First Saturdays programs at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Showing on Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. is Hiroyuki Morita’s “The Cat Returns.” An art making activity for kids happens between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well. March 6 brings Hayao Miyazaki’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Free. 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. Visit seattleartmuseum.org/Learn/YouthFamily for details.
Written Arts
The Daesan Culture Foundation of Korea gave Seattle couple, Bruce & Ju Chan Fulton their Translation Award for a translation of “There A Petal Silently Falls: Three Stories by Choe Yun (Columbia University Press, 2008). For decades, the Fultons have collaborated with each other and others to produce volume after volume of superb translations of Korean literature from Korean to English.
Art News/Opportunities
Audition for the Northwest Boy Choir takes place on Sat., Feb. 6 for boys ages 6 – 9. Call (206) 524-3234 or visit www.nwcoirs.org for details.
Congratulations to the following artists awarded Guggenheim Fellowships for 2009. Nancy Chunn, Shirley Tse, Osamu James Nakagawa and Heidi Kumao. Californians Paul Chan (film/video) and Paul Pfeiffer (visual arts) received 2009 Alpert Awards in the Arts from the Herb Alpert Foundation and the California Institute of the Arts. Bay Area artist Barbara Takenaga received the inaugural Wauson Fellowship given by the San Francisco-based FOR-Site Foundation.
Seattle Erotic Art Festival set for the spring of 2010 at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall issues a call for visual art. Deadline is Jan. 30, 2010.For details, go to seattleerotic.org.
Register now for training to become a volunteer guide at the Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum. Classes take place in March. Please register by Feb. 1. Go to [email protected] for details.
Seattle artist Diem Chau has opened a new business with her husband in Ballard. MiMi Gelato is at 2315 NW Market St. and is open Wed. – Sun. from noon to 8 p.m. Try flavors like blood orange or matcha & black sesame. Visit www.mimigelato.com for details.
Congratulations to the following who received 2009 Grants for Artist Projects from Artist Trust. Writer/poet Donna Miscolta to do in-depth research on family history such as her Filipino grandfather’s boxing career in California or a visit to an expatriate uncle in Spain.Filmmaker Lucy Ostrander to cover rights in incorporating archival footage into her documentary, “Fumiko Hayashida: The Woman Behind the Symbol”. Lead Pencil – (Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo) for equipment to produce detailed animations and video. Margot Quan Knight to complete her photographic quilt project, “Mirror Quilts”. Kini Watanabe to purchase a camera to document her clay work installations. Congratulations to the 2009 Artist Trust Fellowship winners. Poet Rick Barot in the “Literary Arts” category and Paul Kikuchi in the “Music Arts” category. Log on to www.artisttrust.org for details.
Kathryn Ma became the first Asian American author to win the Iowa Short Fiction Award with the publication of her book of short stories entitled “All That Work and Still No Boys” (University of Iowa Press). www.uiowapress.org
Artists Ellen Ito and Yuki Nakamura were nominated for The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s 2009 Foundation of Art Award.
Register now for ID/Chinatown Girl’s Basketball at ID/Chinatown Community Center. (206) 233-0042.