Highlights
The Wayward Music Series presents “moveable, long commutes between loved ones, music for motors and personal strings”, a performance by pianist Tiffany Lin (see related story in this issue for details on this project) for retuned piano plus “Piano Monster” a re-built by Ranjit Bhatnager. April 2 at 8 p.m. At the Chapel Performance Space located at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. on the 4th floor. For details, try [email protected].
“Paintings And Collages” by the late Northwest master artist Paul Horiuchi is currently on view through May 8 at SeattleArtRESource. Paintings from several decades of the artist’s work including work borrowed from family and collectors are included. 625 First Ave. at Cherry. Second Floor. Open Tu. – Sat. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (206) 838-2695 or visit www.seattleartresource.com.
Interested in hearing stories about Japanese American life in Seattle before the war? Then come to Omoide:”6th and Main” on Sat., March 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. A story sharing project that will cover Pre- and post-WWII in the Nihonmachi (Japantown) area around 6th Ave. and Main streets, 12 speakers will share their cultural, business and economic memories of this historical site. Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington at 1414 S. Weller St. Free. (206) 568 -7114.
Wing Luke Asian Museum opens yet another new exhibition entitled “Paj Ntaub – Stories of Hmong in Washington State” on view through Oct. 17. Family photos, cultural artifacts, first person stories uncover their history and culture in Washington state. Family Fun Day activity for March 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. is the popular workshop entitled “Making Buttons” led by WLAM staff. Free and open to the public. (206) 623-5124.
Dancer Kazuko Yamazaki (Artist Trust/Washington State Arts Commission Fellow) presents dances with a visual presentation of Japanese spring scenery at Bainbridge Public Library’s meeting room on Sat., March 27 at 2 p.m. Free. 1270 Madison Ave. N. on Bainbridge Island. For information, go to web.me.com/kazuko_yamazaki.
SIS Productions presents the northwest premiere of “Ching Chong Chinaman” (see related article in this issue) by Lauren Yee. What happens when the son of a modern Chinese American family decides to hire an indentured Chinese servant to help him with his homework? “An exhilarating send-up” of the American dream. Opening night gala reception & opening night party after the 8 p.m. show on March 26. Post-play discussion after each show. March 26 – April 24. Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Richard Hugo House at 1634 – 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill.
Online radio station Hollow Earth Radio presents their 3rd annual month-long Magma Festival. An eclectic array of underground musical sounds is promised. At various sites. Highlights include – Violinist Eyvind Kang joins others in a concert on March 20 at Shafer Baillie Mansion. (206) 956-8372.
Novelist & political essayist Arundhati Roy reads from her latest, “Field Notes on Democracy: Listening to Grasshoppers” on Monday, March 29 at Town Hall Seattle. Co-presented by Seattle Arts & Lectures and Elliott Bay Book Company. www.Lectures.org or (206) 621-2230.
A slate of community programs connected to the current show “Yellow Terror” takes place at Wing Luke Asian Museum. On March 18 at 7pm, the artist whose work is featured in “Yellow Terror”, Roger Shimomura will give a talk entitled “An American Diary” which chronicles his work and career in art spanning over 40 years. $15 general admission and $10 for members. On Sat., April 10 at 1 p.m., UW Professor Connie So will talk about “The Impact of Media Stereotypes on Asian and Pacific Americans”. Free with admission. On Sat., April 10 at 3:30pm, there will be a screening of Jeff Adachi’s “The Slanted Screen”, a documentary film that examines the stereotypical depictions and absence of Asian males in American cinema. Free with admission. More information can be found at www.slantedscreen.com.
“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. April 10 – June 27, 2010. Two public events include the following – University of Oregon assistant professor of art history, Kate Mondloch will give a talk entitled “Video Art After Video” on March 26. May 5, a presentation entitled “The Video Art of Nam June Paik” is given followed by a talk by Richard Herskowitz, director of Cinema Pacific Festival. Events start at 5:30 p.m. at the Cheryl Ramberg Ford Lecture Hall. 1430 Johnson Lane. (541) 346-3027 or visit www.jsma.uoregon.edu.
Visual Arts
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. All artists appear on a panel talk on April 18 at 2 p.m. as well. 121 South First St. (360) 466-4446 or www.museumofnwart.org.
The work of Larine Chung and Mira Kamada is included in a group show entitled “Unclad – The Fine Art of the Figure” on view through March 28 at Gallery by the Bay in Stanwood, Washington. 8700 – 271st NW. (360) 629-4297.
Tina Koyama’s work is included in “New Perspectives – Novel Interpretations”, a group exhibition of fiber art on view through June 13. University House Wallingford at 4400 Stone Way N.
The work of Bo Young Choi is included in a group show entitled “Paper Weight” on view through March 27. The show includes the work of six artists who work with paper. Choi makes woven sculptures made of pages taken from the Bible’s Old Testament. Catherine Person Gallery at 319 Third Ave. S. (206)763-5565. Or visit www.catherineperson.com.
The work of Jason Hirata will be in a show at James Harris Gallery at 312 Second Ave. Through March 27. (206) 903-6220 or visit jamesjharrisgallery.com.
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 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. 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. Also a 60-minute tour on the “Arts of Asia” is given every Sat. & Sun. at 1 p.m. 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.
“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. Extended hours on this day are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
KOBO at Higo presents the following. An exhibit entitled “Modern Porcelain and Stoneware” by Michael R. Hughes stays on view through March 26. 604 S. Jackson. Ikebana class with Megumi Schacher on March 28 from 1 – 3 p.m. Reservations are required. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
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.
Roger Shimomura has a show of “Recent Work” from his “Internment Camp” series through March 27. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-4031 or visit www.gregkucera.com.
Sogetsu Mercer Island Branch presents their 20th Annual Exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement on the weekend of March 27 & 28 at Stroum Jewish Community Center open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sat. and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sun. Demonstrations at 2 p.m. on both days. 3801 E. Mercer Way on Mercer Island. (206) 349-1137 or www.misogetsu.org.
The 2010 Sakura-Con, Seattle’s aime, comic and game convention takes place April 2 – 4 at Washington State Convention and Trade Center located at 800 Convention Place in downtown Seattle. Visit www.sakuracon.org for details.
Performing Arts
The Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Contest takes place on Monday, March 22 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley on 2033 6th Ave. (206) 619-1951 or email [email protected].
Rock band, “Acid Mothers Temple” led by guitarist Makoto Kawabata plays March 28 at the Sunset at 5452 Ballard Ave. (206) 784-4880.
The Indian pop band, “Manooghi Hi plays the Triple Door on March 30. 216 Union. (206) 838-4333.
DEEMS, Seattle’s jazz pianist has a new release entitled On Irving Street” which features post-modern arrangements of new originals by the pianist, Tim Horiuchi and Paul Richardson. Other musicians include Merwin Kato, David Yamasaki and Gordon Uchima. Available from J-Town Records. Visit www.deemsmusic.com for details.
“Killerbees” is a new musical offering by a Seattle group composed of Bob Antolin, Bud Schultz and Makini Magee. Produced and recorded by Bob Antolin. Log on to www.myspace.com/killerbeesmusic for details.
Future File – The annual “Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival” takes place at Seattle Center on April 16 – 18. There will be a special feature on Japanese Skateboard art with skateboarders from Japan to perform in the skateboard park at Seattle Center. Also a small visual tribute to the late local cultural treasure, textile and costume artist Kiku Dewa will be presented. For information, call (206) 723-2003.
Senator Daniel Inouye and Irene Hirano will be special guests at Wing Luke Asian Museum’s annual Dinner and Auction this year entitled “Our Home Turns 100: Celebrating a Century of Stories”. Sat., April 17. This year the event is held at the museum itself. Preview at 5pm and dinner & live auction at 6 p.m. 719 S. King St. (206) 623-5124 or visit www.wingluke.org.
Film/Media
“Dancing Across Borders” is a new documentary film by Annie Bass that chronicles a young man’s journey from Cambodia to America and how he ended up dancing ballet in Seattle. Starts April 9 and runs for one week at a Seven Gables Theatre. The director will be present on opening night. www.dancingacrossborders.net.
Bong Joon-ho, South Korean director of the 2006 monster film hit, “The Host” is back with a new thriller entitled “Mother” in which a rural housewife goes to great lengths to protect her mentally handicapped son after he is accused of killing a village girl. Opens shortly at a Seven Gables Theatre in Seattle.
Hong Kong director Alex Law received the Berlin International Film Festival Crystal Bear prize for youth-themed movies for “Echoes of the Rainbow”. The film revolves around a personal story of a Hong Kong working family in the 1960 when the city was flooded with immigrants from the mainland. In recent years, the Chinese film market has shifted to the mainland and big-budget historical epics. The fact that a small low-budget film centered in Hong Kong won a prize was a source of great pride.
Noted author/ historian and university professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. hosts a documentary series entitled “Faces Of America” Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KCTS 9. The program delves into the cultural roots of such noted figures as Yo Yo Ma, Kristi Yamaguchi and many others.
“Kid Flicks” is an Asian film series for children as part of Free First Saturdays programs at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. An art making activity on Japanese woodblock prints for kids happens between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The film, “My Neighbors, the Yamadas” directed by Isao Takahata screens at 1:30 p.m. Free. 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or visit seattleartmuseum.org for details.
The Written Arts
Samoan American writer Peter Nathaniel Malae whose debut “coming-of-age” novel “What We Are” (Grove Press) has been met with good reviews will read on March 18 at Seattle Public Library, Rainer Beach Branch. Co-presented by Elliott Bay Book Company and Washington Center for the Book. For details, call (206) 624-6600.
The Daesan Culture Foundation of Korea gave Seattle couple, Bruce & Ju Chan Fulton (see elsewhere in this issue for a related story) 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. On March 29 at 7 p.m., they will read from their latest translation entitled “Red Room: Stories of Trauma in Contemporary Korea” (University of Hawai’I Press). University Book Store at 4326 University Way NE. (206) 634-3400.
Seattle Art Museum presents “SAM WORD”, a literary series. On March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Seattle Art Museum’s Lockwood Foundation Living Room, poets Kim-an Lieberman and Priscilla Long will read poems in response to SAM’s ciurrent exhibition, “Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act”. 1300 First Ave. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Art News/Opportunities
Apply now for the EDGE Professional Development Program for Visual Artists which takes place July 16 – August 27, 2010. This program provides artists with relevant and necessary skills to achieve personal career goals. Deadline is April 30, 2010. Also Miguel Guillen, Artist Resources Manager of Artist Trust presents free workshops for artists on April 3 and May 15 in Seattle and April 17 in Mount Vernon. Log on to www.artisttrust.org for details.
The first play based on Seattle novelist John Okada’s classic novel, “No No Boy” adapted and written by Ken Narasaki runs from March 26 – April 18 at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica, California. For detail, call 1-800-838-3006.
The Wing Luke Asian Museum is currently looking for artists to lead family art activity workshops. For more information, call (206) 623-5124 x 114.
Washington artist Naoko Morisawa received 1st place prize in the “Wood Mosiacs” category and is included in ART BUZZ, The 2010 Collection. http://www.artbuzz.org.
Students in the Seattle area, help celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May 2010 and enter an original art piece that showcases API Heritage and culture in America. Awards given to the best of each grade level and work will be displayed at Seattle Center. Deadline is April 16, 2020. For more information, contact Frieda Takamura at (425) 235-7254 or [email protected] or Antoinette Folino at (206) 322-9080.
Know an individual or organization making a difference in Seattle through arts and culture? Nominate them for a 2010 Mayor’s Arts Award. Deadline is April 7, 2010.Log on to www.seattle.gov/arts of call (206) 733-9591 for details.
“Artichoke Season” (Spare Poems Press) is a new book of haiku and tanka by Susan Antolin. For details, go to www.artichokeseason.wordpress.com.
Seward Park Clay Studio offers a number of classes in ceramics for adults and children. Spring 2010 classes start March 22. Go to www.sewardparkart.org for details.
