Highlights
“A Single Shard” (see related story elsewhere in this issue) is based on a Newberry Award-winning young adult novel by Linda Sue Park about life in a community of potters in 17th century Korea. Scripted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan. Starring Ho-kwan Tse and Jason Ko. Tall puppets and traditional Korean dance are woven into this production. Runs through March 18. Seattle Children’s Theatre at Seattle Center. Call (206) 441-3322 or visit: www.sct.org.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo (“No Enemies, No Hatred – Selected Essays and Poems” on Belknap Harvard Press), has been under in-house detention for 3 years in China for advocating for human rights. On March 20, there will be readings of his work all over the world. There will be a bi-lingual reading of his works in Seattle by local writers on Tue., March 20 at 7 p.m. at Seattle Public Central Library Microsoft Auditorium. “I hope that I will be the last victim in China’s long record of treating words as crimes.” 1000 Fourth Ave. Co-presented by the Washington Center for the Book & Elliott Bay Book Company. Call (206) 386-4636 or go to www.spl.org.
The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) is holding their 46th Annual Conference in Seattle from March 28 – 31, 2012 which means there will be more than 180 exhibitions in the area showcasing ceramic art including work by artists like Patti Warashina, Akio Takamori, Saya Moriyasu, Beth Lo. Bendan Lee Satish Tang, Toshiko Takaezu and others. Learn more at www.nceca.net.
Poets Shin Yu Pai and Mike O’Connor read at Open Books in the Wallingford neighborhood on Thu., March 22 at 7:30 p.m. Pai will read from her dazzling new collection of poems entitled “Adamantine” (White Pine Press) while O’Connor reads from a book-length poem entitled “Immortality.” Pai is a former Seattle resident and O’Connor lives and works out of Port Townsend. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St. (206) 633-0811.
Two new films open at Landmark Theatres in Seattle in March. “Boy” by Taika Waititi tells the story of a young Maori boy in rural New Zealand who finally meets his long absent father but what happens doesn’t fulfill his bright expectations. Go to www.boythefilm.com. Opens March 23 and runs for a week. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a documentary film by David Gelb about Jiro Ono, one of the most respected sushi chefs in the world who always strives for perfection and the son who wants to follow in his footsteps. Seattle’s esteemed sushi chef Shiro Kashiba worked and learned the art of sushi in Ono’s restaurant. Opens March 30 and screens for a week. Go to www.sushimovie.com for details.
“Art Behind Barbed Wire: A Pacific Northwest Exploration of Japanese American Arts and Crafts Created in World War II Incarceration Camps” is a new show opening Sat., March 17. Northwest Nikkei Museum in the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington, 1414 S. Weller St., Seattle. Free. For details, go to www.jcccw.org/NWNikkeiMuseum.html.
The 22nd Annual Sogetsu Ikebana Mercer Island Exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement is on view on the weekend of March 17 – 18. Demonstrations at 2pm on both days. Free. Mercer Island Community and Event Center at 8236 SE 24th St. on Mercer Island. Call (425) 269-3537 or visit www.misogetsu.org.
Japanese installation artist Motoi Yamamoto who works with salt, an element associated with death in Japanese culture has work in the group show entitled “Making Mends” which explores the healing power of art. Seattle artist Margot Quan Knight has work in this show as well. On view through May 27. Bellevue Arts Museum at 510 Bellevue Way NE. Call (425) 519-0770 or go to www.bellevuearts.org.
Yun Hong Chang’s delicate sculptures using materials like porcelain, hair, fabric and thread create a fragile world of beauty in the show “Memory” on view through March at Shift Studio, 105-306 S. Washington St. in the Tashiro Building. Visit www.shiftstudio.org for details.
“Winds for Hope- Tomodachi through Music” is a Benefit Concert For Japan. Includes Seattle Symphony trombonist Ko-ichiro Yamamoto, trumpet player Eric Miyashiro, jazz pianist/composer Toshiko Akiyoshi , jazz flute and sax player Lew Tabackin, UW Wind Ensemble Conductor Timothy Salzman and the Winds For Hope Jazz Orchestra. Sun., March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Benaroya Hall, downtown. Presented by Yamaha, Seattle Symphony, Japan America Society of the State of Washington and Japan Business Association of Seattle. For ticket information, go to www.windsforhope.org.
The Frye Art Museum opens two new exciting shows. “Of Breath and Rain” by Susie J. Lee is the first solo show by this leading Seattle artist and Stranger Genius Award-winner. The artist creates installations that use multi-media tools and says of her work – “I am drawn to the mutable terrain between myth and stories (ie., collective memories) and the unbearably real.” On view through April 8, 2012. Lee gives a lecture on Th., March 15 at 7 p.m. On Th., March 29, noted Seattle writer/poet Rebecca Brown will give a talk entitled “How Long it Takes to Breathe: The Long Sentence and the Work of Susie J. Lee.” “Eternity and Commoner” is the first museum exhibition in the US of work by Li Chen, a noted sculptor working in Shanghai and Taiwan. The artist explores the honorific used in ancient China by commoners wishing their rulers a long life. Also includes works that explore the cyclical nature of life in wood, rope and clay. On view from through April 8, 2012. 704 Terry. Call (206) 622-9250 or go to www.fryemuseum.orgwww.
“Hungry Planet: What the World Eats” is a fascinating photo exhibit that takes 10 families from around the world and looks at what they eat, day in and day out. Remains on view through June 10. UW’s Burke Museum, 17th Ave. NE and NE 45th in Seattle. Call (206) 544-5590 or go to www.burkemuseum.org.
NAGOMI Tea House Space presents Hiroshima’s drummer Danny Yamamoto who performs live with Deems Tsutakawa on Fri., March 23 at 7 p.m. Get your tickets early for this one. Call (206) 623-0100 or email [email protected].
“Soaring Voices, Recent Ceramics by Women from Japan” is a group show presenting 85 ceramics by 25 contemporary artists. March 27 – May 12. Western Gallery in the Fine Arts Complex at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Call (360) 650-3963 or go to www.westerngallery.wwu.edu.
Early warning – Zakir Hussain is one of the greatest percussionists working today. He covers the map on tabla drums from traditional South Asian rhythms to experimental/improvisation. To see him play is a joy. On March 31 at 8pm, he brings his annual “Masters of Percussion” tour to Seattle. This includes some of the best musicians from South Asia in a frenzy of sophisticated rhythms. The Moore Theatre in downtown Seattle. Call (877) 784-4849 or visit www.stgpresents.org.
Visual Arts
“Dreams of Fire and Ice” is a show inspired by visits to Iceland by photographer/writer SuJ’n Chon on view with photographs of the Phillippines by Carina del Rosario at IDEA ODYSSEY Gallery through April 28. IDEA ODYSSEY Gallery, 666 S. Jackson St., Seattle.
The work of Akio Takamori is included in the “3D4M Faculty Exhibit” that also includes the work of other UW professors such as Ame Moneel, Doug Jeck, Jami Walker and Mark Zirpel. Through April 1. Traver Gallery in Seattle at 110 Union St. #200, Seattle. Call (206) 587-6501 or go to www.travergallery.com.
If Saya Moriyasu’s new work is “Folly,” it’s the refreshingly funny kind. Shows with Gala Bent’s “Geology of Longing.” Through April 14. NCECA reception on Tu., March 27 from 6 – 9 p.m. G. Gibson Gallery at 300 S. Washington St. Call (206) 587-4033 or go to [email protected].
The work of Patti Warashina is included in a group show entitled “Clay & Prints” featuring the work of 8 artists in 2 mediums. Through March. Davidson Galleries, 313 Occidental Ave. S. Call (206) 624-7684 or go to www.davidsongalleries.com.
Susie J. Lee has a show entitled “Unplug, Try Again” on view at Lawrimore Project through March. Included is the northwest debut of “Contact” (2011), a sculpture that develops relationships with viewers through text-messaging showing alongside a new series of experimental black-and-white contact prints floating in water that conflate technology and ecology. Available is a new experientially choreographed artist book that you can plug into your computer designed as a catalogue for Lee’s current show at the Frye Art Museum. 117 S. Main, #101 in Pioneer Square. Call (206) 501-1231 or www.lawrimoreproject.com.
2012 NCECA Conference Partnership with Archie Bray Foundation presents a group show of Foundation affiliated artists including Myungjin Kim and Steven Young Lee in two shows entitled “Prey/Capture” and “Table of Content.” Reception on Thu., March 29 from 6 – 9 p.m. Through March 31. Foster/White Gallery at 220 Third Ave. S. Call (206) 622-2833 or go to www.fosterwhite.com.
“Beyond Borders” is an international group exhibit of ceramic works by 20 faculty and graduates based in countries all around the world. Artist talk by Ingrid Murphy on March 29 at 3 p.m. Through March. ArtXchange Gallery, 512 First Ave. S. Call (206) 839-0377 or visit: www.artxchange.org.
The Washington State Convention Center this month will be a ceramic lover’s paradise. Shows include the following. “Enduring Clay: Four decades of Collecting Ceramics by the City of Seattle & King County.” “The Kolva/Sullivan Collection” includes work from the Archie Bray Foundation in Montana. The work of Akio Takamori is included in the group show, “Marks: Ceramic Sculptors Draw.” Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place downtown. Call (206) 694-5000 or visit: to www.wsctc.com.
Ceramic sculptor Kensuke Yamada’s work is included in a group show entitled “Figurative Works In Clay” through March 31 at Grover/Thurston Gallery, 319 Third Avenue South, Seattle. Call (206) 223-0816 or go to www.groverthurston.com.
Aljoya presents an art exhibition featuring the work of ZZ Wei and Alfredo Arreguin. Show will be on view through June 25, 2012. 450 NE 100th St. in Seattle.
Takahito Sekiguchi, a visiting ceramic artist from the University of Tokyo and currently resident artist with Tacoma Community College showcases his work at KOBO at Higo through March 17. “Ocean in a Cup” is a NCECA group exhibition of contemporary sake ware by Japanese & American potters as curated by John Dix based in Japan. Represents a wide range of approaches from traditional to contemporary. On view March 29 – April 21. Opening March 29 from 4 – 6 p.m. and on view through April 21 is “What’s the Use?” ceramic work from traditional to modern from students and faculty in the University of Montana Ceramics Program put on the map by the late, great ceramic sculptor Rudy Autio. Includes the work of Beth Lo and many others. Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. Email [email protected] or call (206) 381-3000.
At SOIL Gallery, they present “ Open for Construction: SOIL Ceramics Show,” a participatory and constantly evolving group show that involves SOIL members who will come in everyday and create with clay. Remains on view through March. NCECA reception on Tues., March 27 from 6 – 9 p.m. SOIL Gallery, 112 – 3rd Ave. S., Seattle. Visit www.soilart.org for details or call (206) 264-8061.
Noted Seattle ceramic artist Patti Warashina has work in the group show entitled “Around The Bend And Over The Edge: Seattle Ceramics 1964 – 1977” through May 6. Warashina will engage the curator of the show, Martha Kingsbury in conversation about West Coast experimental ceramics and the post-war departure from utility. On Fri., April 6 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Cambodian-born artist Soheap Pich immigrated to the US with his family to escape the Khmer Rogue and attended art school here, earning an MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After a few years of meaningless jobs less than conducive to making art, he returned to his home country where he transitioned to sculpture using rattan and bamboo which suggests Cambodia’s basket-weaving tradition. He comes to Seattle’s Henry art Gallery to construct an installation entitled “Compound.” On view till April 1, 2012. Henry Art Gallery on the UW campus located at 15th Ave. NE & NE 41st. Call (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org for details.
“Gauguin Polynesia – An Elusive Paradise” is on view till April 29. The work couples the artist’s work in the South Seas with indigenous work from the islands. Kids activities for this show include the following. “Gauguin & Polynesia Community Day” on Sat., March 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Artmaking, tours, dancing and music.” Earth Day for Kids” in Olympic Sculpture Park on Sat., April 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Artmaking, tours and performances with an ecological message. “Puppet Paradise” is a family workshop where kids explore the exhibition and then create their own puppets set for Sat., March 17 from 10 a.m. – noon. On the second floor see an offering of Toshiko Takaezu’s large ceramic jars in the “New Acquisitions” show along with Brendan Tang’s send-up of Chinese Ming dynasty vessels meets techno-pop shapes inspired by Japanese anime and manga. On the third floor, explore a new show entitled “The Seattle Art Museum & Seattle Artists in the 1930s and 1940s” which celebrates the work of Northwest artists whose careers were fostered by the director and patrons of the museum. Includes work by Mark Tobey, Morris Graves and Emilio Amero. SAM Next series is Seattle Art Museum’s contemporary art exhibition program intended to shed light on cutting-edge contemporary young artists and the work they are doing. Selected sixth in the series is New York-based multi-media artist Mika Tajima. Tajima combines painting, sculpture, design, performance, video and sound to create immersive installations that expand the possibilities of each medium. On view through June 17, 2012. SAM,1300 First Ave., Seattle. Call (206) 654-3100 or visit: www.seattleartmuseum.org for details.
Coming March 15 and on view till August 5, 2012 will be a show entitled “Colors of the Oasis, Central Asian Ikats” which features 40 colorful robes created during the 19th century using the labor intensive process known as ikat. All at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 Prospect Ave., Seattle. For more information, call (206) 654-3100 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org.
The Wing has a new show “I Am Filipino” which looks at Filipino identity through personal stories and photographs. Through March 31 is the Historic Hotel & Chinatown Discovery Tour with a Lunar New Year twist. Call (206) 623-5124×133 for details. On Sat., March 17 from 1 – 3 p.m., Mizu Sugimura teaches a Japanese Art Workshop as part of Family Fun Day. “Asian American Arcade” is a new exhibition. Follow video games out of the arcade and into the art gallery where related artworks explore questions of identity, community, imagination, learning and the power of play in our lives. Through June 17, 2012. “Meet Me at Higo: An Enduring Story of a Japanese American Family” is a new show of a famous neighborhood general store that just opened. On view until May 27, 2012. Accompanied by a catalogue with essay written by Ken Mochizuki. Also new is “From Fields to Family: Asian Pacific Americans and Food” which explores the traditions, techniques and mouth-watering stories of food through culture and cooking techniques passed on through home and restaurant over the years. Through July 15, 2012. “New Years All Year Round” on view till July 1. “Vintage Japantown: Through the Lens of the Takano Studio” on view through Sept. 16. Don’t forget The Wing’s Annual Auction at the Westin Hotel on March 17. Support your community museum! For information on all of the above, go to www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
“Open Interval” is a group show guest curated by local artist Rumi Koshino at Cullom Gallery. It features the work of D.W. Burnam, Gala Bent and Garek. See how their visual forms connect their other non-visual practices. Through March. Cullom Gallery, 603 S. Main St., Seattle. Call (206) 340-8000 or email [email protected].
The art of Kathy Liao is included in a group show entitled “Introductions 2012” from March 8 – April 7. Opening reception is on Th., March 8 from 5 – 7 p.m. SAM Gallery, 1220 Third Ave., Seattle. Call (206) 343-1101.
Artists Susie J. Lee, Henry Tsang and Jin-Me Yoon were selected to participate in “The 10th Northwest Biennial” which will be on view through May 2012. Work was selected by TAM curator Rock Hushka and independent art curator Renato Rodrigues da Silva. Call (253) 272-4258 or go to www.TacomaArtMuseum.org.
The work of Joseph Park is included in a group show entitled “Yesterday’s Tomorrow” on view at Museum of Northwest Art through March 14. The show showcases futuristic work that reflects the Northwest’s rich history of embracing traditions of industry and innovations of technology. Museum of Northwest Art, 121 South First St. in La Conner. Call (360) 466-4446 or go to www.museumofnwart.org.
The work of Roger Shimomura is on view through March 10 at Gonzaga University’s Jundt Gallery in Spokane. 502 E. Boone Ave. Call (509) 323-6611 or go to www.gonzaga.edu/jundt. Shimomura’s work is also in a group show at the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. entitled “Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter.” Through Oct. 14, 2012. Go to www.npa.sl.edu/exhibit/encounter/visit.html. After the show closes, it will tour including venues in Washington State.
Coverage of early Japanese American history in the region is included in the permanent exhibit at White River Valley Museum, 918 “H” St. S.E. in Auburn. Call (253) 288-7433 or go www.wrvmuseum.org.
The Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center preserves the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the area. Their permanent exhibit is “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of a Community.” “Forthcoming shows will be “Kokeshi: From Tradition to Tools,” “Coming Home: Japanese Americans in Portland After WWII” and “Roger Shimomura: Shadows of Minidoka.” Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, 121 NW 2nd Ave. in Portland. Call (503) 224-1458 or e-mail: [email protected].
The Portland Japanese Garden offers the serenity of a Japanese garden plus numerous classes, art shows and workshops year around. Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston Ave. Call (503) 233-1321.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene has the following exhibits. Coming next spring is a show entitled “Visions of the Orient: Western Women artists in Asia, 1900 – 1940.” Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 1430 Johnson Lane, Seattle. Call (541) 346-3027.
The Pendulum Gallery in Vancouver, BC presents “Disaster in Japan,” a show of photographs documenting the 3.11.11 earthquake/tsunami on view through March 23. 885 W. Georgia St. Call (604) 250-9682 or go to www.pendulumgallery.bc.ca.
Performing Arts
A 17th Annual Candlelight Vigil that remembers the women and children that have lost their lives to domestic violence takes place at Kong County Courthouse lawn and on the 9th floor. Th., March 8 from 4 – 6 p.m. Presented by Asian & Pacific Islander Women & Family Safety Center and Chaya. Call (206) 467-9976 or visit www.chayasafetycenter.org.
DJ Steve Aoki brings his “Dreadmeat Tour” to Seattle with Datsik. March 9 at 8 p.m. Aoki is known as a taste-making dance party DJ and is the founder of Dim Mak Records. He is the son of of Benihana restaurant empire founder Rocky Aoki. This one of those concerts where dancing rather than sitting may prevail. Visit: www.stgpresents.org.
Circus performer/contortionist Ling Rui (see related article in this issue) appears in the new Teatro ZinZanni show, “Caliente!” through June 10, 2012. 222 Mercer St. near Seattle Center. For tickets, call (206) 802-0015 or buy at the box office in front of the theatre.
A one year “Kibo no Kane” Memorial Service will be held on Sun., March 11 at 10:30 a.m. for victims of the Japan earthquake/tsunami disaster. Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji Temple at 501 S. Jackson St., #202. Call (206) 356-7405.
Local Japan relief group, SeattleJapan-Relief.org and the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle hold a memorial gathering event at Seattle Center at 305 Harrison St. on Sun. March 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fumi Tagata and the koto ensemble Koto no Wa perform and there will also be a special screening of the Japanese film, “Gambappe Hula Girls!” at noon at Fisher Pavillion. Free. For information, visit www.seattlejapanrelief.org.
In tribute to the first anniversary of the 3.11.11 earthquake/tsunami disaster in Tohoku, Japan, Artists for Japan invite the public to a Sunset Vigil and Memorial of Hope. Come to Golden Gardens Park Beach on Sat., March 10 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Rain or shine. Go to www.artistsforjapan.blogspot.com for details.
Tomo Nakayama, founder of the band, Grand Hallway brings new words and music to The Hugo Literary Series, “The End of The Line” with writers Sam Lipsyte, Ben Lerner and Suzanne Morrison. Hugo House is at 1634 – 11th Ave. Fri., March 16 at 7:30 p.m. All performers will read new work commissioned by Hugo House. Call (206) 322-7030. Go to www.hugohouse.org for details.
Ragamala presents a sitar concert by Ustad Shahid Parvz with Ravi Albright on table. Sat., March 17 at 7:30 p.m. UW Music Building’s Brechemin Auditorium. Please visit www.ragamala.org for details.
The Eighth Annual Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Mon. March 19 at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 – 6th Ave. in Seattle. Call (206) 441-9729 or visit: www.sksca.org.
Japan Memorial & We Are One Concert takes place on Sat., March 24 at 2 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church at 18341 Highway 527 in Freeland on Whidbey Island. Call (360) 341-1817.
Saturday University Lecture Saturdays through April 7 at 9:30 a.m. explores the theme of “The Future of Asia’s Cities: Design, Environment & Health”. Presented by the Gardner Center For Asian Art And Ideas, UW Jackson School of International Studies and Elliott Bay Book Company. On March 10, Melanie Walker & Celine D’Cruz discuss “Life in an Asian Slum.” On March 17, Howard Frumkin and William Daniell discuss “Urbanism and Health.” On March 24, Daniel Abramson and Jeffrey Hou talk about “Messy Urbanism, Bottom-Up Placemaking”. On March 31, Kongjian Yu will address “Designed Ecologies: The Future of Asia’s Cities: Design, Environment, Health.” April 7 brings Ananya Roy and Vikram Prakash talking about “Asian Urbanism: Negotiating the Global.” Seattle Asian Art Museum’s Stimson Auditorium, 1400 E. Prospect in Volunteer Park. Visit: www.seattleartmuseum.org or call (206) 654-3121.
The Seattle Symphony’s new season comes with a new conductor, Ludovic Morlot and some surprises. Some highlights include the following – Jennifer Koh is violin soloist on March 22, 24 & 25 performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto under the baton of Morlot. On April 16 at 7:30 p.m., Myung-Whun Chung and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra come into town with Wu Wei on sheng performing a mix of Eastern and Western compositions. For a complete schedule, call (206) 215-4747 or go to www.seattlesymphony.org.
Film/Media
Stu Levy’s “Pray For Japan” is a documentary film on Japan’s tsunami tragedy. It opens across the country on March 14 at 7 p.m. for one night only. Local screening is set for AMC Pacific Place downtown. AMC will donate ticket sales to JEN, a relief agency in Japan. Reserve tickets at FANDANGO.com or buy tickets at the door. Go to www.prayforjapan-film.org for details.
“Let The Bullets Fly” (see related story in this issue) is China’s highest grossing film of all time. This action/comedy set in the lawless 1920’s follows a bandit and a con man involved in mind games with a crime lord. Stars Chow Yun-fat. Opens Fri., March 9 at the SIFF at the Uptown.
Burmese human rights activist Bo Kyi appears to lead a discussion and screening of the documentary film, “Into the Current: Burma’s Political Prisoners” on Friday evening, March 17 at Keystone Congregational United Church. For details, go to www.meaningfulmovies.org.
Film historian/writer Robert Horton presents his series “Magic Lantern: Talks On Film And Art” on Sun., March 18 at 2 p.m. In this program, he will screen and discuss “Three Times” by noted Taiwanese director Hou Hsian-hsien. The same actors portray 3 generations of couples in 3 separate tales. Frye Art Museum at 704 Terry on First Hill. Call (206) 622-9250 or go to www.fryemuseum.org.
The Japanese cult film “Battle Royale” staring Takeshi Kitano as a brutal instructor who trains teenagers before they are put on an island to fight to the death is the midnight movie at the Egyptian on the weekend of March 23 – 24. 805 E. Pine. Call (206) 781-5755.
Kid’s activities tied in with art shows and a screening of a children’s film take place at the “Free First Saturdays + Kids Flicks” program at Seattle Asian Art Museum every first Sat. of the month from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Buds & Blooms” on April 7 will have kids make magical paper flowers inspired by Ikebana floral arrangements and see Michel Ocelot’s “Princes and Princesses” at 1:30 p.m. “Wonderful Wardrobe” on May 5 lets kids explore the show “Colors of the Oasis: Central Asian Ikats” and design their own wearable art. The 1:30 p.m. screening is “Little Women.” Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect. Visit: www.seattleartmuseum.org for details.
“South Seas Dreams: Tahiti As a Cinematic Paradise” looks at the South Seas from various perspectives. On Fridays at 7:30 p.m. in the Plestcheeff Auditorium of the downtown Seattle Art Museum. March 30 brings “Wayfinders: a Pacific Odyssey” and “The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti.” April 20 is the 1935 version of “Mutiny on the bounty.” April 27 is “Oviri aka The Wolf at the Door.” Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave. Visit seattleartmuseum.org.
The Written Arts
Harold Taw, local author of the novel, “The Adventures of The Kaoroke King” reads with Litsa Dremousis and Peter Mouintford in a series entitled “Cheap Beer & Prose” at Hugo House on Th., March 8 at 7 p.m. 1634 – 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill behind Cal Anderson Park. Taw also reads at The Literary Lions Gala, the Annual Benefit for the King County Library System Foundation on Sat., March 10 at 6 p.m. at Hyatt Rebency, 900 Bellevue Way NE. For details, email the author at [email protected].
Visual artist Susie J. Lee appears in a reading with “Rebecca Brown & Friends” on Th., March 8 at 6 p.m. Ben Ryder Howe appears on Tu., March 13 at 7 p.m. to read from “My Korean Deli: Risking It All for a Convenience Store” (Picador), the true-life experience when he and his Korean American wife help her parents buy a small business in New York. London-based author Hari Kunzru is back Th., March 15 at 7 p.m. with a new novel set in the US desert southwest entitled “Gods Without Men” which is generating good press. Burmese human rights activist Bo Kyi appears on behalf of James Mackay’s photography book, “Abbaya: Burma’s Fearlessness (River Books) in which he is featured on Sat., March 17 at 2 p.m. All readings at Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 – 10th Ave. Call (206) 624-6600 or www.elliottbaybook.com.
Local novelist Indu Sundaresan (Taj Mahal Trilogy) gives a virtual tour of 17th century India’s majestic palaces on March 11 in a program entitled “History, Art and the Novel”. Dave Boling talks about the tragic consequences of “Guernica” 2 p.m. Book Signing follows lecture. Pre-registration encouraged. Tacoma Art Museum. (253) 722-2455 or email: [email protected].
New York Times bestseller, “Dreams of Joy” by Lisa See is now in a Random House trade paperback edition. Visit: www.LisaSee.com for details.
Art News/Opportunities
Early warning – Sakura-Con, the annual gathering for people interested in Japanese anime/manga takes place April 6 – 8 at Washington Convention Center. Go to www.sakuracon.org for details.
Conference coordinator is sought for 2012 Arts & Social Change Symposium set for Oct. 2012. Job goes from April to Oct., 2012. Deadline is March 9, 2012. Email: [email protected] or call (206) 296-8675 for details.
Lead Pencil Studio (the artist/architectural team of Annie Han & Daniel Mihalyo) was commissioned through a national call-to-artists program, organized by STart & Sound Transit Public Art Program to create public art at Sound Transit’s future Brooklyn Link Light Rail Station in Seattle’s “U” District. For details, go to www.soundtransit.org/start
Photo Center Northwest is busy. “Long Shot – 24 hours , Hundreds of Photographers, One Photo Center” is a 24-hour marathon set for June 1 – 2 and the exhibit of the results set for July 28. Also a call for entries for their 17th Annual Photo Competition Exhibition with juror W. M. Hunt with a deadline of May 18. And finally two Printing Sponsorships for 2012 are offered which includes 100 hours of free printing. Deadline for that is May 1. For details on all of these and their programs and classes, go to pcnw.org or call (206) 720-7222.
Guiding Lights is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 by former White House speechwriter and author Eric Liu. From March 8 – 10, over four hundred attendees from across America are expected in Seattle in a national movement to reimagine citizenship. Some guest speakers include Akhil Reed Amar, Danielle Kim, Diem Nguyen, Saket Soni, Janet Tran & many others. For details, go to www.guidinglightsweekend.com.
Lisa Hasegawa, Boyd Sugiki, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Kamla Kakaria and Tina Koyama are just some of the talented local artists listed as teaching at Pratt Fine Arts Center ‘s Spring 2012 sessions. If you want to see a schedule or more information on how to sign up, go to www.pratt.org.
The Individual Artist Projects program provides vital funds to artists of all disciplines who reside in King County to create and present their work. Deadline is March 14. For details, go to www.4culture.org or call (206) 296-7580.
The Seattle-based artist collective IDEA Idyssey Collective and Gallery announces an open call for entries for a juried exhibition with the theme “IDxID: New Identities.” Established new 2D and 3D visual artists are invited to send their best interpretation of the theme. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Th., March 22, 2012. Juror is Davida Ingraham, a Seattle cultural worker, artist and writer. For details, go to www.ideaodysseygallery.com.
The Wing issues an invitation to participate in “Beyond Talk 2,” a forthcoming exhibit on race at the Wing Luke Museum. In 2004, the museum had a show entitled “Beyond Talk: Redrawing Race. In 2013, a new exhibit on race opens. The community is invited to share in conversations on issues of race to provoke ideas for the new show. Talks take place in March, April and May at various neighborhoods throughout Seattle. To participate and get details, contact Exhibits Developer Mikala Woodward at [email protected] or call (206) 623-5124.
Columbia City Gallery is an artist-run collective that represents over 30 local multi-media artists. The space has a Guest Gallery which showcases artists that reflect an ethnically diverse neighborhood. Do you have a great exhibit idea to propose or need more information? Email: [email protected] or Lauren Davis at [email protected].
Washington State Minority and Justice Commission annually selects an artwork by a NW artist for reproduction as a poster that reflects a dimension of the racial and ethnic diversity of communities served by Washington State Courts. Submissions and contact information for the artist must be sent by Mon., March 26, 2012 to [email protected].
Poets & Writers’ Readings/Workshops Program offers small grants for literary events taking place in Seattle and covers writers’ fees for public readings and workshops. Go to www.pw.org funding for details.
“Enemies of The People,” the award-winning documentary film by Rob Lemkin and Thet Sambath that interviews living architects of the “Killing Fields” is now available on DVD with additional footage and extras. Go to [email protected] for details.
Artist residencies in Italy available for a one-month stay at la Macina de San Cresci. Deadline is April 10, 2012. Go to tttp://bit.ly/Ajpouf for details.
Artists, writers, scientists, and musicians can apply for this Art and Ecology’s Artist-in-Residency offering up to 3 ½ months stay in Sitka, Alaska. Go to http://bit.ly/ha9p4C for details. Deadline of April 20, 2012.
NEA Challenge America Fast-Track Grants support small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations – those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability. Go to http://bit.ly/zQBw66 for details. Deadline is May 24, 2012.
