Highlights
Elliott Bay Book Company has achieved a smooth transition to its new Capitol Hill home at 1521 10th Ave. Come hear Ed Lin read from his new detective novel on May 1 at 4 p.m. Reading with Lin is college classmate and former Examiner staff writer Soya Jung. Also Jean Kwok on May 8 with a terrific new novel. www.elliottbaybook.com (206) 624-6600.
Hindustani classical singer Srivani Jade performs at Dissonant Plane in Ballard on Sat., April 24 at 6 p.m. Come hear this talented singer and recent Seattle resident. Though her training is in the classical Indian tradition, Ms. Jade grew up influenced by a myriad of musical traditions as can be witnessed by her wonderful performance with improvising jazz group “Sunship” from a few months back. 5459 Leary Ave. NW. (206) 784-5163. http://www.dissonantplane.com.
The Tateuchi Foundationb presents a special lecture by internationally known violinist/educator Midori entitled “The Presence of Western Music in Japan: Then and Now” on Friday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the UW main campus in Kane Hall 130. Free. www.GoToMidori.com. Although Midori will only be giving a talk in Seattle, she will be performing Sibelius with the Oregon Symphony April 24,25 & 26 in Portland and April 27 in Salem. Or www.Symphony.org for details.
In the mood for comedy. Check out Pork Filled Players new show entitled “Pork Fiction” in which they skewer fanatics and pulp stories they love. Runs April 30, May 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 all at 8 p.m. Special guests includes Charles, Killer Donut, Assaulted Fish (from
Vancouver, BC) and bonus performances by winners of UW Asian Student Commission’s 2010 Talent Show. Tickets at the door or call (206) 365-0282. At Theatre Off Jackson located at 409 – 7th Ave. S.
Tiffany Lin’s “This Old Piano” project where she has two old pianos taken apart and re-tuned for new music continues on at Jack Straw. April 22 at noon and April 27 at 7:30 p.m. are the two open rehearsals. The performance and reception take place April 29 at 7 p.m. A “Composer Spotlight” event will have Lin and some members of her team of instrument designers Colin Ernst, Hugo Solis, composers Jherek Bischoff and Tom Baker and master woodsmith Joel Kikuchi speaking about the process with another performance on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. Jack Straw is at 4261 Roosevelt Way NE (206) 634-0917. www.jackstraw.org.
There is a painterly beauty to every frame of every shot by the late director Kenji Mizoguchi. Before he began a career in film, he was an artist. The plight of his female protagonists found a powerful voice in the actress Kinuya Tanaka. Now Seattle Art Museum brings you his classic masterpieces in a series entitled “The Climate of Beauty: The Films of Kenji Mizoguchi.” Screens Sundays through May 2 at Seattle Art Museum downtown. “Utamaro and His Five Women” screens April 25. Finally “Sansho the Bailiff” on May 2. Series tickets can be purchased at any SAM location or call (206) 654-3121. Single tickets sold day of show for cash or check only.
April is National Poetry Month and what better way to celebrate than to come out to hear poetry at readings throughout the month. We feature an introduction to poetry in this issue by Seattle poet Kim-An Lieberman whose latest book is entitled “Breaking The Map” (Blue Begonia Press). Nationally known poet Arthur Sze (see related interview in this issue – full length interview available online) who will introduce a new book he has edited entitled “Chinese Writers On Writing” (Trinity) on April 29. He will be joined by contemporary Chinese poet Zhang Er who teaches at Evergreen and noted Chinese literature translator and Examiner contributor Andrea Lingenfelter. Seattle Asian Art Museum at 1400 E. Prospect St. (206) 654-3100.
“Underphotos” is the title of a new show by Margot Quan Knight who always finds new ways to combine photography with other elements to expose the ambiquities of life. Also the work of Akio Takamori is included in a group show entitled “Mirror Mirror”. Through May 8 at James Harris Gallery. 312 Second Ave. S. (206) 903-6220 or jamesharrisgallery.com.
“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 to 5 p.m. (206) 838-2695 or visit www.seattleartresource.com.
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience 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.
SIS Productions presents the northwest premiere of “Ching Chong Chinaman” 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. Post-play discussion after each show. Hurry, ends April 24. Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 & 8 p.m. Richard Hugo House at 1634 – 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill.
Nationally known ceramic artist Patti Warashina‘s work will be included in “Colloquial: An Exhibition of Local Ceramics” (Diem Chau & Akio Takamori also have work in this) at Gage Academy of Art’s Steele Gallery April 20 – May 15. In addition, she will give a talk entitled “Giving Form to the Figure” on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. 1501 – 10th Ave. E. (206) 526-2787. There will be a show of new work by Warashina at Howard House Contemporary Art during the month of May. Opening on May 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. On view till June 12. 604 Second Ave. (206) 256-6399 or log on to www.howardhouse.net.
Sometimes we forget how some of our public institutions also house important northwest art collections. The Seattle Public Library is a case in point. They are now showing items from their Northwest Art Collection on the eighth floor of the central library downtown. Highlights include Paul Horiuchi’s “Thrust Fault” (newly re-furbished) and the prints of local people at work by Fay Chong. 1000 Fourth Ave. (206) 386-4636 or visit www.spl.org.
Miss the Kabuki performances in Seattle a few months back? You have another opportunity if you are willing to go south. “The Sardine Seller’s Net of Love”, a contemporary Kabuki play by Yukio Mishima making its World Premiere in English will be performed in Salem at Willamette University’s Kabuki Tent Theatre April 22, 23 & 24. (503) 370-6221 or [email protected] and again on May 2 at the Scottish Rite Center by the Center for Japanese Studies at 6:30 p.m. in Portland. PSU’s Professor of Japanese Literature and Drama, Laurence Kominz translated and directed the play with a cast from Willamette University. Call (503) 725-3307 or via Ticketmaster.
“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. 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 sculptors Pam Hom, June Sekiguchi and Mary Coss is in a group show entitled “Bloodlines” which deals with the linkage between heritage and blood. Opens May 1 from 5 – 8 p.m. On view through June 13. Columbia City Gallery at 4816 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843.
“A Continuing Cultural Legacy” showcases selections from the Safeco Insurance Collection Donation to the Washington Art Consortium as curated by Beth Sellars. Sure to include many notable Northwest artists such as Paul Horiuchi, Frank Okada, George Tsutakawa, Gerard Tsutakawa, Patti Warashina, Roger Shimomura and more. On view April 23 – June 25 on Th. & Fri. from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with two Saturdays as well on May 22 & June 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wright Exhibition Space at 407 Dexter Ave. N. (206) 264-8200.
“Fleeting Beauty – Japanese Woodblock Prints” is a new show on view through July 4 at Seattle Asian Art Museum April 24 at 2 p.m., scholars Tim Clark and Julie Nelson Davis talk about printmakers Kuniyoshi and Utamaro respectively. Catherine Roche gives a lecture on the show she curated on May 7 at 11 a.m. May 21 from 1 – 4 p.m., Patricia Junker and Catherine Roche speak at a graduate student symposium about the show. Free but registry ration required. Visit seattleartmuseum.org for details. June 3 at 7 p.m. brings scholars Sebastian Izzard and Patricia Junker who will discuss how Japanese prints were received outside of Japan. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org.
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.
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.
“Clay? III” is a group show that examines ceramics in contemporary art. Juried by UW ceramis professors Jamie Walker, Akio Takamori and Doug Jeck. On view through May 5 at Kirkland Arts Center at 620 Market St. (425) 822-7161.
“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 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 June 19, 2010. Extended hours on this day are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. “Return Home From War – Remnants of War Through Recent Asian Pacific American Veterans’ Perspective” continues through August 15. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
A trunk show with handmade goods from local artistans Christine Lam, Jim Rabun and Carina del Rosario. May 2 from 11 – 3 p.m. Soho coffee at 20th & Yesler. (206) 948-1142.
KOBO at Higo presents the following. A show of “Northwest Ceramics” by Chris Nielsen with the opening reception set for April 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. Show remains on view till May 15. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
Seattle artist Tram Bui has a show of new work at Davidson Gallereis during the month of May. 313 Occidental Ave. S. www.davidsongalleries.com (206) 624-7684.
The late Paul Horiuchi’s “Seattle Mural” created in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair is in disrepair. It needs a facelift. Vote daily till May 12 to get funds to complete this process by logging on to PartnersinPreservation.com. Come for an informational Open House on May 2 from noon to 5 p.m. There will be music, cake and crafts. Mural Amphitheatre at Seattle Center. For details, log on to http://partnersinpreservation.com.
Noted local artist Romson Bustillo teaches a class in “Printmaking & Collage” at Pratt. 1902 S. Main. (206) 328-2200 to register. To see the artist’s work, go to http://romson.tumblr.com.
Performing Arts
A Tacoma staging of the Rogers & Hammerstein musical “Flower Drum Song” with a new book by Chinese American playwright David Henry Hwang runs till May 9. Tacoma Musical Playhouse. 7116 Sixth Ave. (253) 565-6867 or www.tmp.org Performing Arts.
Sogetsu Ikebana Mercer Island Chapter has a two day workshop at South Bellevue Community College April 25 & 26. For details, call (206) 283-5696.
Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration takes place May 2 from noon – 5 p.m. at Seattle Center’s Center House at 305 Harrison St. Free. Taiko and Japanese dance featured. (206) 322-9080.
Ikebono Lake Washington Chapter Ikebana Exhibition takes place May 1 and 2 at Kirkland Library at 308 Kirkland Ave. in Kirkland. Free. Call (425) 803-3268 for details.
Ikenobo Ikebana Mill Creek 12th Annual Exhibition takes place May 2 at Mill Creek City Hall Community Room. Demonstration from 2 – 3 p.m. Call Yoshi at (425) 337-3353 for details.
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.
Pianist Lisa Nakamichi performs “Sasameyuki: The Fragile Beauty of Cherry Blossoms Spring Piano Concert” at Portland Japanese Garden on April 29. Reservations required. Log on to www.japanesegarden.com/events or email [email protected] or call (503) 542-0280.
Future file – The 6th Annual “Sounds of Hawai’I” concert with artists and guest speakers takes place May 21 at 7:30 p.m. With Augie T., Teresa Bright, Ke’alo Okamailelauliilii, Manawai’opuna and others. Green River Community College Student Center in Auburn. 12401 SE 320th. (253) 833-9111 x2400.
Come to Seattle Miyagi-kai’s 50th Anniversary Koto Concert set for Sat., May 22 at 1 p.m. This organization is one of the oldest institutions in Seattle that has taught traditional Japanese music. Free. Blaine Methodist Church. 3001 – 24th Ave. S. Log on to [email protected] for details.
Film/Media
Wong Fu Productions present a show on May 4 at 7 p.m. at UW Kane Hall 130 on the Seattle campus with YouTube personalities and more. http://tin/url.cowl/wongfuuw.
The Asian film, “Lumo” screens on May 2 at Seattle University’s Pigott Auditorium at 11 a.m. Log on to www.gomafilmproject.org for details.
POV (Point of View), the noted documentary series on PBS has some interesting films set for the future. Deann Borshay Liem, Bay Area filmmaker was a Korean adoptee. In “Fiorst Person Plural” she finds her Korean birth mother alive and unites her biological and adoptive families. Set for August 10. In “In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee” she finds that her identity was switched and she returns to Korea to locate her “double”. Aires Sept. 14. “Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy” is Stephanie Wang-Breal’s look at an 8 year-old Chinese orphan adopted by a Long Island Jewish family. Aires August 31. Check with your local PBS station for details. Visit www.pov.org for more details.
Billed as “the controversial film that the Chinese government does not want you to see!”, Ritu Sarin & Tenzing Sonam’s “The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle For Freedom” screens through April 22 at SIFF Cinema. 321 Mercer St. at McCaw Hall. (206) 633-7151 or www.siff.net.
Noted retired bookseller David Ishii who had a used bookstore in Pioneer Square for many years appears in a series of public service announcements commemorating the 100th anniversary of Swedish Hospital. In his segment, he talks about being left at the hospital after his mother died by his father who had to go on an important business trip to Japan. For three years he was taken care of by Swedish Hospital staff until his father was able to return.
The Written Arts
Poet and UW MFA student in Creative Writing Mia Malhorta reads May 4 at 8 p.m. as part of a monthly MFA reading series at Hugo House. 1634 –“University Book Store at 4326 University Way NE. (206) 634-3400.
Future file: Poet and Professor at Western University in Bellingham, Oliver De La Paz reads from his new book entitled “Requiem For The Orchard” (University of Akron Press) at Open Books: A Poetry Emporium on May 25 at 7:309pm with fellow poet Allen Braden. 2414 N. 45th St. (206) 633-0811 or [email protected].
UW Professor of Architecture/author Ken Oshima will give a talk on May 26 at 6:30 p.m. on his new book entitled ”International Architecture in Interwar Japan” (UW Press) that looks at architects from America, Europe and Japan that tried to synthesize the novel with the old in a distinctive way in Japan between the wars. UW Architectural Hall 145.
Art News/ Opportunites
The Chinatown International District JamFest is a monthly neighborhood summer music festival that will take place on First Thursdays June through Sept. Interested in performing? Contact Jessica Rubenacker at (206) 623-5124×109 or [email protected]
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 May 15 (resources for artists) and May 27 (grant writing for artists) in Seattle. “Artists And Aging: A Professional Development Series” takes place April 24 (“Better With Time: Creativity And Aging”) and also in May and June. Each program tackles a different topic. Log on to www.artisttrust.org for details.
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is currently looking for artists to lead family art activity workshops. For more information, call (206) 623-5124 x114.
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.
Wing Luke Asian Museum changes its name and gains a new nickname. The museum recently announced it has expanded its name to Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience to better reflect the community that it strives to serve. Recognizing that this new name is a mouthful, it has also created a new nickname which is simply “The Wing”.
The Bruce Lee family unveiled an exhibit of the late Kung Fu star’s memorabilia in Hong Kong recently. It was part of a tribute to the late actor at the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival. The family also revealed plans to convert Lee’s old home in Hong Kong into a museum and build a new museum in Seattle.