Highlights
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble of India bring traditional Indian dance to Seattle in a concert set for April 17 at 8 p.m. at the Moore Theatre. Presented by Seattle Theatre Group. (877) 784-4849.
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 from April 11 – May 2 at Seattle Art Museum downtown. “Ugetsu” screens April 11. “The Life of Oharu” screens April 18. “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. Local poet/translator Don Mee Choi reads from her new book entitled “The Morning News Is Exciting” (Action Books) and what excites is the fresh way she uses the language to create new forms yet still remains pertinent and political in what she has to say. Choi has also been instrumental in introducing major Korean women poets in her translations. She will share the evening with poet Craig Santos Perez at OPEN BOOKS on Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. 2414 N. 45th St. (206) 633-0811. Another sure bet is nationally known poet Arthur Sze who will introduce a new book he has edited entitled “Chinese Writers On Writing” (Trinity) on April 29 at Seattle Asian Art Museum at 1400 E. Prospect St. (206) 654-3100.
Dance troupe “Kenichi Ebina & Company” combine elements of hip hop and modern dance in their movement and make their area debut at Northshore Performing Arts Center on Sat., April 17 at 7 p.m. 18125-92nd Ave. NE in Bothell. (425) 408-7988 or www.npacf.org.
“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.
U Shrinnivas is a master of the mandolin played in the Indian classical style and he makes a rare live performance at Kirkland Performance Center on Friday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. (425) 893-9900 OR www.kpcenter.org.
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.
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 sendup” of the American dream. Post-play discussion after each show. Through 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.
A slate of community programs connected to the current show “Yellow Terror” takes place at Wing Luke Asian Museum. 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 3:30 p.m., 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.
Nationally know ceramic artist Patti Warashina ‘s work will be included in “Colloquial: An Exhibition of Local Ceramics” at Gage Academy of Art’s Steele Gallery April 20 – May 15. In additon, she will give a talk entitled “Giving Form to the Figure” on April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Sometimes we forget how some of our public institutions also house important northwest art collections. The Seattle Public Libray 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 www.spl.org.
“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 jsma.uoregon.edu.
Local writer/educator Peter Bacho reads from his new young adult novel entitled “Leaving Yesler” (Pleasure boat Studio), a coming-of-age story of a mixed race kid living during tumultuous times on Wed., April 7 at University Book Store in Tacoma at 6:15 p.m. 1754 Pacific Ave. (206) 634-3400 or www.ubookstore.com.
Sonya Chung reads from her highly praised debut novel “Long for This World” on Wed., April 7 at 7 p.m. at Hugo House in Seattle. 1634 – 11th Ave. Free. (206) 322-7030 or www.hugohouse.org.
Visual Arts
“Fleeting Beauty – Japanese Woodblock Prints” is a new show on view through July 4 at Seattle Asian Art Museum. 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.
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. 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.
“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.
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 info. at www.wingluke.org.
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.
Two noteworthy non-profits, Chaya/Tasveer co-present “AAina: South Asian Women’s Focus”, a program that celebrates the artistic and activist work of South Asian women in the arts. April 9 – 11. Ethnic Cultural Center at 3940 Brooklyn Ave. NE. www.chayaseattle.org/events.shtml#aaina.
Performing Arts
The API Women and Family Safety Center (APIWFSC) is hosting a rendition of the nation-wide popular play Vagina Monologues at the Filipino Community Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Way on Saturday, April 17 (see story elsewhere in this issue). The play will feature an Asian American cast of local and national API actors. All proceeds will benefit the APWFSC to combat violence against women. Two performances will play on Saturday, April 17: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information about tickets or RSVPs, please contact Christine Loredo at [email protected].
Noted classical violinist/music educator Midori presents “The Presence of Western Music in Japan: Then & Now” as part of the Tateuchi Lecture Program. April 23 at 7 p.m. at UW’s Kane Hall 130 on the Seattle campus.
South Indian classical vocalist Vijay Siva performs on Sunday, April 11 at 7pm at Eastshore Unitarian Church at 12700 SE 32nd St. in Bellevue. Sponsored by Ragamala. www.ragamala.org.
Ikebana International Seattle Chapter 19’s exhibition of “The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging” can be viewed as part of the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival April 16 – 18 at Seattle Center. (425) 744-9751 or www.iiseattlechapter19.com.
It may be worth the trip to Portland to catch Taiwan’s celebrated theatre, dance and music troupe U-Theatre when they perform at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts April 8, 9 & 10.Presented by White Bird, the troupe combines elements of eastern & western form of martial arts, drumming, dance and tai chi. 1111 SW Broadway. (503) 245-16—or www.whitebird.org.
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” (see related article in this issue) 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.
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 April 16 – 22 at SIFF Cinema. 321 Mercer St. at McCaw Hall. (206) 633-7151 or www.siff.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 8pm 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 1:30pm. Free. 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park.(206) 654-3100 or visit seattleartmuseum.org/Learn/YouthFamily for details.
The Written ArtsUniversity Book Store at 4326 University Way NE. (206) 634-3400.
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/2010winners.html.
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.
