Highlights
An appropriately entitled show, “fresh! – contemporary takes on nature & allegory” curated by Julie Cho Bailer features the work of younger artists from around the world, many making their Seattle or American debut. The work of Takagi Masakatsu and Saeko Takagi, Gordon Cheung and Xiaoqing (Jenny) Ding is included. Museum of Glass/International Center for Contemporary Art in Tacoma, (253) 284-3009.
Byron Kim will discuss how his work challenges our notions of color, form and meaning in abstract painting in the Henry Auditorium on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. His show, “Threshold: Byron Kim 1990-2004” now on view through Sept. 17. UW Henry Art Gallery, (206) 543-2280.
A community activist, civic leader and former executive director of the Asian American Recovery Services in San Francisco, Peter Jamero will read from “Growing up Brown: Memoirs of a Filipino American” (UW Press). Jamero comes from the “bridge generation,” that pivotal group of children who grew up as the kids of American-born Filipino farmworkers. This should make for a fascinating evening of American history and a life well lived. Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. University Book Store at 4326 University Way N.E.
Visual Arts
“High Seas” is the title of a show of paintings by Liz Tran who grew up in a boat shop around fishermen. Opening reception on Aug. 2 from 6 – 8 p.m. Show on view through Aug. 26. Gallery 110 at 110 S. Washington, (206) 624-9336.
Rosemary Pham presents new work inspired by the Australian Bower Bird. The male bird entices his mate by building architectural structures of found objects. Through Aug. 23. Facere Jewelry Art Gallery at City Center located at 1420 Fifth Ave. #108, (206) 624-6768.
The Seattle Branch of Sogetsu Ikebana present their annual exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement at Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall at the east end towards Sears. Aug. 19 & 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. with demonstrations planned for both days from 1 – 3 p.m., (425) 744-9751.
A pair of new shows open up at KOBO at Higo Store. Jewelry designer Lisa Kinoshita shows new work that is a synthesis of art + fashion. Ceramic artist Damian Grava shows new work that is soda-fired and drawn from a fire kiln. Runs till Aug. 20, 604 S. Jackson, (206) 381-3000.
“At Once” is the title of a group show of gallery artists at Catherine Person Gallery. The work of Arlan Huang (paintings) and Kensuke Yamada (ceramic sculpture) is included. Through Aug. 25., 319 Third Ave. S., (206) 763-5565.
Chinese artist Long Gao shows a variety of work including ink paintings, oils, wood carvings and “image seal cuttings” at the Roosevelt Hotel. On view through September, 4531 Seventh Ave., Second Floor, (206) 467-6951.
“Wandering” brings together over 16 years of travel images (some from Vietnam) by Charles Peterson, most well known for his shots of Northwest musicians. Through Aug. 9. Opening Aug. 12 – Sept. 7 will be “Recent Paintings” by Ameen Dhillon. Opening reception on Aug. 12 from 6 – 10 p.m. Gallery 63 Eleven, 6811 24th Ave. N.W., (206) 478-2238 or log on to www.gallery63eleven.com.
Hawaiian artist Miho Morinoue presents new work Aug. 3 – Sept. 8. Mikijio Arts at 114 1/2 First Ave. S., Studio #4, (206) 624-2588 or log on to www.mikijio.com.
Diem Chau’s work is included in a group show at Howard House entitled “New Sculpture Survey” on view through Aug. 26, 604 Second Ave., (206) 256-6399.
The work of Jeongmee Yoon is included in “Resonance – 11th Annual Photographic Competition” as juried by Paul Kopeikin. On view through Aug. 30. Photographic Center Northwest at 900 12th Ave. (206) 720-7222.
Fumiko Kimura and Xiaogang Zhu have work in a group show at Childhood’s End Gallery through Aug. 13 in Olympia, 222 W. Fourth Ave., (360) 943-3724.
“The Legacies of War” sheds new light on the Vietnam War-era U.S. bombings in Laos and their harmful effects on local villages today. With histoirc drawings by survivors and Laotian silk weavings and paintings. Extended through August at Art Xchange at 512 First Ave. S., (206) 839-0377.
Up now is a special exhibition on the work of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani. This 80-year-old Japanese American artist who lost his family and friends to internment camps and war has survived these events and homelessness by creating art every day. On view till Sept. 17. Hear the true story of “Sadako and the Thousand Cranes” and learn how to make your own paper cranes. Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. Register at (206) 623-5124 x114 or email [email protected]: Wing Luke Asian Museum, 407 Seventh Ave. S., (206) 623-5124.
Across from the Maryhill Museum in Goldendale, Wash. will sit “Maryhill Double,” artists Annie Han and Danial Mihalyo’s (Lead Pencil Studio) full-scale architectural double of the museum, made entirely out of scaffolding and construction netting. On view Aug. 13 & 27, Sept. 10 & 24 (second and fourth Sunday of each month). On Route 14 just west of U.S. 9, (509) 773-3733 or email [email protected]. Or visit www.leadpencilstudio.com.
Performing Arts
“From Hiroshima to Hope” Lantern Floating ceremony is the annual event that remembers those who perished in the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombing 61 years ago. With speakers, program and lantern making. Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. on the Northwest shore of Green Lake. Call (206) 623-5124 x114 to volunteer.
ReAct under the direction of David Hsieh presents two staged readings of new plays at Elliott Bay Book Company. They do “Manuscript” on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. and then Neil LaBute’s “This is How it Goes” on Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. This play looks at the way race affects American society – 101 S. Main, (206) 624-6600.
South East Effective Development (SEED) presents a Rainier Valley Youth Theatre production of “Angkor/America” (see review this issue) Wed. – Sat. at 8 p.m. till Aug. 5. Written/directed by Todd Jefferson Moore, music by Wayne Horvitz, choreography by Navy Kheav. Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 5117 Rainier Ave. S., (206) 725-7169.
Ragamala presents one of the rising stars of Indian classical music, vocalist Suranjana Bose in concert on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m., St. John United Church at 5515 Phinney Ave. N., www.ragamala.org.
Seattle Children’s Theatre will present seven plays for its Summer Season 2006, a series of student productions that run through Aug. 26. A great chance to see young talent as the productions will include 119 fourth through 12th grade students performing on stage. For the first time in 23 years, SCT will produce a full-length musical, “FOOTLOOSE” as well, set from Aug. 10 – 19. In addition, a “Young Actor Institute Showcase” will feature SCT Drama School’s best acting students, showcasing their talents in musical theatre, acting and improvisation. Free and open to the public. Aug. 19 & 20, 201 Thomas St. at Seattle Center, (206) 441-3322 or visit www.sct.org.
Written Arts
Local poet/translator Don Mee Choi’s exploration of contemporary Korean women poets is paying off in published results. Recently published by Tinfish Press of Hawai’i, one of the best small presses publishing experimental poetry today, is Choi’s translation of Kim Hyesoon’s “When the Ping Gets Unplugged.” Choi shares a reading with another poet, Albert Garcia who reads from “Skunk Talk” (Bear Star Press.) Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. Elliott Bay Book Company. 101 S. Main, (206) 624-6600, www.elliottbaybook.com.
The Shoreline Library presents stories from Asia. Korean Story Times set for Wednesdays in August, ages 4 to 8 and families welcome, speakers of all languages welcome Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. Chinese Story Times set for Fridays through August: Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 1:30 p.m. Ages 3 to 6, siblings welcome. Stories, culture and activities in Mandarin Chinese. Speakers of all languages welcome. Shoreline Library is at 345 N.E. 175th, (206) 362-7550.
“Film Rap: Tommy Chong in conversation with Warren Etheredge” on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. Chong, one half of the marijuana-boasting comedy duo Cheech and Chong talks about his book, “The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint” (Simon Spotlight Entertainment). Part memoir/part criticism of the loss of civil liberties in this country, it should make for a lively evening. University Book Store at 4326 University Way N.E.
Film & Video
“A Movie and a Mission from India.” Home Away From Home is a project serving Tibetan refugee and orphaned children. At Central Cinema located at 1411 21st Ave. in Seattle, (206) 779-8790 or log on to www.karma-movie.com.
Awards/Opportunities
The class schedule for Fall 2006 is available from Pratt Fine Arts Center. Some of the instructors include Liang-Yin Chen – youth classes; Mark Takamichi Miller – acrylic painting; Lisa Hasegawa – printmaking; and Boyd Sugiki – glassblowing. 1902 S. Main St. in Seattle. Call (206) 328-2200 or email [email protected].
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