Seattle Parks & Recreation present a “Bruce Lee Film Festival” with free outdoor screenings of his movies in Hing Hay Park at dusk. August 18 & 25. Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee will make an appearance at the August 18 screening. Movies will be canceled if bad weather prevails. (206) 684-7710.
If you haven’t laughed in a while, consider checking out two comics coming to the Parlor Live Comedy Club. Sugar Sammy (aka Sam Khullar) plays August 16 – 18. Born in the cosmopolitan setting of Montreal, this comedian can make you laugh in English, French, Punjabi and Hindi. He draws on his own Indian ancestry for sharp insights on today’s multicultural society. Rex Navarrete performs August 30 – Sept. 1. This comic was born in the Philippines but grew up in South San Francisco and draws upon his Filipino American culture as a constant source for his humor . “Hello Pinoy” and “Bad-ass Madapaka” are some of his DVD’s. The Parlor is located on the 3rd floor of Lincoln Square in Bellevue at 700 Bellevue Way N.E. (425) 289-7000 or go to www.parlorlive.com
A new show by Jonathan Wakuda Fischer combines the world of superstitions and transports it to our new digital age. “Digital Superstitions – The Japanese Spirit World Meets The 21st Century” opens August 23 from 5 – 8pm and remains on view till September 29. The artist will give a demonstration on August 23 from 5 – 8pm and will also be present during the “First Thursday” event on September 6 from 5 – 8pm. ArtXchange Gallery at 512 Fist Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or try [email protected]
Two summer events from the Japanese American community offer fun for the whole family. Kawabe Summer Food & Fun Festival takes place on Sun., August 26 from 11am – 3pm. With lots of food booths and food trucks and music, taiko, dancing, kids games, arts & crafts sale and drawings every hour. At Kawabe Memorial House at 221 – 18th Ave. S. in Seattle. (206) 322-4550 or try www.facebook.com/KawabeHouse. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington hosts an “All Things Japanese Sale” on August 25 and 26 from 10am – 3pm. This rummage sale features Japanese dolls, books, jewelry, toys, furniture and dresses. A sneak preview on August 24 from 6:30 – 8:30pm with $50 admission fee. RSVP for the preview by August 22 by calling (206) 568-7114. For details on the event, visit www.jcccw.org.
Pinoy Words Expressed Kultura Arts hosts a reading with writers Carlos Chino, Lisa Castillano, Cindy Stewart-Rinier and Marivi Soliven Blanco on August 23 at 6pm. Carlos Chino is a Seattle area writer and author of the novel, “California Shock”. Lisa Castillano is a young adult novelist from Edmonds. Stewart-Rinier is a Portland-based poet. Soliven Blanco’s first novel “In the Service of Secrets” is set to be published by NAL Penguin Books in May 2013. The event takes place at Filipino Community Center of Seattle at 5740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. It is free and open to the public. Go to FCSeattle.org for details.
“A Thin Thread” features new work by two Japanese women artists. Gouache and pencil drawings by Mugi Takei and watercolor paintings by Rumi Koshino. Both artists explore symbols and memories of the human condition with a quirky grace and a delicate yet probing sensibility. On view through August 18. Cullom Gallery, 603 S. Main St., Seattle. Call (206) 919-8278 or go to www.cullomgallery.com.
“Lui Ding’s Store: Take Home and Make Real the Priceless in Your Heart.” What happens when a Beijing modern artists commissions work by made by workers in an art-reproduction factory? Find out in this American debut solo show by Lui Ding. The museum interior has also undergone renovation from the walls to the floor. Come see the museum make-over as well. Through Sept. 23, 2012. Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave. Go to www.fryemuseum.org for details or call (206) 622-9250.
“The 8th Biennial Japanese Quilt Exhibition – At Play – Asobi” is a group show of quilts by instructors and members of Hanatsunagi-Kai Quilt Club of Japan now on view at La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum through Oct. 7, 2012. This takes the viewer through a variety of styles from traditional to modern abstract with bold technique to bright colors and a sense of whimsy. Especially striking and markedly different than the Japanese quilts is an upstairs exhibit “Ainu Embroidery” devoted to elaborations on traditional Ainu patterns by a Japanese quilt artist who studied for ten years with an Ainu woman. The Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people had a reverence for their natural surroundings and it is reflected in their stark yet beautiful designs. at La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 Second St. in La Connor, WA. Call (360) 466-4288 or go to www.laconnerquilts.com.
“Where Have They Been? Two Overlooked Chinese Female Artists” is the quirky title of a new show that looks at two Chinese female artists who prioritized the careers of their husbands while sacrificing their own. The work of calligrapher Ch’ung-ho Chang Frankel and abstract painter Lu Wujiu is featured. On view through Dec. 30 at Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. Call (206) 654-3100.
The Wing has two interesting yet vastly different shows this summer. Currently on view is “Inside/Out: APA Girls And Suicide.” Asian American and Pacific Islander women have the highest suicide rate among women ages 15 – 24. A lack of comprehensive data hinders efforts to understand and treat this alarming statistic. This exhibit attempts to explore a much needed dialogue around this difficult topic. Opening July 12 is “George Nakashima: A Master’s Furniture and Philosophy.” The late, internationally known master furniture maker made his name from a studio in Pennsylvania but not every one knows that he spend his early days in Seattle before the war until life after internment would scatter him and other families across the country. Includes vintage furniture, architectural drawings and sketches. Go to www.wingluke.org for details.
The work of Romson Regarde Bustillo and June Sekiguchi is included in a group show entitled “The Material Calls: Artists-in-Residence at the James and Janie Washington Cultural Center” at the Hedreen Gallery. The show is a tribute to noted Northwest sculptor/painter James Washington and the many artists who participated in residencies at the Washington Foundation (Washington’s actual studio) in the Central District during the last five years. Through Sept. 29. Exhibition and events at Hedreen Gallery at Lee Center for the Arts at Seattle University. 901 12th Ave. Call (206) 296-2244 or go to www.hedreengallery.us. Open Wed. – Sat.
Visual Arts
“The Record: Contemporary Art And Vinyl” is a new show now at the Henry Art Gallery through Oct. 7. Included in the show is work by Kevin Ei-ichi deforest, Taiyo Kimura and Lyota Yagi The show looks at the culture of vinyl records and how it intersects with contemporary art and includes work from artists around the world. Activities include the following – “Record Appreciation Society” on August 24 & Sept. 13. 15th Ave. NE & NE 41st St. Go to http://bit.ly/henryrecord for details.
Azuma Gallery presents recent acquisitions of rare and early works from two estate collections featuring the works of Umetaro Azechi, Haku Maki, Kiyoshi Saito and many others. There is also a show to introduce the work of Kazuyuki Otsu, an emerging woodblock printmaker and longtime apprentice to master artist Kiyoshi Saito. Remains on view through August 21, 2012. Azuma Gallery, 530 1st Ave. S. Call (206) 622-5599 or go to www.AZUMAgallery.com.
The work of Zhi Lin and Ren Sun is included in a group show entitled “Prographica Seattle/Commentaries: Artists Respond to the Land” on view at Prographica/fine works on paper located at 3419 E. Denny Way. Through Sept. 1. Go to www.prographicadrawings.com for details.
Sculptor/curator June Sekiguchi, artist Etsuko Ichikawa and writer Harold Taw are all in the Artist Trust Edge Graduates Show at Washington State Convention Center through Oct. 18 with opening reception on Sept. 7 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The work of California artist Judy Shintani is included in “Rootbound: Heaven and Earth 4”, a group show of site-specific, temporary public art at Carkeek Park on view through Oct. 31. Sponsored by COCA, Carkeek Park Advisory Council, Seattle Parks & Recreation, 4Culture and City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. For details, go to www.heavenandearthexhibition.org.
Saya Moriyasu’s work is also featured in a group show entitled “Eastern Traditions/Western Expressions” at Boise Art Museum through Jan. 10, 2013. 670 Julia Davis Dr. in Boise, Idaho. Call (208) 345-8330.
Join friends in Chinatown/International District’s own “First Thursday/Artwalk” every month from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Visit various galleries in the neighborhood. For details, go to SeattleChinatownID.com.
Open for First Thursday on from 5 – 8 p.m. ArtXchange Gallery, 512 First Ave. S. Call (206) 839-0377 or visit: www.artxchange.org.
June Sekiguchi has a site-specific installation entitled “With/Without” as part of SAM Gallery’s “Summer Introductions” show on view through August 18. 1220 Third Ave. downtown. Call (206) 343-1101.
“Meet Me at Higo: An Enduring Story of a Japanese American Family” is a new permanent exhibition here created through a National Park Service grant to preserve the history of Japanese American internment with assistance from Wing Luke Museum. Author/artist Betty Reynolds lived in Japan for years and filled her sketchbooks with drawings that later became paintings. On view through September 6.Also look out later this summer for a book-signing/reading for “Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic” (Lee & Low Books) by Oregon-based children’s writer Ginnie Lo and her sister, Beth Lo who did the illustrations. Beth Lo is a nationally known ceramic artist based in Montana. At Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. E-mail [email protected] or call (206) 381-3000.
Seattle Art Museum downtown has the following – 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. SAM, 1300 First Ave., Seattle. Call (206) 654-3100 or visit: www.seattleartmuseum.org for details.
The Wing has the following shows and activities. “Fashion: Workroom to Runway” is on view till April 21, 2013. It shows how the fashion world has been touched by Asian Pacific Americans. Work and contributions by local and nationally known designers like Vera Wang, Luly Yang, Josie Natori, Gei Chan, Jason Wu, Banchong Douangphrachanh, Monique Lhullier, Hisako Nakaya, Harold Koda, Chrissy Wai-Ching, Vivienne Tam and others. Currently on display is “I Am Filipino” which looks at Filipino identity through personal stories and photographs. A new exhibition exploring the complex topic of young Asian Pacific American women and suicide – providing a place for dialogue around this important issue. “Vintage Japantown: Through the Lens of the Takano Studio” through Sept. 16. The “Family Fun Day” activity for August 18 at 1pm is to learn how to make a book incorporating art and history. For information on all of the above, go to www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
Shigeki Tomura series of dry points and etchings feature landscapes of a contemplative nature undisturbed by human development. He’s no doubt influenced by having been born in the deep north landscape of Aomori. See his “Reflections” at Davidson Galleries. Remains on view through September 1. 313 Occidental S. Go to www.davidsongalleries.com for details.
Seattle Keiro has recently re-designed their outdoor garden. An open house was recently held to celebrate the new design. 1601 E. Yesler Way in Seattle. Call (206) 323-7100.
The work of Patti Warashina is included in a group show drawn from MAC’s permanent collection entitled “Uncommon Gifts.” On view till August 25. Museum of Arts & Culture at Eastern Washington State Hstorical Society, 2316 W. First Ave., in Spokane. Call (509) 456-3931. Warashina also has a retrospective of her work in ceramics entitled “Wit And Wisdom – Patti Warashina” with the catalog essay written by Northwest art historian Martha Kingsbury. Now through Sept. 29, 2012. American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, CA. Go to www.amoca.org for details. The show is expected to travel and will be shown at Bellevue Arts Museum sometime in the future.
Roger Shimomura’s work is 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. After the show closes, it will tour including one stop on the West Coast at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Shimomura also has a show at Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in Portland through Oct. 7, 2012 entitled “Roger Shimomura: Selections from Shadows of Minidoka”, a visual exploration of the incarceration experience by the artist, who was imprisoned in an internment camp when he was a child. Call (503) 224-1458 or go to www.oregonnikkei.org.
“The Big Picture” is an exhibit of celebrity and athlete portraits taken by Singaporean photographer and University Oregon alumnus Russel Wong. On view through August 19, 2012 at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon in Eugene. 1430 Johnson Lane. Call (541) 346-3027 or go to jsma.uoregon.edu.
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.
Performing Arts
Uwajimaya presents summer festivals at all area stores on the weekend of August 18 – 19. Seattle main store presents Natsu Matsuri, their annual summer festival from 11am – 6pm. With Japanese food booths and eating contests. Hawaiian music and hula from 11am -2pm and taiko performances by School of Taiko with Ringtaro at 2:30pm. The Uwajimaya store in Bellevue presents Hawaiian music and hula and food booths and games from 2 – 4pm on August 18 and 12 – 2pm on August 19. The Renton Uwajimaya also has an outdoor Polynesian Music Festival with music, food and children’s games on the weekend of August 18 – 19. 11am – 5pm. The Beaverton Uwajimaya just outside of Portland, Oregon has an outdoor Polynesian Music Festival from 11 – 6pm with music, dance, food and kid’s games. For complete details on all the store events, go to www.uwajimaya.com
Catch local guitarist Angelo Pizzaro performing at the International Music and Arts Festival on Aug. 19 from noon to 6pm at the Othello neighborhood in Southeast Seattle. Also neighborhood music, dance, art and food with children’s activities. Vocalist Chokolate also appears. In Othello Park, one block east of Othello light-rail station on martin Luther King Jr. Way S.
The Third Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Day takes place at 1:10pm. The Seattle Mariners third annual event will honor the Asian Pacific American community and will benefit Nikkei Concerns and Kin On at Safeco Field. 1250 1st Ave. S. $18 admission. For details, go to www.seattlemariners.com.
Salute to Japanese Baseball Night takes place on August 21 at 7:10pm at the Mariners game. Various Japanese cultural performances will take place before and after the game at Safeco Field. For details, go to www.seattlemariners.com
Sonarchy broadcasts on Sundays at midnight (PST) on 90.3 KEXP. The shows can be heard live at KEXP.org and available as podcasts shortly after they air. Doug Haire produces and mixes these live broadcasts. On August 19, the Byron Au Yong Ensemble perform with Au Yong on er-hu and voice, Tari Nelson-Zagar on violin, Tiffany Lin on piano and Paul Kikuchi on percussion.
A memorial chorus performance is part of the Hiroo Iwamura Memorial Concert. Iwamura was a Japanese community leader. August 26 at 3pm. Japanese Baptist Church at 160 Broadway in Seattle. Free. For details, call nobuko Iwamura at (425) 562-3304.
ACT Theatre has some interesting things coming up this fall. As part of their 6th Annual New Play Festival, look for the premiere of “Uncle Ho to Uncle Sam,” a powerful coming-of-age story of how a young Vietnamese becomes a man and American in the journey from Vietnam to this country. On stage from September 7 – October 7. From October 12 – November 11, look for a collaboration with the local South Asian community in their presentation of the classic Indian tale, “The Ramayana”. Call (206) 292-7676 or go to acttheatre.org
Singer/songwriter David Choi & Clara C come to the Neptune on Oct. 5. Although they have performed previously as solo acts playing their own guitar accompaniment, this fall tour marks the first time that they will perform with their individual bands. They have a “kickstart” campaign online to raise funds for the costs of this tour. Tickets available at stgpresents.org or call (877) 784-4849.
“The Air is Different” (482 Music) by Tomas Fujiwara & The Hook Up is dedicated by this New York-based drummer to his grandfather and grandmother who had a Buddhist temple in Japan. Go to www.TomasFujiwara.com for details.
“Initial Here” (Greenleaf Music) is the second recording by bassist/composer Linda Oh. Oh says, “this album tells a story about identity. Cultural and musical. I wanted to go in a few different directions to explore some more extreme emotions.” Born in Malaysia and raised in Australia, Oh came to New York five years ago. Go to www.lindaohmusic.com for details.
“My Nocturne” (Tippin’ Records) by Teriver Cheung features all new compositions by this Hong Kong-raised jazz guitarist, now a resident of New York. Classical training and a love of piano give his music a poetic yet dark lyricism. Go to www.tippinrecords.com for details.
Seattle-based composer/performer Byron Au Yong created a multimedia night-garden in 2004 for his musician grandfather in collaboration with Steve Ditore, Chishan Lin, John D. Pai and Lorraine Pai at Jack Straw New Media Gallery. Now the haunting music for that installation entitled “YIJU” (Present Sounds Recordings) is released. Go to hearbyron.com for details.
Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra led by Bay Area educator, drummer, composer and ethnomusicologist has long produced music that reflects the very real multicultural riches that our country’s musical heritage truly represents. Their most recent recording entitled “India & Africa – A Tribute to John Coltrane Live @ Yoshi’s” (Water Baby Records) explores and extends the great saxophonist/composer’s early forage into the musical traditions of those two countries. Go to www.anthonykbrown.org.
Trumpet player/composer/educator Cuong Vu, who teaches music at UW latest release entitled “Leaps Of Faith” (Origin Records) captures an energetic live set of his original compositions back in 2010 at the Chapel Performance Space. With Ted Poor, Stomu Takeshi and Luke Bergman. Visit www.cuongvu.com for details.
Catch “Chinatown-ID Jamfest” Third Thursday Series through August from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. You’ll find different bands and performers in concert throughout the district. August 16 has burlesque queen, The Shanghai Pearl and guitarist Angelo Pizarro.Go to WingLuke.org/Jamfest for details.
Early warning – Eashot Jazz Festival set for Oct. 12 – Nov. 4 at various venues around the Puget Sound will include the following – Award-winning composter/pianist Vjay Iyer and from Hawai’i, the ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. For more updates, go to www.earshot.org or call (206) 547-6763.
Congratulations to Paul Kikuchi’s Portable Sanctuary who received a grant from Chamber Music America (CMA) in the category of “New Jazz Works: Commissioning and Ensemble Development.”
Film/Media
Japanese director Takashi Miike does a new version of Kobayashi’s “Hara-Kiri”, a moral tale of murder and revenge in feudal Japan. Miike does his version in 3D. On view till at least August 16 at SIFF Cinema’s Uptown. 511 Queen Anne Ave. N. (206) 324-9996 or go to siff.net
Portland Art Museum’s Northwest Film Center presents a program entitled “Salute to Nikkatsu”, a 100th anniversary celebration of Japan’s oldest movie studio. “Voice Without a Shadow” screens on August 18. For a full schedule, call (503) 221-1156 or go to www.nwfilm.org/screenings/42/436#2548.
Chen Kaige’s reinterpretation of a Chinese opera entitled “Sacrifice” opens July 27 at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown. 511 Queen Anne Ave. N. Go to www.siff.net for details.
“Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry” (see related article this issue) is a documentary film on one of China’s most famous artists and his campaign of opposition to the Chinese government. Opens August 3 at Harvard Exit, 807 E. Roy. Call (206) 781-5755.
The Written Arts
Local writer Bharti Kirchner reads from her new mystery entitled “Tulip Season: A Mitra Basu Mystery” on Tuesday, Augst 28 at 7pm. A Seattle landscape designer vows to find a missing friend and his search takes him all the way back to India and a Bollywood actor. University Book Store at 4326 University Way NE. (206) 634-3400.
Yoshindo Yoshihara, Japanese swordsmith introduces the history of this tradition with an exhibition, book sale andswrodsmithing workshop at Japanese Sword Museum in the Rain City Fencing Center. August 17 – 19. Hours are 1 – 6pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sunday. Limited to five swords for the workshop. 17776 – 136th Pl. N.E. in Bellevue. Contact Hiroshi Onaka for details at [email protected]
Ilchi Lee does a book signing for “The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart” on August 17 at 7pm. Barnes & Noble at Northgate Mall. (206) 417-2967.
“In the Shadow of the Banyan” (Simon & Schuster) by Vaddey Ratner has generated great advance praise. The author takes her childhood experiences living through the horrors of the “killing fields” and weaves it into a haunting novel.
“A Hundred Flowers” (St. Martin’s Press) by Gail Tsukiyama is this veteran novelist’s latest offering. It tells the story of a high school teacher who speaks out against the Communist Party during a period of supposed openness only to be imprisoned.
“Soul Calling: A Photographic Journey through the Hmong Diaspora” (Heyday) by Joel Pickford is the first photographic recording of the Hmong people’s journey from Laos to the United States. Pickford captures the Hmong experience through a long history of persecution, survival and adaption. The Fresno Art Museum will premiere a major exhibition based on this book on September 28, 2012. With this show will be an exhibit of pab ntaub (story cloth art) by Houa Vang. The exhibit runs through January 2013. For details, go to http://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/exhibitions/upcoming. Today, over 260,00 Hmong live in this country as our friends and neighbors. For details on the book, go to www.heydaybooks.com.
“Prisons and Patriots: Japanese American Wartime Citizenship, Civil Disobedience and Historical Memory” (Temple) is a new book by Cherstin Lyon that provides a detailed account of forty-one Nisei, known as the Tucsonians, who were imprisoned for resisting the draft during WW II and parallels that with the courage of civil rights hero Gordon Hirabayashi who resisted the draft, fighting a legal battle against curfew and internment. Part of the series, “Asian American History and Culture”. Lyon is Assistant Professor of History, California sztate University, San Bernadino. Go to www.temple.edu/tempress for details.
“San Francisco Chinatown – A guide to Its History and Architecture (City Lights) by Philip P. Choy is the first book of its kind that goes beyong the “oriental” façade of this community to reveal a history rooted in the political past of the city, state, and nation. This book is both a history of America’s oldest Chinese community and a guide to its architectural history. For details, go to www.citylights.com
Bruce and Ju-Chan Fulton are local literary treasures and their translations of contemporary Korean literature continue to shed light on a subject that deserves a wider recognition. With “River Of Fire And Other Stories (Columbia University Press) by noted Korean woman writer O Chong-Hui, we bear witness to a nation recovering from the ruins of war, family dysfunction, decline of traditional, rural culture and the rise of the city and industrial development – all done through the women’s eyes and voices. For details, go to www.cup.columbia.edu. The Fulton’s no doubt will be doing a local reading of this book.
New York forager/ author Tama Matsuoka Wong is the author of a new book entitled “Foraged Flavor: Find Fabulous Ingredients in Your Backyard or Farmer’s Market.”
“Angel Island – Immigrant Gateway To America” (Oxford) by Erika Lee & Judy Yung and winner of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association Award for Adult Non-Fiction is now out in a new paperback edition. This book on the immigrant history of the West Coast’s version of New York’s Ellis Island will stand as the definitive resource for years to come.
Art News/Opportunities
Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs has a funding program aimed at arts jobs. “Arts Mean Business” will fund jobs crucial to the implementing of sustainable revenue strategies for Seattle arts organizations. Go to www.seattle.gov/arts or email [email protected] for details.
Blue Earth Alliance issues a call for documentary photographers to submit their work. Deadline is August 20, 2012. Got to http://www.blueearth.org/ for details.
Boston-based artist Mikyoung Kim was selected to create public art for the new Sellwood Bridge in Oregon. Kim is planning a multi-media collage of elements based on locally found objects and materials. The artist has worked on a variety of projects from Miami to Seoul and Washington D.C. The work is scheduled for completion in 2015/2016. For details, go to racc.org
A Japanese Buddhist sculpture of the late Heian Period (794-1185 CE) is the latest Japanese art acquisition for Seattle Art Museum and comes as a gift of the Monsen’s. This Amida Buddha will be on view beginning July 21 at SAAM’s Foster Galleries.
Portland artist Una Kim and students at Portland State University are creating a mural for Portland Center for the Performing Arts Keller Auditorium. Estimated completion of the project is set for mid-August. (503) 248-4335.
Local musician/composer Eyvind Kang is returning to his alma mater, Cornish College of the Arts as an adjunct professor in the music department. Kang plays viola and violin and collaborates with musicians around the world. Known for his frequent appearances on guitarist Bill Frisell’s albums as well as several of his own albums, Kang will start teaching in the fall.
Congratulations to composer/pianist Vjay Iyer whose work has received numerous awards this year. He was honored by being included in a record five categories of The 2012 Downbeat International Critic’s Poll. No other artist in the magazine’s history has ever taken five titles simultaneously. The Jazz Journalists Association honored him with “Pianist of the Year” at their 16th Annual Awards Ceremony. He was also chosen as one of the inaugural recipients of the Doris Duke Artist Award and named a winner of The Greenfield Prize for excellence in multidisciplinary arts. Iyer’s latest release “Accelerando” is just out on the ACT Music + Vision label.
Congratulations to Columbia University Professor, literary critic and educator Gayatri Chakrovoty Spivak whose work focuses on those marginalized by western culture including immigrants, the working class and women. She recently received the annual Kyoto Prize by the Inamori Foundation given out to international figures for global achievement.
The Map Fund supports artists, ensembles, producers and presenters in the disciplines of contemporary performance whose work exudes a spirit of exploration and deep inquiry. Deadline is Oct. 17, 2012. Go to http//bit.ly/LwDzel for details.
Japanese Studies Fellowships program gives scholars, researchers, and doctorial candidates the opportunity to conduct research in Japan. Deadline of Nov. 1, 2012. Go to http://bit.ly/kklDZe for details.
2013 POWFEST issues a call for entries that showcase the art and cinematic contribution of women directors from around the world. Deadline is August 17, 2012. Go to http://bit.ly/xY1L5 for details.
The Aesthetica Art Prize is a celebration of excellence in art from across the world and offers an opportunity for artists to showcase their work in the international art world. Open to artists across America. Deadline is August 31, 2012. Go to http://bit.ly/w376qB for details.
Looking for politically inspired fine art from the Northwest region. Deadline is Dec. 31, 2012. Go to http://bit.ly/LFucXl for details.
Call for artists for the 2014-15 season at Morris Graves Museum of Art. The proposal should be clear and concise and include the exhibition’s thesis, educational intentions, intended audiences, and artwork you plan to include. Deadline is Sept. 20, 2012. Go to http://bit.ly/MrjEdV for details.
Respected Bay Area artist/educator Carlos Villa won a 2012 Guggenheim Fellowship in the Fine Arts.
Noted Korean sculptor/installation artist Do Ho Suh whose work is part of Seattle Art Museum’s permanent collection has created a new piece entitled “Cause and Effect” for Western Washington University’s distinguished outdoor sculpture collection.
Chul R. (Charles) Kim was recently named Associate Publisher for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
Politically inspired fine art from Northwest artists (Wash., Oregon, Alaska and Idaho) is sought for an exhibition. Go to http://bit.ly/J661WI. Deadline is 12/31/12.
