Highlights
Activist Grace Lee Boggs is 96 years-old and still going strong. She has participated in every major social justice movement of the 20th century. Her analysis of what lies ahead for social change activists is anthologized in the book, “The Next American Revolution” with the assistance of Scott Kurashige, Associate Professor in the American Culture Program and History at the University of Michigan. Kurashige will present a rare skype interview with Boggs on Saturday, August 20 at SEIU Local 6, located at 3720 Airport Way S., Seattle. 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. To pre-order a signed copy of her book or for more information, go to [email protected].
Tired of extravagant Bollywood musicals and wish to see India from a different perspective? Try the series, “Cruel Cinema – New Tamil Film curated by Lalitha Gopalan and Anvji Vaidya at the Northwest Film Forum August 26 – 29. This series highlights films done in Tamil from Tamil Nadu, the Southern Indian state. These are small budget productions of a new wave of films by star directors in a world peopled by the violent lives of criminals, beggars and outcasts. Here’s the line-up. All films screen at 8 p.m. August 26th is “Pudhupettal” which was a commercial blockbuster in the region that tells the rags-to-riches tale of the unlikely rise of a petty criminal to the most powerful gang lord in the slums of Chennai. August 27 is “Paruthiveerar”, a tortured love story set in the dry village landscape outside Madurai that seethes with the violent energy of a “Sam Pekinpah” western. August 28 is “Subramaniapuram” which looks with a clear unflinching lens at the friendship of five men living in a Madurai neighborhood. A box office smash in Southern India. August 29 is “Naankadavul”, a film that looks at madness at the margins and the tragedy therein. Won the National award for “Best Director” in 2009. The Northwest Film forum is at 1515 – 12th Avenue. Call (206) 329-2629 or visit www.nwfilmforum.org.
Hear writer and former IE Editor twice-over Robert Shimabukuro talk/story in the series, “Multicultural Storytelling, Listening to Our Neighbors” on Friday, August 19 at 5:30 p.m. He will give a presentation about his childhood growing up in Hawai’i and other local island stuff which shaped his roots even after moving to the Northwest. Refreshments of local Hawaiian food provided. Everyone is welcome. White Center Community Cultural Center at 9421 – 18th Ave. S.W. Presented by the Trusted Advocates. Go to [email protected] for details.
Could you write a novel in three days and get it published as a book? Local Bellevue author & software engineer Jennifer K. Chung did just that with “Terroryaki!” where a quest for a prize-winning teriyaki snakes its way through a maze of complex human relationships. Chung reads Sun., August 28 at 2 p.m. at Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave. on Capitol Hill. Call (206) 624-6600 or go to www.elliottbaybook.com for more information.
“One Love” is a show of multimedia sculptures by Yun Hong Chang on view through August 27. Using porcelain, hair, fabric and string, the artist visualizes the fragility and vulnerability of love and loss. At Shift Collaborative Studio, 306 S. Washington, Suite 105. Go to www.shiftstudio.org for details.
The Blue Scholars launch their first national headlining tour on Sept. 17 at ShowboxMarket in Seattle. Entitled, “Finally, The Blue Scholars And Bambu Tour”. This show promises some new surprises and fresh music/lyrics from the duo. Go to www.bluescholars.com/blog/tour-dates/ for all details.
“Talking To Ghosts – Waiting In The River Between Worlds” is an installation by Nari Baker. The piece is a collection of messages from Korean transnational adoptees to their imagined birth families. Viewers are invited to listen to these messages through rotary telephones. Through this community process, it is hoped that people cam explore the intersections of truth and fantasy, the human and spirit world. Nari Baker will give an artist talk on Friday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at Jack Straw Productions, 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E. Open M – F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call (206) 634-0919, e-mail [email protected], or log on to www.jackstraw.org for more information.
Icicle Creek Theatre Festival and ACT Theatre present Mia Chung’s “You for Me for You”, (see related article in this issue) a new play in workshop that explores the lives of two sisters who escape from North Korea only to enter another foreign world. Tues., August 23. 7 p.m. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St. Call (206) 292-7676 or go to www.acttheatre.org or www.iciclecreekact.com.
The Wing sponsors “Jamfest”, a summer music festival that combines music, discounts on food, outdoor art and cinema all summer long. The event runs every third Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. through August in Chinatown. Tickets are available at the Wing Luke Museum. Coming Sat., August 20 is the Toy Box Trio who will play new classical music with a carnival flair at the Wing. Alma Vellegas y Azucar offers sultry Latin rhythms at Four Seas and Dirty Ice Cream plays jazz standards at Phnom Penh Noodle House. Also on August 20, catch the feature film, “Newsies” showing at dusk in Hing Hay Park with activities before the movie. For full details, go to www.wingluke.org/jamfest. For details, call (206) 623-5124×119.
Pork Filled Players and ReAct present the Northwest premiere of “Yellow Face,” (see related article in this issue) a comic “mockumentary” by Tony Award winner David Henry Hwang inspired by his experiences trying to protest the “yellow face” casting of Miss Saigon on Broadway. Through Sept. 3 at Richard Hugo House, 1634 – 11th Ave. Call (206) 221-5621 for more information.
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. She has a record of extensive collaboration with other artists and is also a founding member of Brooklyn-based noise band, New Humans. Her show will be on view through June 17, 2012. Also check out the group show entitled “Seattle as Collector: Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs Turns 40” on view through Oct. 23, 2011. This show celebrates the diverse collection of art owned by this city institution. Work by Dhawa Dhondup, Victor Gardaya, Paul Horiuchi, Etsuko Ichikawa, Frank Okada, Joseph Park, Roger Shimomura, Akio Takamori, George Tsutakawa, Patti Warashina, Kina Watanabe and many others is included in this show. SAM is located at 1300 First Ave. in Seattle. Call (206) 654-3100 or go to www.seattleartmuseum.org for details.
Visual Arts
Seattle artist Jill Beppu painted a mural for the Lake City Pioneer Days Salmon Bake. It can be seen at Lake City Community Center at 12531 – 28th Ave. N.E. Call (206) 362-4378.
Game Theory” is a group show that examines chance, strategy, participation, and play in art practices. Inspired by the inquiries of Cornish legends, the show features work by Jason Hirata, Brent Watanabe and others. Opens Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. Continues on view through Oct. 19. 1000 Lenora St. Call (206) 726-2787 or go to www.cornish.edu.
The signature Northwest landscape work of Z. Z. Wei is featured in a show of new work at Patricia Rovzar Gallery during Sept. Ends Oct. 2. 1225 Second Ave. Call (206) 223-0273 or go to www.rovzargallery.com.
“Ansel Adams: A Portrait of Manzanar” features the photos this famous American nature photographer was allowed to take inside a Japanese American internment camp during WWII. Some have called this series, a sanitized and less than revealing portrait of life in the camps. See for yourself. On view at Bainbridge Island Historical Museum through August 31. Open 1 – 4 p.m., Wed. through Sun. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, 215 Ericksen Ave. N.E. Call (206) 842-2773 or go to www.bainbridgehistory.org.
Sculpture by Wanxin Zhang is included in a group show entitled “Colors of Summer” on view Through Sept. 3, 2011. Pacini Lubel Gallery, 207 Second Ave. S. Call (206) 326-5555 or go to www.pacinilubel.com.
Minh Carrico’s 2011 Kent Summer Art Exhibit takes place August 26 at Centennial Center Gallery in Kent. 220 4th Ave. S. For details, go to www.minhcarrico.com.
Work by Liz Tran is part of a group show entitled “Synthetic” on view through Sept. 2 at Winston Wachter Fine Art. Call (206) 652-5855 or go to www.winstonwachter.com.
“Life Out Loud” is the title of a show by new work by photographer Carina del Rosario at Salon Armand through August 27. Salon Armand, 1416 Boylston Ave. Call (206) 323-9262 for more information.
“Contemporary Korean Art” by the Korean-American Art & Cultural Association of the Pacific Northwest is in the Guest Gallery. On view through Sept. 25. Columbia City Gallery, 4864 Rainier Ave. S. Call (206) 760-9843 or go to www.columbiacitygallery.com for more information.
“Firmness, Commodity, and the Lies” is a show of photographs by artist/architect Shohei Yokoyama. These photographs of buildings through digital alterations seem to reveal true essences – or plain lies. On view from August to September. SRG Gallery at 110 Union St., Suite 300 in Seattle. Call (206) 973-1700 or go to www.srgpartnership.com.
“Itadakimasu!” introduces the history of local Japanese restaurants through photos and memorabilia at Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington. At the turn of the century, over 70 restaurants were owned by Japanese immigrants including one of the oldest still surviving, the much beloved Maneki Restaurant. On view until the end of August. Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays. Call (206) 568-7114 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
“The Talent Show” examines a range of complicated relationships that have emerged between artists, audiences and participants’ competing desires for notoriety and privacy. The exhibit includes work by Tehching Hsieh and Shizuka Yokomizo. Organized by Peter Eleey for the Walker Art Center. The exhibit is on view through August 21 at UW Henry Art Gallery located between 15th Ave. N.E. and NE 41st streets. Go to www.henryart.org for details.
Tina Koyama has work in a group show entitled “CIRCLES: Artistic Interpretations of this Universal Shape. On view through Oct. 16, 2011. University House Wallingford is located at 4400 Stone Way N., Seattle. Koyama’s work can also be seen in the group show “Connecting Threads” with fiber artwork by 55 alumni from the UW Certificate in Fiber Arts. Continues on view through Sept. 30, 2011. UW Tower Mezzanine is located at 4333 Brooklyn Ave. NE, Seattle. Go to www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/feiber-arts.html for more information.
“Folding/Unfolding” is a show of new work by Vashon Island fabric artist Joan Wortis continues through August 27, 2011. “Chado” is a show by Miya Ando, a Japanese Russian American artist who was raised among sword smiths-turned Buddhist priests in a Buddhist temple in Okayama, Japan. Her work uses burnished sheets of rolled steel in a “post-minimalist” style. Opens Sept. 1 from 6 – 8 p.m. and remains on view throughout the month. ArtXchange, 512 First Ave. S. For more information, call (206) 839-0377 or go to www.artxchange.org.
Seattle ceramicist George Rodriquez traveled around the world on a travel fellowship and came back with a fresh outlook on culture, fashion, architecture and how society expresses itself. See the results of his impressions in a show that opens August 13 and remains on view through Sept. 9. Also ID JAMFEST continues on August 20 from 6:30 – 9:30pm featuring Seattle musical acts around the neighborhood including here. A group show entitled “Sen-nin-bari: 1000 stitches” follows the tradition of Japanese women who stitched red thread on cloth for soldiers as protective amulets as they were going off to war. This is a group show by local Japanese & Japanese American women artists with 10 percent of sales going to a Japanese charity. Opens Sept. 17 from 5 – 7 p.m. and remains on view through Oct. 12. KOBO Gallery at Higo, 604 S. Jackson. Call (206) 381-3000 or www.koboseattle.com.
The photographs in Gary Oliveira’s project “Half Life” were made during a stretch of time living in Japan. Moments of stillness viewed from the perspective of an outsider. Sept. 1 opening from 6 – 8 p.m. On view through Oct. 1. Gallery 110, 110 Third Ave. S. Call (206) 624-9336 or go to www.gallery110.com.
The Cullom Gallery specializes in Japanese prints and modern artists influenced by them. Opening for a run throughout the month of Sept. is a show entitled “Paper Cuts”. Seattle favorite, Tokyo artist Ryohei Tanaka joins guest artist Qiao Xiaoguang of Beijing in a showcase of new work stretching in contemporary directions the traditional art of folded and cut paper. Themes of urban life global warming, Japanese monsters, Chinese folklore and underground culture are some of the subjects. Located at 603 S. Main Street. Call (206) 340-8000 for more information or e-mail [email protected].
“Bridge: East/West” is a show of new paintings by Robert Connell which are a contemporary blend of “plein-aire” and Japanese sumi painting. On view through August 27. And coming September 2 – Oct. 1 – recent etchings by Tomiyuki Sakuta and pyrograph and aquagraph works on paper by Etsuko Ichikawa. Davidson Galleries, 313 Occidental Ave. S. Call (206) 624-1324 or go to www.davidsongalleries.com.
Watercolors by Hung Nguyen are on display in the Edmonds Arts Commission Case through Sept. 15 as part of the Edmonds Arts Festival. Edmonds Arts Commission Case, 700 Main St. Call (425) 771-0228 or go to www.eaffoundation.org.
The work of Diem Chau is all over the map. She recently did the cover art for Gescha’s new album entitled “Crayon Politics”. Her work is also in Rijswijk Textile Museum Biennale in the Netherlands till Sept. 11, 2011. KSAT is a Paris-based zine that is built upon the idea of collaboration between artistic genres. In the latest issue, Chau responds visually to the music of Biggies Flys Again, a Dublin-based musician.
Together with Nicholas Nyland and Maki Tamura, Saya Moriyasu has created a collaborative installation work entitled “A Clearing in the Clouds”. Works may be viewed at Seattle’s ACT Theatre, 700 University Street. This event is ongoing.
“Modern Elegance: The Art of Meiji Japan” remains on view through Oct. 9. At the Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 Prospect Ave., Seattle. For more information, call (206) 654-3100 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org.
The Wing opens a new exhibit entitled “Vintage Japantown through the lens of the Takano Studio” which looks at portrait photography from one studio active from the 1930’s to the early 40’s. Studios like this once thrived in the neighborhood and captured the everyday life of its’ inhabitants. Through Feb. 12, 2012. Another new exhibit is “Epic Tails: Legendary Animals and Creatures” through Dec. 23. “Dual Nature – Contemporary Glass and Jewelry” with work by Cynthia Toops, Vina Rust, Midori Saito, Ron Ho, Boyd Sugiki, Jeffrey Sarmiento, Masami Koda and Eunsuh Choi continues on view through January 15, 2012. “Cultural Confluence: Urban People of Asian & Native American Heritages” will also be on view through September 18. A group show entitled “From The Ground Up” which features artwork of teenagers involved in the Museum’s YouthCAN program will also be on view. Enjoy the ‘Wing’s historic hotel tour at a discount on “First Thursday”, August 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Family Fun Day on Sat., August 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. is a workshop entitled “Creating with Paperfolding” taught by Puget Area Paperfolding Enthusiasts Roundtable (PAPER). Free. For details on all of the above, go to www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
The Sun May Company hosts the Canton Alley Art Exhibit on August 20 during the JAMFest in Chinatown/I.D. from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. See the work of Dean Wong, Jeff Wendland, Eun-Yong Wan, Carina del Rosario, Gary Tang and others. Music provided by “Sometimes Astronauts” Located next to the Wing off King St. between 7th Ave. S. and Eighth Ave. S. Call (206) 695-5692 or go to www.wingluke.org/jamfest.
The work of Hawai’i-based artist Kloe Kang is included in “Summer Group Exhibit 2011” at Patricia Cameron Fine Art until Sept. 9. Patricia Cameron Fine Art, 234 Dexter Ave. N. Call (206) 342-9647.
“The Fragile Skin” is a group show curated by Michael Endo, Steve Klein and Bullseye Gallery that explores the theme of the human form in kiln-formed glass. Sept. 1 – Oct. 15. Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave. in Everett. Opening reception is Sept. 1 from 5 – 8 p.m. Call (425) 259-5050.
The finely woven silks and wools of Jan Harada raise wearable art to a new level. On display at Verksted Gallery in Poulsbo. On view during Sept. 18937 Front St. Call (360) 697-4470 or go to www.verkstedgallery.com.
The work of Paul Horiuchi is included in a group show of work entitled “Velocity” from the permanent collection on view through Oct. 2, 2011. Museum of Northwest Art at 121 South First St. in La Connor Wash. Call (360) 466-4446 or go to www.museumofnwart.org.
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 to www.wrvmuseum.org.
Naoko Morisawa and other Japanese artists are in an annual art show at Northwind Arts Center in Port Townsend, WA. Through August 29. Northwind Arts Center, 2409 Jefferson St. Call (360) 379-1086 or go to www.northwindarts.org.
Seattle artist Etsuko Ichikawa keeps busy with various activities. She is “Into The Fire”, a documentary short by filmmaker, Allstair Griffin as part of his “Anthropoligist” series that seeks to support the work of inspiring individuals. You can download this film online at http://theanthropologist.net. The artist also has a public art installation commissioned by Washington State Arts Commission in which she will create a hanging installation inspired by rainbows for Frederickson Elementary School in Puyallup. A large-scale triptych glass pyrpograph entitled “Traces of the Molten State” remains on view at Bellevue Arts Museum. Go to http://www.bellevuearts.org for details. “Firebird,” a work created for a glass performance with dancer at the Museum of Glass has become a part of Henry Art Gallery’s permanent collection. Go to http://www.henryart.org for details.
A retrospective show of Ken Lum, one of Canada’s well-known modern conceptual artists is on view through September 25, 2011 at Vancouver Art Gallery located on 750 Hornby. For more information, call (604) 662-4719 or visit www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.
Performing Arts
Seattle-raised singer/songwriter Emi Meyer (see related article in this issue) who divides her time touring and recording between L.A. and Japan makes a rare hometown performance for one night only at the Sorrento Hotel on August 19 from 8 – 11 p.m. on behalf of her new recording entitled “Suitcase of Stones”. Sorrento Hotel, 900 Madison St. Call (206) 622-6400.
Enjoy the 12th Sister City Jazz Day with Yuko Kobayashi who performs for one night only on August 22 as Kobe’s 2011Vocal Queen. No novice to jazz, Kobayashi who originally hails from Aizu-Wakamatsu has spent time in Nashville and Chicago honing her craft before carving out a singing career in the Kobe/Tokyo Area. Jazz Alley is at 2033 – 6th Avenue. Call (206) 441-9729 or go to www.jazzalley.com.
“Fujima Benkyo Kai: An Evening of Japanese Dance” takes place on August 22 at 7 p.m. This is Japanese dance teacher Fujima Fujimine’s students’ celebration of her 50-year teaching anniversary. Benaroya Hall at 200 University St. downtown. For details, go to www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroya.
“Tibet Fest” celebrates Tibetan cultural activities for music, performance, food and children’s activities and workshops. Join in a group dance or create a sand mandala. August 20 – 21 at Seattle Center. Go to www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals.
Nisei Veterans Committee Foundation’s “Celebration of Summer” takes place on August 27 at 6:30 p.m. 1212 S. King St. Call (206)-794-5009.
“TAIKO: Beat a Different Drum” is a series of four session workshops for those interested in learning how to play taiko. Workshop sessions are in September and October. Register by Sept. 2 for the first series and by Sept. 30 for the second series. Space is limited and fees are $75. For details, go to www.seattlekokontaiko.org.
Film/Media
“Nihonmachi Nites – Seattle’s Japantown, Rising” is a combination community open house/ outdoor movie series all rolled into one. From 6 p.m. to late, enjoy extended evening hours in Japantown’s shops, galleries and restaurants. And at dusk on the corner of S. Main St. and Maynard Ave. S., catch the following films. Hayao Miyazaki’s animated classic, “Howl’s Moving Castle” screens on Sept. 10. Go to www.nihonmachinites.com for details.
The Written Arts
Grace Lin’s “Where the Mouintain Meets the Moon” has been nominated for a 2012 Young Reader’s Choice Award in the “Junior” category.
Former Seattle resident Timothy Wang is the author of a new novel entitled “Slant – A Novel about a Gay Asian American (Lethe Press). Go to www.lethepressbooks.com for more information.
Former Seattle resident, poet Garrett Hongo is currently teaching at the University of Oregon. He has a new book of poetry set for fall release entitled “Coral Road”. The book follows his literary explorations into the history of an impermanent world his immigrant ancestors found in Hawai’i. Look for a reading date at Elliott Bay Book Company this Nov. when the book officially comes out.
Coffee House Press list of recently published books include a number of Asian American authors. Out of Minnesota come two poets influenced by the generation of slam poetry, hip hop and performance art. “Whorled” by Ed Bok Lee is his second book after his amazing debut of “Real Karaoke People”, winner of the PEN Open Book Award. “Song I Sing” by Bao Phi marks the publishing debut of this National Poetry Slam finalist and brings back the sizzling energy of community, politics and commitment. In this book, he explores immigration, race and class in a most elegant and rhythmic fashion. “Leche” is the new novel by R. Zamora Linmark that looks at the odyssey of a gay Filipino American who goes back to the Phillippines and finds surprise after surprise in a country that refuses to stay the same as it was. For details, go to www.coffeehousepress.org.
Art News/Opportunities
PATH employee and gifted photographer Michael Wang (see related article elsewhere in this issue) died recently while on his bicycle by a hit-and-run driver. Our thoughts go out to his family. A memorial fund has been established at BECU credit union. Donations can be made in his memory to: Mike Wang Family c/o BECU, P.O. Box 34044, Seattle. Donations can also be dropped off at any BECU location. To donate online, contact [email protected] for details. For more information, go to http://www.path.org/news/an11081-wang.php.
Wing Luke Museum issues a call for artists for “Asian American Arcade – The Art of Video Games”. Deadline is Sept. 30, 2011. Go to http://www.wingluke.org.
Help Gallery 110 celebrate its 10th Anniversary with a juried exhibition of national and international art works. Deadline is Nov. 2, 2011. $35 submission fee. Go to http://gallery110.mosiacglobe.com/page/31024
Icicle Creek Music Center in Leavenworth issues a call for artists and residencies. Deadline is Oct. 20, 2011. $25 application fee. Go to http://icicle.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2028catid=35<emid=54.
The Museum Employment Resource Center provides a database of positions available in U.S. museums and other cultural resource institutions. Go to http://www.museum-employment.com.
The Vilcek Foundation seeks submissions of work created by foreign-born artists living permanently in the U.S., using computer based and new media technologies. Deadline is Oct. 21, 2011. Got to http://www.vilcek.org/gallery/dart/index.html.
Artspire is an online community network for artists and art organizations. Go to www.artspire.org/ for details.
Museum Conservation Project Grants can be up to $150,000 to support projects, including treatments, improvements of environmental conditions in storage or exhibition areas and staff training. Deadline is Oct. 1, 2011. Go to www.1.usa.gov/aan2gl for details.
The MAP Fund supports artistic projects that contain or will contain a live performance component in dance, music, performing arts and theatre. Deadline ongoing. Go to http://apply.mapfund.org/index_anonymous.php for details.
Bay Area artist Masayuki Nagase has been chosen to design an installation for the public plaza in Bud Clark Commons, a 90-bed transition shelter for men in Portland. A Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) panel selected the artist. Go to www.racc.org for details.
WESTAF Visual Arts Touring Grants support high quality exhibitions proposed for touring through Sept. 30, 2011. Deadline is 9/30/11. Go to http://amp.cgweb.org for details.
A 2011 Jack Straw Writer, Larissa Min, recently received funding by 4Culture for a 2011 Individual Artist Project.
Eastwind Books of Berkeley announces a new website: www.AsiaBookCentre.com. This store is one of the few in the U.S. that focuses on books by or about Asian Pacific Americans and new titles on Asia.