Fall Arts Guide

Welcome to our annual Fall Arts Preview in which we try and give you a little taste of some of the artistic riches that will appear in the fall and into the new year whether it be in the visual arts, performing arts, literary arts or media. In this issue, we have features on Roger Shimomura’s thought provoking show on stereotypes, racial profiling and Asian American identity opening up at Wing Luke Asian Museum; a quick peek at the contemporary Japanese photography show at Photographic Center Northwest; the work of fashion designer Luly Yang in the zany setting of a Teatro Zinzanni production; and Jean Young’s ongoing theatrical experiments at poking holes in racial stereotypes through theatre at On The Boards. Take a look and mark your calendars and make the arts a part of your life. Enjoy!

Highlights

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  Young Jean Lee’s Theatre Company (see related story in this issue) probes race and culture and stereotypes with a cast of African-American performers in “The Shipment” that kicks off On The Boards new season from Oct. 1 – 4 at 8 p.m.100 West Roy St. (206) 217-9888 or visit [email protected].

• Work by contemporary artists like Joe Park, Yuki Nakamura, Etsuko Ichikawa, Saya Moriyasu, Paul Komada, Ellen Ito and Junko Yamamoto will be featured in The SOIL Art Collective’s annual auction which takes place this year on Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. It’s a fun way to help out this non-profit gallery that serves as an experimental venue for artists and curators to exhibit, develop and advance innovative art of diverse media and content. At Lawrimore Project at 831 Airport Way S. For details, go to [email protected]. A free preview of what’s on auction takes place at noon on Oct. 15.
• EARSHOT JAZZ always features a wide variety of fine music from jazz, ethnic and global categories in their annual fall festival and this year’s line-up is no exception. Includes a line-up of jazz film as well. Runs from Oct. 16 to early Nov. in venues around town. Some highlights are jazz pianist Helen Sung in Kirkland on Oct. 24, Ikue Mori & Zeena Parkins of Phantom Orchard and Peggy Lee & Saadet Turkoz on Oct. 24 at The Chapel, Khoomel Taiko (Mongolian/Japanese traditions) at Town Hall on Oct. 25, Marc Cary Trio with Foday Musa Suso featuring Sameer Gupta on drums & tabla on Oct. 31 at Seattle Art Museum, Jay Thomas East/West Double Trio with Seattle/Japanese players Nov. 1 at Tula’s and Paul Kikuchi’s Portable Sanctuary at the Chapel on Nov. 7. Call (206) 547-9787 or visit www.earshot.org for details.
• Two noted Seattle artists give talks. Ceramic artist Patti Warashina (her work can be currently seen in “Parallel Lines 8” at Wing Luke Asian Museum) joins fellow artists Beth Cavener Stichter and Tip Toland in what should be a fascinating discussion on “A Woman’s Figure(s)” as moderated by Namita Wiggers on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at Seattle Central Library downtown. 1000 – 4^th Ave. All of the panelists use the woman’s figure in their own work in varying ways.Presented by Pottery Northwest. For details, go to (206) 285-4421 or log on to www.potterynothwest.org. Seattle sculptor Gerard Tsutakawa participates in “Walk The Talk: Public Art in Auburn” on Sept. 24 at Auburn Ave. Theater. Free. 7:30 p.m. with an Art Walk of four public artworks downtown beforehand. (253) 931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

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  Performance artist/writer Canyon Sam reads from her new memoir “Sky Train” (UW Press). Traveling back and forth in time, Sam takes the controversial new rail line to the “new futuristic” Lhasa to re-connect with women she interviewed years ago – a visionary educator, a freedom fighter, a gulag survivor and a child bride. What they have to tell gives us a moving picture of a country in flux, trying to find its’ place in today’s world. She will be at Elliott Bay Book Company on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. located at101 South Main at (206)624-6600 and Oct. 14 at Ravenna Third Place Books at 7:30 p.m. located at 6504 – 20^th Ave. NE. For details, log on to www.canyonsam.com.

• Japanese writer/director Hirokazu Kore-eda (“Nobody Knows.””After Life,” “Maborosi”) returns with a new film entitled “Still Walking” that puts the family under his probing sensitive lens. Winner of the “Best Director” at the Asian Film Awards. Screens starting Oct. 9 for one week at the Varsity. 4329 University Way NE. (206) 781-5755.
• The UW World Series highlights Indian dance in their 2009-10 season. Chitresh Das Dance Company burns up the stage with “kathak” classical Indian dance on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Catch Shantala Shivalingappa as she performs the ancient South Indian-style of “kuchipudi,” intricate footwork combined with expressive facial and physical gestures. Feb. 11 – 13. (206) 543-4880 or visit uwworldseries.org.
• October brings the return of the Northwest Asian American Film Festival, which was postponed from last year. For a complete schedule, log on to www.nwaaff.org for details.

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  Wing Luke Asian Museum presents “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” (see review elsewhere in this issue). This show not only shows the art of Seattle-native and nationally known artist Roger Shimomura and how he deals with identity and racial stereotypes created by the media in his own work, but contains key elements from his own collection of racial stereotype artifacts, kitsch and ephemera. It’s like having a chemist with his laboratory next door open for viewing. Gives the viewer that rare opportunity to peer closely into a artist’s closet to see how reference material feeds into creation. Through April 18, 2010. 719 S. King. (206) 623-5124 or www.wingluke.org.

• Seattle Theatre Group brings back local performance group Degenerate Art Ensemble for a new production “Sonic Tales” on Oct. 30 – 31 that promises to rock the house with fresh music, costumes, set-design, butoh-inspired choreography and twisted humor.  They sold out last year so get your tickets early. At the Moore Theatre downtown. Other acts in the new season to look forward to include Global Dance Party on Dec. 4 at the Moore, Tao: The martial Art of Drumming Jan. 29 at the Moore (and again at Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia on Jan. 30 –  washingtoncenter.org),  Zakir Hussein & The Masters of Percussion March 10 at the Moore,  Nrtyagram Dance Ensemble of India April 17 at the Moore and “Dance This!!” July 10 at the Paramount. (877) STG-4-Tix or (877)784-4849. Tickets in person at Paramount Theatre Box Office.

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  Art Partners presents Chinese artist Zha Sai who will engage in exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations with Northwest artists in October. Her woodblock prints distill the purity and abstraction of nature into a sharp relief.  She will be a Visiting Artist at Cornish College of the Arts and show at the gallery Oct. 8 – 31 with an opening reception Oct. 8 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Board Room. She also gives a lecture/demonstration on Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 510 of the Print Studio.1000 Lenora St. Other appearances and shows at Davidson Galleries, Gonzaga University in Spokane etc. For complete details, go to thhp://www.zhasai.net.

• Cornish College of the Arts presents a season of diverse arts with Paul Taub performing flute music by composers such as Toshio Hosokawa and Bun-Ching Lam on Nov. 14, pianist Rei Hotoda on Nov. 21, Jody Diamond and Gamelan Pacifica on Dec. 5,Cosmophony on Feb. 6 and more. For tickets & information, go to www.cornish.edu/music/series.
• Saya Moriyasu shows at the Telephone Room Gallery, an exciting new alternative art space in Tacoma as part of a group show entitled “Vampires And Zombies” opening Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. and on view throughout the month. Go to www.thetelephoneroomblogspot.com.
• Jamie Ford returns to Seattle to read from his best-selling novel based in Seattle’s ID entitled “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter And Sweet” (Ballantine paper edition) on Oct. 20 at the Panama Hotel sponsored by Kinokuniya Books  at 607 ½ South Main at 1 p.m. (206) 515-4000 and again on Oct.21 at Third Place Books at 17171 Bothell Way NW in Lake Forest Park. (206) 223-9242.
• The delicate poetic thread of Diem Chau’s stichery weaves its’ way through narratives of family and friends in a new show of her work paired with the poetic landscape paintings of leveled houses by Thuy-van Vu (her work currently on view at Wing Luke Asian Museum as well) opening Oct. 17 at G. Gibson Gallery located at 300 South Washington St. (206) 587-4033 or visit www.ggibsongallery.com.
• Seattle Symphony returns with another season of assorted highlights including Japanese Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker in a “duo Piano Fireworks” program Sept. 24, 26 & 27,the piano virtuoso Lang Lang playing Beethoven Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., classical guitarist Xuefei Yang on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and the ever popular “Celebrate Asia!” Program guest- conducted by Carolyn Kuan with Chuanyun Li on violin on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. (206) 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.
• Meiro Koizumi is a contemporary Japanese artist who will be in residency in Puget Sound in the fall. Viewers have a chance to see various aspects of his work around the area as curated by independent curator Yoko Ott. The show at Hedreen Gallery/Lee Center for the Arts at Seattle University is a career retrospective of his video work on view Oct. 14 – Jan. 9. Opening night event is Oct. 14 from 5 – 8 p.m. 901 – 12^th Ave. (206) 296-2244. This show runs concurrently with a new installation the artist is contemplating on Japanese American agriculture and the internment experience. On view from Nov. 10  – Jan. with  an opening event on Nov. 10 from 6 p.m. At Open Satellite in Bellevue located at 989 – 112^th Ave. NE #102. (425) 454-7355. In addition, he gives an Artist Lecture on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at Henry Art Gallery in the auditorium. For complete details, go to http://opensatellite.org/exhibition-2009-11MeiroKoizumi.

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  Hear violinist Eyvind Kang in the unusual setting as guest soloist with the Gamelan Pacifica Orchestra as they perform the music of Lou Harrison and Jessica Kenny on Sept. 25 at the Chapel. 4649 Sunnyside N. (206) 789-1939.

• Noted Ceramic artist and UW Art Professor Akio Takamori has a major new show opening at New York’s Barry Friedman Gallery Sept. 17 – Oct. 17 entitled “Alice/Venus” that looks at the fundamental differences in adolescent girls before and after puberty. Visit www.barryfriedmanltd.com for details. Look for a show of his new work locally at James Harris Gallery opening Nov. 19. 312 Second Ave. S. (206) 903-6230 or visit www.jamesharrisgallery.com.
• SIS Productions in Residence at Richard Hugo House presents the Premiere of “Sex in Seattle 17: Coming Clean”, Sept. 18 – Oct. 17.  This is the premiere of another new chapter in the lives of Seattle’s contemporary Asian American women and their lives and loves. Created by Kathy Hsieh and Shan J West. Written by Hsieh and directed by West. Produced by Hsieh and Roger Tang. For reservations, call (206) 323-9443 or [email protected]. For tickets, call 1 800 838-3006 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com.
• Ceramic/installation artist Yuki Nakamura has a show of new work at Howard House Contemporary Art on view Jan. 7th – 30^th. 604 Second Ave. (206) 656-6399 or visit www.howardhouse.net.
• “China Design Now” is an immersive multi-sensory experience reflecting the new Chinese urban environment opening Oct. 10 through Jan. 17. Continuing through Nov. 15 is “APEX: Joseph Park,” a series of paintings by Seattle artist Joseph Park  based on a range of photographic sources. Portland Art Museum at 1219 SW Park Ave. (503) 226-2811 or visit www.portlandartmuseum.org.
• Edmonds Arts Center brings singer/songwriter Vienna Teng on Oct. 30, the Peking Acrobats on Jan. 31 and Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele virtuoso on March 12. (425) 275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.
• Any time the musical group Aono Jikken perform live accompaniment to a film, it’s a highlight. This time they accompany a rare screening of a Kenji Mizoguchi film entitled “The Downfall of Osen (Orizuru Osen). One of the few surviving silent films from Mizoguchi’s oevure, it has been described as “a hauntingly beautiful tale of love and betrayal that spans time and memory with an incandescent performance by the late Isuzu Yamada.” Special feature is an English version of the almost forgotten act of the benshi (Japanese silent film nararator commenting in person at the screening). Sunday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Also coming from Dec. 4 – 10 is a screening of a new print of Akira Kurosawa’s classic, “Rashomon,” the film that brought Japan world recognition after WW II. All screenings at SIFF Cinema located at 321 Mercer St. For details on “The Downfall of Osen,” go to http://www/siff.net/cinema/detail.aspx?FID=1638id=29313.

Visual Arts

• The last exhibition of the Chinatown/ID Art Walk for the summer happens on Sept. 19 from 5 – 8 p.m. Free at various locations in the neighborhood with artwalk food specials at neighboring restaurants and free movie screening at Theatre Off Jackson and a performance at KOBO at Higo. “Kinoshita + Kinoshita – Twin Artists from Different Continents” feature the work of crafts artists Lisa Kinoshiata and Yuri Kinoshita at MOMO. (206) 528-2550 or visit www.scidpda.org.

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  The work of bead artist Tina Koyama is included in a group show entitled “2009 POCHO/Pathways Recipients” along with the work of Otong “Iron” Durahim, Sarah Hood, Carla Grahn and Akua Kariamu. With exhibition, reception and le Art work in the Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios at 306 S. Main. Through Sept. 25. www.pratt.org.

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  “Counter-Photography, Japan’s Artists Today”  (see review elsewhere in this issue) is an internationally touring exhibition that features 11 contemporary Japanese photographers including Hiroshi Sugimoto, Eikoh Hosoe, Miho Akioka, Miyuki Ichikawa, Akiko Sugiyama, Chie Yasuda, Kazuo Katase, Hiroko Inoue, Tomoko Yoneda, Tomoaki Ishihara and Michihiro Shimabuku. Don’t miss this survey of Japan’s contemporary  photography scene. Photographic Center Northwest. 900 Twelfth Ave. (206) 720-7222 or visit www.pcnw.org.

• KOBO at Higo presents  calligraphy by Shodo Harada Roshi  continues on view through Sept. 18. Harada Roshi is a Zen master in the Rinsai tradition who served as the Abbot of Sogenji in Okayama, Japan for the past 25 years. He is also the Abbot of Tahoma-Sogenji Monastery on Whidbey Island. www.onedropzendo.org. Jamie Kirkpatrick has a show entitled “A Time For Tea” based on his love of morning tea and the joy of using other artists tea utensils. This new work is soda and wood-fired vessels. Opening reception with the artist on Sept. 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. On view through Oct. 3.  Also Megumi teaches a fall workshop on tea ceremony on Sept. 27 from 1 – 3 p.m. but advance registration is required. Sculptural lighting by Hiih Lighting is set for Sat., Oct. 17 – Nov. 15. This firm from Portland brings together the function of light the craft of paper and the art of sculpture. Toshi Asai from Nagoya, Japan shows oils, pencil on paper and mixed media, “Pop art with a punk twist” (Regina Hackett review) from Nov. 7 – 29. Opening reception is Nov. 7 from 6 – 8 p.m. Ken Taya returns with Enfu, his “Hybrid Nippop” work portraying a parallel world where both Japanese and American worlds co-exist. Dec. 3 – Jan. 3, 2010 with an opening reception set for Dec. 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. Ceramic artist John Dix now based in Japan will be showing his woodfired ceramics during Jan./Feb. of 2010. 604 S. Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
• ArtXchange Gallery presents “Love Empire: James Lawrence Ardena,” an exhibit  of mixed-media,  resin art and installation. This show explores the nature of the state of Filipino America and the lasting effects of colonization and the emotional constraints in which we confine ourselves. On view throughout the month. Opening Nov. 5 and on view through Dec. 31 are gouache on paper and paintings on wood panel by Bui Vong Khanh. 512 – 1^st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377. www.artxchange.org. Also gallery artist Deborah Kapoor has her work on view at Simply Desserts in Fremont. 3421 Fremont Ave. N. Ongoing.
• Drawings by Toshi Asai are on view at Joe Bar located at 810 E. Roy St. throughout the month. (206) 324-0407.
• Patricia Rovzar Gallery presents a new show of oil paintings by Z. Z. Wei entitled “Light And Shadow” through Sept. 30. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273 or www.rovzargallery.com.
• A show entitled “Constellations” by installation/print artist Maki Tamura is at the Kittredge Gallery at UPS opens Oct. 3. 1500 N. Warner St. CMB 1072 in Tacoma. (253) 879-3701.
• Chinese printmaker, Zha Sai is on an extended Northwest tour as an exchange artist. Her work is on display here with work by Karen Kunc and Georges Rouault Oct. 2 – 31. Davidson Galleries 313 Occidental Ave. S. (206) 624-7684 or www.davidsongalleries.com.
• Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints celebrates the beauty of summer with a show featuring Tanigami Konana’s “Album of Western Flowers.” Open by appointment or by chance so it’s best to call ahead. 2003 Western Ave.  Suite 107. (206) 621-1888 or www.carolynstaleyprints.com.
• “Ukiyoe-e:Pictures of the Floating World” is a series of 15 graphic drawings done in the form of clouds by artist Binky Walker. The drawings conjure up the 16^th century idea of ukiyo or floating world. On view through Oct. 31. Artist talk on Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. 313 Occidental Ave. S. or www.cullomgallery.com.
• Koji Kubota’s “Dreams to Colors” is a solo show of paintings with a pure colorist approach dedicated to a late artist friend, Susan A. Lockwood. On view through the month at Alchemy located at 619 Western on the second floor.
• “In The Round and All Around” is the title of a show of figures, landscapes, seascapes and fantasy-scapes by Toshiko Hasegawa on view at Parkland Gallery through Oct. 4. 130 Park Lane. Kirkland,WA. (425) 827-1462 or www.parklanegallery.com
• Local artists decorate fabricated penguins in celebration of Woodland Park Zoo’s new penguin exhibit. Includes work by Irene H. Kuniyuki. Until Sept. 30. 465 N. 36^th St. Visit www.zoo.org/penguinsonthemarch.
• “Business As Usual/New Video from China” presents the work of Cao Fei and Yang Fudong. They are two of the most well known Chinese video artists working internationally today.  Through their eyes, one witnesses the rapid social and economic transformation of China’s cities. On view through Oct. 4. North Galleries. Henry Art Gallery on the UW campus.15^th Ave. NE & NE 41^st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit henryart.org.
• “Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: Indigenous Voices Reply” juxtaposes historic objects and photographs from the 1909 Exposition with contemporary artwork by Native artists exploring how the representation of indigenous people and cultures has changed over 100 years. It should be noted that indigenous people from the Philippines were in the original 1909 show. On view through Nov. 29.  Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington. 17^th Ave. NE and NE 45^th. (206) 543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org.
• The work of Etsuko Ichikawa is included in a group show entitled “Elusive Element” which includes NW artists who work with fire, air, earth and water. Through Oct. 4 at the Museum of Northwest Art. “Layers” is the title of a show by glass artist Boyd Sugiki which opens Oct. 10 from 2 – 5 p.m. and remains on view through Jan. 3. 121South First St. in La Connor, Wash. (360) 466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org.
• The figurative finely enameled copper heads of Ah Xian are included in a group show entitled “UberPortrait” now on view through Oct. 18 at Bellevue Arts Museum. Seattle artist Cheryll Leo-Gwin will talk about her new work based on the effects of the US Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 on women and their families in the US and China. Friday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP for this event by calling (425) 519-0770. 510 Bellevue Way NE. Visit www.bellevuearts.org.

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  Seattle Asian Art Museum presents two new shows. On view through Oct. 17 is “A Black-and-White World: The Art and Lessons of Chinese Rubbings” which looks at the pictorial programs of the Wu Family Shrines and the carved images of the sixteen Lohans. Two vastly different world views of Confucian order and Buddhist law are explored. On view through Feb. 21, 2010  “Transforming Traditions: Japanese & Korean Art Since 1800” and “Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art.” Mimi Gates, former director of SAM and now the museum’s Director Emerita, inaugurates the new Center for Asian Art and Ideas at SAAM with a “Saturday University” series of lectures by professors who specialize in different aspects of Asian Studies from art to history to political science. Starts Oct. 3. Log on to www.seattleartmuseum.org/calendar/calendar.asp for details and call (206) 654-3121 for tickets. 1400 East Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or log on to www.seattleartmuseum.org.

• Wing Luke Asian Museum – “Across the Spectrum: Stories from Queer Asian Pacific America” will be on view through Feb. 14 of 2010 in the Boeing Company Community Portrait Gallery. Join the conversations about life, love and community. “Deporting Cambodians: How Immigration Policy Shapes Our Communities” is on view through Oct. 18, “Parallel Lines: 8 Contemporary Seattle Artists,” a group show curated by Tracey Fugami through Nov. 29. The show draws comparisons between artists Tram Bui, Mark Takamichi Miller, Jason Huff, Akio Takamori, Patti Warashina, Saya Moriyasu, Thuy-Van Vu and Joseph Park . “Float in the air art workshop” is led by exhibit artist Jason Huff who teaches this 2 hour family workshop on Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. where you will learn to design and build your own mobile. To register, call (206) 623-5124×14. Artist and historian Susan Kunimatsu leads a discussion on “Art and Identity” by Asian Pacific American artists with  curators/gallery ownersKaren Higa, Ken Matsudaira, Cora Edmonds and Tracey Fugami, Curator of “Parallel Lines” on Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m.Teensway members under the supervision of guest artist Saya Moriyasu have a new sculpture exhibit entitled “Welcome to Our World” in the Frank Fujii Youth Space on view through Oct. 2, 2009. 719 S. King. (206)623-5124 or www.wingluke.org. Just opened is “Asian Voices”, a YouthCAN exhibit.  “Animation & Comics” opens Aug. 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. in KidPLACE. A related activity is “Exhibits Exposed: Animation & Comics” in which you’ll see how images can have a life of their own in the comic world. August 22 at 2 p.m. Get ready for “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” opening Sept. 10 with the show ongoing through April 18, 2010 in the Special Exhibition Hall.  The museum sponsors an “Asian American Visual Artists Reception” on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in their Community Hall. A chance to network with Asian American artists, curators and arts professionals in a catered event by Salina Restaurant. This is a ticketed event. For updates, email [email protected]. Save the date! Wing Luke Asian Museum. 719 S. King St.(206) 623-5124 or www.wingluke.org.
• The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) features the exhibit, “The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest” on view till Jan. 16, 2020. 2700 – 24^th E. (206) 324-1126.
• “Sumi-e Harmony: East and West” is the title of the Puget Sound Sumi Artists’ sumi and calligraphy exhibition which will be held at Tacoma Public Library’s Hanford Gallery through Oct. 5.  (253) 591-5666.
• The work of Patsy Surh O’Connell, Deng Juo and Fumiko Kimura is included in a group show entitled “Ink Connection: China, Korea and Japan” at the Gallery at Tacoma Community College Oct. 12 – Dec. 15. Opening reception is Oct. 15 from 4 – 7 p.m.
• The Asian Pacific Cultural Center presents  Korean Tea Ceremony  on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. and Japanese Tea Ceremony on Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. Both tea ceremony demonstrations take place at Fircrest Community College located at 55 Contra Costa in Fircrest, Wash.. The APCC also presents the following activities at their office. “How to Make Korean Kimchi” on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. “How to Fold Papers the Korean Traditional Way” on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. and “Learn the Korean Alphabet in Two Hours” on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. (253) 226-2742 or www.asiapacificcultural center.org.
• What does graffiti inscribed on canvas beds by American military on ships heading towards Vietnam during the war era tell us about that time in history? Find out by seeing “Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam”, a new show opening Sept. 17 and on view through Dec. 13. Also forthcoming is “With Our Hands: World Folk Arts of Washington” from Jan. 21 – August 23, 2010, a show that looks at the multi-cultural wealth of folk artists residing in this state. On April 18 from 10 – 5 p.m. and April 19 from noon – 5 p.m., check out the Washington Festival of World Folk Arts where you’ll find more than 20 artists on hand to demonstrate the tricks of their crafts and give workshops. Washington State History Museum. 1911 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. (253) 272-3500 or www.washingtonhistory.org.
• “Women Painters of Washington Juried Show” on view now through Oct. 10 at American Art Company at 1126 Broadway in Tacoma. (253) 272-4327 or www.americanartco.com.
• Korean American Artists Association of Washington – International Korean Artists and KAAAW members show at the New Dimension Gallery in Bellevue Oct. 1 – 31. Opening Oct. 1 from 4 – 7 p.m. (253) 226- 2742.
• “Requiem: By the Photographers Who Died in Vietnam and Indochina” is a pictorial documentation of the history of the Vietnam War from the early 1950s through to the fall of Saigon in 1975. An international traveling exhibit that makes its’ Northwest debut at this museum. With a series of lectures and films. Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem, Oregon. 700 State St. www.willamette.edu/museum_of_art.
• Eunice Kim’s solo exhibit runs through Sept. 25 at Augen Gallery in Portland. 817 SW 2^nd Ave. (503) 546-5056.
• The work of Portland painter Robert Dozono is featured in large canvases put together with collage elements drawn from non-recyclable waste found in areas around Portland. Sept. 29 – Oct. 31 at Black Fish Gallery. 420 NW 9^th Ave. (503) 234-2634.
• Phil & Kaja Foglio from Seattle  present “Reflections of an an Asian American Community Girl Genius – Manga Artwork” opening Sept. 20 . Also showing “Bill Naito – A Portland Story” on Oct. 8.Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center. www.oregonnikkei.org.121 NW 2^nd Ave. In Portland. (503)224-1458.
• Asia Society Museum in New York City presents the first U.S. museum survey of contemporary art from Pakistan entitled “Hanging Fire-Contemporary Art from Pakistan” now through Jan. 3, 2010. 55 works by 15 artists in various media. Curated by Salima Hashmi. For details, go to [email protected].

Performing Arts

• Town Hall’s chamber music series, TownMusic” features features Jun Iwasaki and Grace Fong Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Piano virtuoso Helen Huang joins cellist/series curator Joshua Roman for a series of piano/cello duets on June 10. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or www.townhallseattle.gov.
• Portland Taiko perform in Oregon Lost and Found event at the Newmark Theatre of Newmark Theatre of Portland Center for Performing Arts on Sept. 19 & 20. 1111 SW Broadway. (800) 982-2787 or www.portlandtaiko.org.
• Elliott Bay’s Tenth Annual Staged Play Reading series continues with a Seattle premiere reading presentation of Nicky Silver’s new play, “The Agony and the Agony” staged by David Hsieh’s React Theatre. A once-promising but now failed playwright jumps at the chance to get back into the game. Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 at the door and reservations are encouraged. React is considering productions of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!,” “Defiance, Debunked!,” Amy Tan’s “The Kitchen God’s Wife,” Hayfever,” and  “Gulligan’s Island” and others. For details, go to www.reacttheatre.org or call (206) 364-3283. Elliott Bay Book Company is at 101 South Main in Seattle. (206) 624-6600.
• The Pork Filled Players blast back to the past with their latest show, “Pork in the Future” running from Sept. 18 – Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. at Seattle’s Odd Duck Studio located at 1214 – 10^th Ave. Spinning off from the success of their late-nite “Spam*O*Rama comedy cabaret, the troupe ventures back to the time of the 80’s bringing back everything from GI Joe to classic John Hughes films and the old days of Michael Jackson mania. Joining the group is an array of guest stars. Seattle sketch duo Charles opens the first weekend, Seattle’s Burlesque All Stars come on board Sept. 25 & 26 and Vancouver B.C.’s premier sketch comedy group, Assaulted Fish close Oct. 2 & 3. Pork Filled Players are led by Roger Tang and lead writer Maggie Lee with members Brian Beckley, Marr Dela Cruz, Agastya Kohli, Toni Rose and Yvette Zaepfel. (206) 365-0282 or [email protected].
• For lovers of Korean music, don’t miss “The Korean Music Festival” with a varied program of opera arias, Korean art songs and concertos. Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Meany Theater on the UW campus, Seattle.  Free with tickets available at local Korean markets or visit www.meany.org/tickets.
• Teatro Zinzanni presents  the musical, “Bottega Zinzanni – All Dressed up With Someplace To Go” featuring a runway event with 13 original designs by Luly Yang  (see related article elsewhere in this issue) Couture. 3^rd Ave. N. & Mercer St. (206) 802-0015 or visit www.zinzanni.org.

  

• September is time for the annual visit from Tokyo-based Bunka Women’s University students in fashion design. It gives a chance for Japanese student designers, stylists and models to strut their stuff in the States and gives us lucky Seattle residents a chance to see what may be going up on the runways and catwalks of Tokyo. Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Broadway Performance Hall on the campus of Seattle Central Community College. Free but call now to reserve a ticket. (425) 483-5974 or email [email protected].
• Debash Bhattacharya took the western slide guitar and adapted it to the classical Indian music tradition. He is a pioneer and innovator on this instrument and he makes a rare Seattle appearance at Jazz Alley for two nights only, Sept. 29 – 30. 2033 – 6^th Ave. (206) 441-9729 or log on to jazzalley.com. Reservations strongly recommended.
• MAD TV’s Bobby Lee does his comedy Oct. 22 – 24 at the Parlor Live comedy Club at 700 Bellevue Way NE in Bellevue. (425) 289-7000 or www.parlorlive.com.
• Kirkland Performing Arts Center ArtStage has the following – Jazz pianist  Helen Sung with her trio on Oct. 24 at 8 p.m., trail-blazing jazz sax player/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa on March 12, Delhi to Dublin on March 13 at 8 p.m. and a new production of “The King And I” May 15-16 & 21-22. Visit www.kpcenter.org for details.
• Seattle Youth Symphony plans concerts on Nov. 15, Feb. 28 and May 23. (206) 362-2300.
• Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents a production of “Flower Drum Song” during their new season on the main stage. This version has the revamped script and a few new lyrics and songs by David Henry Hwang that played the 5^th Avenue a few years back. 7116 – 6^th Ave. (253) 565-6867 or www.tmp.org for tickets & information.
• Soo Bae is a guest soloist on cello with the Tacoma Symphony in Fantastique Finale on April 24 at 7:30 p.m. Pantages Theatre at 901 Broadway in Tacoma. (253) 591-5894.
• “New Moves” is the title of a dance concert by Kenichi Ebina & Co. April 17 at 7 p.m. at the North Shore Performing Arts Center Foundation in Bothell. (425) 408-7997 or [email protected].
• Cumbancha will release “Tatra (Nomadic Souls),” the first international album from Kailish Kher, one of India’s most beloved voices on Sept. 15. Kher is one of Bollywood’s most recognizable playback singers and a judge on the popular Indian Idol TV show. As part of his North American Tour, he will appear in Seattle on Sept. 27 at the Crocodile. Log on to www.thecrocodile.com or go to http://www.cumbancha.com/ for complete details.
• SIS Productions present “Insatiable 4 (the win)!, Seattle’s 4^th Asian American Playwright’s Festival set for Sunday, Nov. 15 at Prima Vera Arts Center. Hear and see read throughs of new work by Maggie Lee, May Nguyen and Roger Tang. The Cemnter is at 112 – 5^th Ave. N., 2^nd floor. (206)-323-9443. In additon, SIS Productions will also present the Northwest premiere of Lauren Yee’s “Ching Chong Chinaman” as directed by Desdemona Chang. What happens when a Chinese American family gets an indentured Chinese servant to help their son with his homework. A comedy that turns Asian stereotypes on their ear. Location and specific date will be announced later by SIS.
• The 12^th Annual Asia Pacific New Years Celebration takes place on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. This year’s theme is “The Indian Community” along with other Asian Pacific communities represented and food booths, arts and crafts booths and hands-on activites for all ages. (253) 226- 2742.

Film/Media

• Vampires seem to be making a comeback these days in film and literature.  September 18 brings the release of “Jennifer’s Body” with a script by Diablo Cody (“Juno”) as directed by Karyn Kusama (“Girlfight”) starring Megan Fox as a possessed vixen who feeds on boys. October 23 brings Mira Nair’s (“Salam Bombay”) bio-pic on American aviator Amelia Earhart starring Oscar-winner Hilary Swank in the title role. Many say the Godfather/pioneer of today’s Anime/Manga tradition is the Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. One of his classic cartoon series  characters, “Astro Boy” has achieved “Superman” status in most countries in Asia. Now it is being brought to the big screen in a new adaptation October 23. November 25 brings the Korean dancer/actor Rain in the starring role of “Ninja Assasin.” “Blind Pig Who Wants To Fly” is a new film by Indonesian director Edwin that looks at issues of ethnic scape-goating in SE Asia through a series of characters. It won the Fipresci International Critics Prize at this year’s Rotterdam Film Festival. Always a good way to get sneak peeks at new films that may or may not get regular distribution are the film festivals that dot our screens throughout the year. The Northwest Film Forum can always be counted on for something new. Their “Local Sightings” October 2 – 7 is a celebration of Northwest filmmaking. Their Northwest Children’s Film Festival screens Jan. 22 – 31 and always brings new feature-length and shorts on children from around the world. http://www.nwfilmforum.org. Also don’t forget the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Oct. 16 – 25 that always brings some interesting releases from Asia and the rest of the world (www.threedollarcinema.org).Tacoma is home to two different film festivals. One Tacoma Film Festival runs Oct. 1 -8 at the Grand Cinema located at 600 S. Fawcett. (2530 572-1062 or log on to www.tacomafilmfestival.com. Another Tacoma Film Festival takes place on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. on the UW Tacoma campus at 1900 Commerce St. www.tacoma.washington.edu/calendar. And of course, don’t forget the annual Seattle International Film Festival in the spring of 2010.
• When the Thymos group, an Asian American arts organization in Oregon decided to sponsor a Miss Asian Beauty Pageant, it raised the hackles of West Coast filmmaker Curtis Choy, whose Al Robles documentary the group had previously screened. He thinks such events are simply “meat markets” and threatened to stage a counter event at the same time, screening his documentary shorts that satire the whole idea of beauty pageants. Now it seems the Thymos group is giving him a soapbox and equal time. Curtis Choy’s “The Year of The Ox: The 1973 Chinatown Livestock Show,” a critique of beauty pageants will be screened with “Making Up”, a rarely seen short satire about Asian American women and appearances starring some of the actresses from the cast of the Wayne Wang film, “Dim Sim: A Little Bit of Heart.” Screens with the beauty pageant program in Portland on Oct. 11 with time and venue to be announced. Go to http:///www.missasianoregon.com for details.

Written Arts

• Does the smell of musty used bookstores or tracking down fine, out of print editions of classics get your pulse rising? Then don’t miss the 22^nd Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair held on Oct. 10 with over 100 exhibitors from around the world offering the rare and collectible and out of print all for sale. From 10 – 6 p.m. on Oct. 10 and from 11- 4 p.m. on Oct. 11. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall at 301 Mercer St. A $5 ticket is good for both days. (206) 323-3999 or go to www.seattlebookfair.com.
• Edward Espe Brown reads from “The Complete Tassajara Cookbook: Recipes, Techniques, and Reflections from the Famed Zen Kitchen” (Shambhala) on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Noted performance artist and memoir writer Canyon Sam returns with a new book about her efforts to revisit friends she made in Tibet years ago on Oct. 13.All readings at Elliott Bay Book Company at 101 S. Main. (206) 624-6600 or visit www.elliottbaybook.com/events.
• Noted translator of Chinese literature, Red Pine (Bill Porter) will read from “In Such Hard Times: The Poetry of Wei Ying-wu (Copper Canyon Press) on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.  This will be a bi-lingual reading of a first book of English translation of a noted Chinese poet who lived from 737 – 791, revered in China but not as well known in the West. Southwest poet Arthur Sze reads from his latest book entitled “Gingko Light” (Copper Canyon Press) on Oct. 6. Sze has been described as a poet who “brings together disparate realms of experience with a precision of language so refined that it feels like marksmanship.” Kim-an Lieberman reads from her debut book of poetry as part o f the Jack Straw Writing group on Sat., Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Free Admission on a first-come, first served basis. The Seattle Public Central Library at Fourth Ave., downtown  between Madison & Spring. Co-presented by the Washington Center For The Book & Elliott Bay Book Company. (206) 386-4636 or go to www.spl.org. There are special $5 coupons for the library garage available on a limited basis for those attending readings.
• Local writers Bharti Kirchner and Margot Khan join other northwest literary luminaries in “Bedtime Stories Fundraising Gala, the annual literary fundraising gala for Humanities Washington, emceed by Nancy Pearl. Oct. 2 with authors reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Arctic Building Dome Room. (206) 682-1770 or www.humanities.org.
• Columbia City’s 2009 Seattle Book Fest takes place Oct. 24/25. It is a revival of the old Northwest Book Festival. With more than 50 authors and 80 exhibitors.  10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Columbia City Event Center. (206) 721-3156 or http://www.seattlebookfest.com.
• Irene Khan reads from her book, “The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights” on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.1119 Eighth Ave. in Seattle. (206) 652-4255 or www.townhallseattle.org.
• Seattle Arts & Lectures brings two noted South Asian American physicians/writers to town in its new season. Dr Abraham Verghese who first came to light with his moving memoir about dealing with AIDS patients returns with a massive new work of fiction that traces the lives of a family of immigrants who circle the globe to find where they belong. He reads Feb. 10. Dr. Atul Gawande, noted New Yorker columnist and author of several books on the daily experience of working in a New York hospital reads from May 3. Check www.lectures.org for information and tickets on their reading series, Wednesday University and Writers in the Schools programs.
• Noted educator/editor and now poet Lawrence Matsuda has his debut collection of poems entitled “A Cold Wind From Idaho” (Black Lawrence Press) published in 2010 and will read at Elliott Bay Book Co. in March. Also his essay with poems entitled “All Roads Lead Through Minidoka” is published in the Spring1010 issue of Cerise Press, an online publication at http://wwwcerisepress.com.
• Award-winning poet Marilyn Chin has always had a feminist edge and a biting humor to her poetry but those features are honed to a razor sharp focus in her new book of  prose entitled “Revenge Of The Mooncake Vixen” (WW Norton &. Co.) A book of short stories that tell the modern fable of two Chinese local food delivery girls who sell bad Americanized Chinese food to homes throughout Southern California. Come hear Marilyn read from this book in person and be prepared to laugh unashamedly. Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Elliott Bay Book Company at 101 South Main St. (206) 624-6600 or www.elliottbaybook.com.
• Local mystery writer Martin Limon signs copies of “G.I. Bones” (SOHO), the sixth novel in an on-going series on a pair of military intelligence cops during the Korean War. Nov. 7 at noon. Seattle Mystery Bookshop at 117 Cherry St. (206) 587-5737.
• Bellingham biologist & journalist Carol Yoon has written a book entitled “Naming Nature: The Clash Between Instinct and Sorrow” (WW Norton & Co).
• Jake Adelstein reads from “Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan” (Knopf) on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. University Book Store in the “U” District. 4326 University Way NE, (206) 634-3400.
• Noted Chinese American prose writer Ha Jin is back with another strong collection of short stories entitled “A Good Fall: Stories by Ha Jin” (Pantheon Books) that look at Chinese American characters facing life in unusual circumstances in America. Book comes out Nov. 24 with a book tour to follow.
• For Oregon-based Asian American writers interested in submitting to an upcoming Oregon anthology of Asian American writing, deadline for submissions is Oct. 31, 2009. To send submissions or ask questions about workshops, e-mail [email protected].
• UCLA Asian American Studies Center has published a new textbook entitled “Untold Civil Rights Stories” which discusses the social struggles Asian Americans have faced before and after 9/11. Co-edited by Russell C. Leong and Stewart Kwoh. For details, call (310) 825-2968 or log on to www.aasc.ucla.edu/aascpress.
• Bay Area poet Mari L’Esperance is interviewed and a poem from her latest book, “The Darkened Temple (2008-University of Nebraska Press) is featured in the “Poets to Know” section of the latest Writing The Life Poetic e-newsletter edited and published by Sage Cohen. For details, log on to http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/.

Arts News/Opportunities

• Children’s Museum of Tacoma offers a unique program on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. entitled “Ni Hao! Passport to Play” which features songs, stories and hands-on activities in Chinese for toddlers, preschoolers and their parents. 936 Broadway in Tacoma. (253) 627-6031 or www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org.
• Artist Trust offers the 2009 Edge Professional Development Program for Filmmakers Oct. 23 – Dec. 11. They also offer a Professional Development Weekend Workshop for Performing Artists Sept. 19 – 20. They have also developed a new health care program for artists. For details on all these and more, go to www.artisttrust.org.
• Applications for 2010 Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in a recording studio and the participate in our various presentation programs. Deadline is Oct. 30, 2009. For details, go to www.jackstraw.org or call (206) 634-0919.
• Joshua Helm of Wing Luke Asian Museum offers a free introductionary Oral History Workshop at the Museum on Oct. 7 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon. To RSVP, contact Christina Seong at (206) 623-5124×102 or email [email protected].
• Washington Lawyers for the Arts offers a workshop on Copyright & Creative Commons: Alternative Licenses in the Arts on Sept. 22 from noon -2 p.m. At 4 Culture located at 101 Prefontaine Place S. To register, call 1-800-836-3006. To pay at the door, RSVP with WLA at (206) 328-7053. Registration at the session begins at 11:30 am. For complete details, go to info.thewla.org or call (206) 328-7053.
• City of Auburn Arts Commission issues a call to artists for three special exhibits. prospectus and application go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call (253) 931-3043.
• In San Francisco, Kearny St. Workshop, the nation’s oldest Asian Pacific American multi-disciplinary arts organization, presents “APAture” from Sept. 17 -26. This two-weekend-long festival takes place at venues throughout the city and includes the talents of Johnny Hi-Fi, Tanji Chopra, Kenny Yun, Aimee Suzara, Debbie Huey, fiftyseven-thirtythree and many others. Go to www.kearnystreet.org/apature for details.