January Arts Calendar 2026

Visual Arts

Chatwin Arts celebrates a Second Anniversary with a group show of gallery artists entitled “Small Art Big Heart” Includes work by Keven Furiya, Soo Hong and many others. On view through January 31. 323 First Avenue South in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. 206-420-1141 or [email protected]. 

“A Group Exhibition/Fused” presents glass artwork from local artists Fumi Amano and Katie Miller with additional works by Sean Cramblett, David Hendrix and Jim Schiller. On view through January 24, 2026. Foster/White Gallery. 220 3rd Ave. S. #100. Fosterwhite.com or @fosterwhitegallery. 

Maggie Jiang’s new exhibition “The Absence That Keeps Shape” is on view January 31 – February 25, 2026 at J Rinehart Gallery and online. Preview on Saturday, January 31 at 2pm. Opening reception on First Thursday on February 5, 2026 from 5 – 8pm. A conversation with the artist is held on February 21, 2026 at 1pm. 319 Third Ave. S. 206-467-4508 or go to www.jrinehartgallery.com. 

“In Motion” is the title of a show of sculpted and printed figures by Tomoko Suzuki. February 6 – 28, 2026. Artist reception is on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Shift Gallery in Pioneer Square. 312 South Washington St. www.shiftgallery.org. 

ArtXContemporary Gallery’s exhibition space will be undergoing renovations in February 2026. “RENEWAL”, a hybrid/in-person group exhibition explores the rhyming cycle of growth, decay and renewal and features gallery artists Juan Alonso Rodriguez, Tiao Nith Somsanith, Jeremy G. Bell, Gilchun Koh and others. The gallery will be open by appointment only January 27 – March 2, 2026. Explore this exhibit online or schedule an in-person viewing by emailing [email protected]. Regular gallery hours will resume on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The gallery will be open as usual for the First Thursday Gallery Walk on Thursday, March 5, 2026.512 First Avenue S. 206-839-0377 or www.artx-contemporary.com. 

Gallery 4Culture presents drawing from Islamic iconography and Shia aesthetics in “De/Angular” by Sadat Saori. On view through February 20, 2026. First Thursday on February 5, 2026 from 6 – 8pm. 101 Prefontaine Place South in Seattle. Www.4Culture.org.  

Gallery B612 is a new art gallery in Pioneer Square.  A solo installation work by Bella Kim and two group shows has a grand reopening on January 10, 2026 and is on view from January 8 – March 25, 2026. 1915 – 1st Avenue South in Pioneer Square. Go to galleryB612.com for more details.  

The Wing Luke Museum has the following. “DISplace”, a group show on native Hawaiian arts and culture is on view through January 4, 2027. “Ten Thousand Things” curated by Shin Yu Pai looks at favorite artifacts by local Asian Americans. On view through September 4, 2026. Ongoing is YouthCan’s “Rivers and Roads.” “Back Home:Utopia in Seattle”  by Seattle art collective Paradice Ave. Soul is view through July 26, 2026. “Lost & Found: Searching for Home” explores the diverse journeys of AANHPI artists seeking connection with their cultural homelands. On view through September 14, 2026. “New Years All Year Around” opens January 31 and remains on view through December, 2026. Permanent ongoing exhibits include the following. “Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee”,”Cambodian Cultural Museum”, “Hometown Desi”, “Vietnam in the Rearview”, “I Am Filipino”, “Wing Luke & the Museum”, AND “Honoring Our Journey”, a showcase for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.” 719 South King St. Go to wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124.

“RIPE” is a group show centering on queer Asian joy. It invites queer and trans Asian American narratives into the light. January 2 – February 27, 2026. At The Fishbowl at 323 2nd Ave. W. The fishbowl Seattle.com or @thefishbowlseattle. 

Gallery 110 has the following. “States of Transition: Selected Works by Gallery 110 Artists”   Is a group show on view January 8 – 31, 2026. Includes work by Marie Okuma Johnson and Shruti Ghatak.110 3rd Ave. S. 206-624-9336 or gallery110.com. 

KOBO is a unique shop of arts and crafts from Japan and items made locally by Northwest artists. Penny Cheuk-Low will teach two Sashiko workshops at KOBO at Higo. Sashiko is a Japanese term meaning “little stabs.” It is a method of stitching to reinforce, embellish and strengthen. The February 14, 2026  Saturday workshop “Sashiko Basics with Penny” will run from 10am – 6pm. $150 + tax with kit provided. This workshop teaches the basics, the technique, the tools and the joy in the process. The “Boro Sashiko with Penny” takes place on Saturday, March 14 from 10am – 1pm. $155 + tax. This workshop teaches the Boro style of patching with fabric remnants and scraps and can also be used for mending projects. There are two shops in Seattle. KOBO at Higo is in the Chinatown/ID/Japantown area at 604 South Jackson and KOBO is on Capitol Hill at 814 East Roy. For details, try Koboseattle.com. 

Henry Art Gallery is on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Charlene Liu’s work for the Sculpture Court Mural is on view through August 2026.Berlin-based artist Christine Sun Kim’s first Seattle exhibition entitled “Ghost(ed) Notes” is a mural on the east façade on view through January 31, 2026. On view through January 2026 is “Shifting Ground:Recent Acquisitions”, a series that includes works by Sarah Cain, Fiona Connor, Demia Dine Yazhi, Mary Ann Peters and Carrie Yamaoka.  Also on view through January26, 2026 is “Community Culture” which features work by Stephanie Syjuco, Tariq Alvi and William Eggleston. . Free. Go to Henryart.org for details. 

Cannonball Arts is Seattle’s newest art collective in the old Bed Bath & Beyond location downtown. 1930 – 3rd Avenue. Cannonballarts.com. 

“Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form” curated by Paul Gravett looks at this art form in its many styles and forms throughout Asia. On view through January 24, 2026. At MoPop at 325 – 5th Ave. N. 

North Seattle College Art Gallery presents “Open Studio Cambodia Exhibition” with work by five artists from an artist collective based in Siem Reap, Cambodia. January 26 – March 6, 2026. 9600 College Way N. Art gallery.northseattle.edu or @nscartgallery. 

Lotus L. Kang is a Canadian-born, Brooklyn-based artist of Korean heritage. The Frye Art Museum presents the largest museum show to date of her work. The exhibit features two major installations together with a new body of works on paper. Developed in response to the museum’s architecture, Kang is conceiving two distinctly atmospheric installations. Kang works across photography and sculpture, creating site-responsive installations with sheets of industrial-sized film. Set for June 6 – September 27, 2026. Frye Parlor is a space known as the Frye Salon located within the Frye Art Museum. The current installation by Jayme Yen is up through January 31, 2027. 704 Terry. Try fryemuseum.org. 

Seattle Asian Art Museum has the following –  Through April 2026 is Anila Quayyum Agha’s  illuminated sculptural installation entitled “Geometry of Light”. Through March 2026 is Ai Weiwei’s “Water Lillies” assembled with LEGO blocks. “Lay Your Burden Down” is the name of a textile installation by Seattle artist Carina del Rosario. The artwork will be on view through April 2026. Ongoing at SAAM is “Boundless:Stories ofAsian Art.” 1400 Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. Ai Weiwei’s  “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” remains on view at SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park down by Elliott Bay through October 2027. Seattle Art Museum has the following shows on view. “Ash-Glazed Ceramics from Korea and Japan” through July 12, 2027. “The Asia Society Seattle Series” gives museum visitors a chance to hear artists, writers and business/community leaders offer their insights on the changing arts and politics of Asia. Set for December 3, 2025 and March 13, 2026 and 5:30pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum. Try visit Sam.org/talks for details. “Spinning Stories” is a “SAM Performs” series that gives visitors a chance to hear authors, relax with music and celebrate the unique ways Asian and Asian American artists share their stories. Happens on the “Last Saturdays” through January 2026 from 10am – 4pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum. Free with admission. At Seattle Art Museum from January – May 2026 is a series entitled “Conversations with Curators.” Spend an evening with the creative forces behind SAM’s Collections and exhibitions at this member-only lecture series. Talks held every third Thursday between January and May. Talks take place at 6z:30pm in Plestcheeff Aukditorium. Some highlights include the following – Pamela McClusky, Curator of African and Oceanic Art has a talk entitled “Discovering Diamonds in Australia” on February 19 on Aboriginal artist Gunybi Ganambarr.  Chinese art curator Foong Ping looks at new gifts of Chinese art in “Three Gifts for the Museum” on April 16. Aaron Rio, curator of Japanese and Korean Art has a talk on May 21 entitled “Picturing Salvation in Premodern Japan.” The SAM Magazine for October 2025 – January 2026 has an interview with Portland-based artist Samantha Yun Wall. Wall won the Betty Bowen Award for 2024 and will have a solo exhibition at SAM in February 2026. Her work navigates her struggle for belonging as a Black Korean immigrant woman by exploring duality and binaries in her black-and-white drawings. Go to Seattleartmuseum.org or visit Sam.org/events for details OR call 206-654-3210. 

Louie Gong has work in the group show entitled “Placeholder: Roots, Rupture and Regeneration” curated by Lia Yaranon Hall. On view through March 8, 2026 with an Artist’s Reception on Saturday, January 31 from 5 – 7pm. Columbia City Gallery at 4864 Rainier Ave. S. In Seattle. 206-760-9843 or try www.columbiacitygallery.com. 

“Panic Room” is a site-specific post apocalyptic installation by the Jeju Island Collective reflecting the artists’ panicked state as Korean immigrants in the U.S. January 3 – 31, 2026. At The Vestibule at 5919 – 15th Ave. NW, For details, try the vestibule.org or @thevestibule. 

See Sogetsu Seattle School of Japanese Flower Arrangments virtually on a website at https://seattlesogestsu.wixsite.com/home/2025-winter-exhibition. 

ROOTS Reimagined” is the opening group show of South Asian contemporary art at Viya Contemporary. 869 Ave. Square NE, Suite 17 in Bellevue,WA. Www.viyacontemporary.com 

“Remembrance: Felt Flowers Honoring World War II Incarcerees” is a display opening February 14, 2026.  Museum of History and Industry, Microsoft Lakefront Pavillion at 860 Terry Ave. N. In Seattle. The display will be free with registration at https://mohai.org/event/remembrance-felt-flowers-honoring-world-war-ii-incarcerees/. For more information, email [email protected]. 

“Hiroshima Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition” takes place on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 10am – 3:30pm at Seattle Judo Dojo at 1510 South Washington St. in Seattle. Nuclear Weapons Awareness presents the exhibition from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Free. For details, go to www.nuclearweapon-awareness.org. 

George Tsutakawa’s work is included in a group show of Pacific Northwest art at Catalyst Fine Art at 14477 Juanita Drive NE in Kenmore,WA. 425-405-0083 or www.Catalystfineart.com. 

Khan Gallery in Tacoma presents  “Didar”, squares and circles in Nastaliq calligraphy by renowned Afghan calligrapher and artist Alibaba Awrang. On view through March 22, 2026. Closing reception on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2 – 4pm. 1126 Broadway. Www.khangallery.com. 

 At Asian Pacific Cultural Center’s new gallery has the following. “Lao and Thailand: Between Roots and Becoming” features the work of first-generation Lao artist Leslie Khounsombath and Thai French American artist Michelle Boucher. On view January 10 – February 28, 2026. 4851 South Tacoma Way in Tacoma,WA. 253-383-3900 or email [email protected]. 

“Our Voices: Stories from Washington’s Southeast Asian Refugees” is on view now through July 12, 2026. Washington State History Museum at 1911 Pacific Avenue. 1-888-238-4375 or www.washingtonhistory.org. 

“Tethered” is the title of a show of paper books by paper artist Aimee Lee. March 6 – June 14, 2026. She gives an artist talk on March 14, 2026 from 3 – 5pm. “Truths and Memories” is a group show now on view through February 22, 2026. Includes work by Humaira Abid and many others.“Reflecting on Collecting” is a group show from the Permanent Art Collection and also includes work by Humaira Abid and Louise Kikuchi. Through February 15, 2026. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. 550 Winslow Way E. On Bainbridge Island. Biartmuseum.org Or @bimuseum.of.art. 

“Emerging Radiance” is an augmented-reality interactive artwork that tells the story of Japanese American farmers of Bellevue created by Michelle Kumata and Tani Ikeda. On view through February 2027. 1111 – 110th Ave. NE in Bellevue. 

Whatcom Museum has a group show opening on February 6, 2026 entitled “From the Vault: Hard Edge/Soft Ground” and includes work by Paul Horiuchi. At two locations. Old City Hall at 121 Prospect St. and the Lightcatcher Building at 250 Flora St. Bellingham, WA www.whatcommuseum.org. 

“Echoes of the Floating World” shows Japanese woodblock prints from the museum’s collection side by side with work by local artists Jorge Mota, Troy Long, Hanako O’Leary, Kenji Stoll, Laureen Iida, Yoshiko Yamamoto and Van Van. Guest curated by Stoll. On view through January 24, 2026.  (Re)Frame: Haub Family Collection of Western American Art” expands the narratives about art of the American West with four exhibitions with a range of perspectives including one on the Chinese American West. Curated by Lele Barnett. On view through September 5, 2027. Also on view is “Legacy:Highlights from the Permanent Collection” until February 14, 2026. “Project Northwest is an artist-led solo exhibition curated by Ellen Bepp. “Decades in the Making: 10 Years of SOLA Awareness” is a group show featuring mature women artists. 1701 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. Go to tacomartmuseum.org. 

Narratives, interviews with Asian American women’s stories from the 60’s/70’s time period is part of a series that juxtaposes women’s lives on both sides of the Pacific. These are women’s stories which otherwise might be forgotten. The series is up to 5 episodes including interviews with ceramic sculptor Patti Warashina and most recently, “Lesley Jian: A Grandmother’s Journey Through War, Famine and Resilience. Another series features interviews with poets of China’s cultural Revolution. For details, try [email protected]. 

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon presents “Frank S. Matsura:Portraits from the Borderland” on view through February 8, 2026. Matsura, a Japanese immigrant came to Okanogan country near the edge of the Colville Reservation at the turn of the century and with his photography studio documented the changes in the West with humor and grace.  The Japanese American Museum of Oregon is located on 411 Flanders St. in Portland. [email protected]. 

The Portland Japanese Garden has the following exhibits on view. “Designing Nature: Elements of Harmony” from September 27 – February 23, 2026. Ongoing are photographs of four prominent gardens based in Japan and Stu Levy’s photos of the Portland Japanese Garden and an exhibit on six distinct styles of Japanese gardens. The Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute have announced two new CEOs who willl lead the Portland Japanese Garden in their next phase. Lisa Christy and Aki Nakanishi will jointly lead this organization. Christy will oversee the garden’s administrative and operational functions. Nakanishi will lead programmatic and creative oversight, guiding the garden’s educational  and cultural initiatives. Both will work together on fundraising and vision for the organization.611 SW Kingston Ave. 503-223-1321 or Japanese garden.org. 

Portland Art Museum presents the following – Shows on view until November 20, 2026 include the following – “Heaven and Earth: Chinese Art From the Collections”, “Kenji Nakahashi: Between Things” presents the work of this Japanese photographer, “Word in Flower: Arts of Buddhism” and “Cloud Dream of the Nine: Stories of a Painting” looks at a newly conserved Korean screen painting. Coming up is the traveling exhibition “The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art” on view September 5, 2026 – July 3, 2027. 1219 SW Park Ave. Portland, Oregon. 

The Portland Chinatown has the following – Permanent exhibit is “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns.” 127 NW Third. Try Portland Chinatown.org. 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art located on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon has the following. “Fluid Continuity-Rethinking Korean Art in the Contemporary Age” is on view through April 5, 2026. “Power and Performance: Impressions of Chinese Secular and Religious Art & Customs” is on view through August 2, 2026. “Verdant Islands: Nature and the Supernatural in Japanese Prints & the Age of Aoshima Chiho” is on view through August 2026. “Gateway to Himalayan Art” is on view from February 21 – July 6, 2026. “Navigating Through Centuries: From Ancient to Global Contemporary in Korean Art” April 25, 2026 – March 21, 2027.1430 Johnson Lane on campus. Try Jsma.uoregon.edu for details. 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU has the following. British sculptor Amish Kapoor has a show entitled “Dissolving Margins” on view through March 14, 2026. Mimi Jung, a Montana-based Korean artist has a show entitled “An Unfinished Origin – Unconventional Materials Weave Stories of Change” on view March 31 through June 27, 2026. 1535 NE WilsonRoad. Pullman,WA. Free For details, go to [email protected]. 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washingon,DC  premieres an exhibition of Korean art from the late Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee’s vast collection. The exhibition features over 300 pieces spanning centuries. The show later travels to Chicago and London. 

Six visual artists and photographers are among the 22 recipients of this year’s MacArthur Fellowship known as the “Genius Awards”. Saigon-based multidisciplinary artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen uses film, installation and sculpture to confront intergenerational traumas of colonial violence, displacement, and war. The poetic, research-based practice of Gala Porros-Kim provokes questions about the layers of relationship between cultural artifacts and the institutional frameworks that dominate their preservation and display. Theoretical mathematician Lauren Williams, a sansei professor from Harvard University also won a McArthur for her mathematical research.Congratulations to Hahrie Han, a political science professor from John’s Hopkins University who also won a McArthur for her work addressing critical questions about how and why people participate in civic and political life. 

Vietnamese American artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s 27-foot-tall sandstone sculpture of the Buddha entitled “The Light That Shines Through The Universe” will go on view in the spring of 2026 on New York City’s Highline. The statue is a reimaging of one of the Bamiyan buddhas destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley. 

Congratulations to children’s author/artist Thao Lam who won a Kirkus Award in the “Young Readers Alternative” category. 

RM from the internationally known K-Pop group BTS is partnering with SF MOMA Museum in a new exhibit opening October 2026 entitled “RMXSFMOMA” on view through February 2027. It brings together 200 artworks from the museum and RM’s personal collection. RM will co-curate the show with SFMOMA’s curators America Castillo and Hyoeun Kim. It will feature artists such as Yun Hyong-Keun, Park Rehyun, Kwon Okyon, Kim Yun Shin, To Sangbong and Chang Ucchin 

London’s National Gallery’s 2025 “Artist-in-Residence” is Ming Wong. He has created a new short film & installation based on the story of Saint Sebastian’s martyrdom. Go to bit.ly/49pagfD for details. On view January 15 – April 5, 2026. 

The work of local artist Tori Shao is highlighted in the Nov. 2025 – Jan. 2026 issue of Public Display.ART magazine. 

Performing Arts

Pacific Northwest Ballet has the following on tap. Kent Stowell’s “Cinderella” is on stage from January 30 – February 8, 2026. “Firebird” plays March 13 -n22, 2026. PNB’s Ballet School presents the world premiere of “Momotaro – Peach Boy” adapted by Jessica Lang and Kanji Sugawa from one of Japan’s oldest folktales.Includes a sensory-friendly performance and a free community day. March 13 -22, 2026. “Giselle” plays April 10 – 19, 2026. “All Lang” is a programs of varied works by Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang May 29 – June 7, 2026. Go to pnb.org for details. 

Some highlights from the prestigious Meany Center for the Performing Arts located on the Seattle UW campus include the following.   YMusic is a contemporary chamber ensemble making their Meany debut on February 21, 2026 at 7:30pm. Clarinetist Hideaki Aomori is in this group. Contemporary pianist Conrad Tao plays in recital on March 8, 2026. Classical pianist Joyce Yang took the Silver Medal at the Cliburn International Piano Competition and she plays April 14, 2026 at 7:30pm. World class cellist Yo Yo Ma makes a welcome return to Seattle and talks about how music shaped his thinking and plays favorites on April 22, 2026 at 7:30pm. Pianist Min Kwon asked the best contemporary composers to create variations  on “America the Beautiful” and plays the results on May 12, 2026 at 7:30pm. On the grounds of Seattle’s University of Washington. 206-543-4880 or try [email protected]. 

Seattle Symphony welcomes Xian Zhang, their new Chinese woman conductor as they embark on a new season. She will conduct The Symphony’s annual concert of Asian music which features the composition “Iris Unveiled” performed with traditional Chinese musicians of the Peking Opera on February 12,14 & 15, 2026. She conducts “Schumann & Beethoven” on February 19, 2026. She works with pianist Daniel Trifonov on April 23 & 25, 2026. She Covers Mozart on April 30, May 2 & 3, 2026 and Gershwin on May 28, 29, 30 & 31, 2026. On June 11 & 13, 2026, she conducts Mahler’s 7th. “Beethoven’s 9th gets covered on June 18,19, 20 & 21,2026. Associate Conductor Sunny Xia steers the Seattle Symphony through the following performances. The Family Concerts Series for ages 6 – 12 on Saturdays at 11am. This series includes “Peter and the Wolf” on October 18, 2025, “The Snowman” on December 6, 2025 and “Phiharmona Fantastique” on May 9, 2026. Xia also conducts the symphony when violinist Simone Lamsa makes her Benaroya debut with “Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto” on March 12 & 14, 2026. Some guest performers in the new season include the following. Pianist Seong-Jin gives a recital o January 20, 2026. Kahchun Wong is guest conductor for “The Kenneth-Masons Play Beethoven Triple Concerto” set for January 29, 31 & February 2, 2026. Contemporary pianist Conrad Tao plays in recital on March , 2026.Pianist Haochen Zhang covers Liszt & Kodaly on March 12, 13 & 14, 2026. Dynamic pianist Lang Lang performs in recital on March 20, 2026. American composer Vivian Fung’s “Frenetic Memories for Clarinet & String Quartet” gets covered by Seattle Symphony musicians in a program entitled “From Ruth Gipps to Vivian Fung” on April 7, 2026. Benaroya Hall is at 200 University St. 206-215-4747 or try Seattle symphony.org. 

Portland’s global music orchestra, Pink Martini hits the stage on Wed., January 28, 2026 at 7pm. Kirkland Performance Center. Go to Kpcenter.org for details. 

 On Monday, January 26, 2026, Town Hall hosts an open space for cultural workers, and arts people who care deeply about the creative sector. Mayor Wilson’s arts, culture and creative economy transition team will host this event. Amy Nguyen from Watershed Community Development is one of the policy area members. Esteemed Iranian Kurdish musician and specialist in the four-stringed Persian spike fiddle returns to Town Hall to perform with Turkish Aleut folk musician Erdal Erzincan on Tuesday, February 17. 2026 at 7:30pm.1119 – 8th Ave. 206-652-4255 or townhallseattle.org. 

SIS Productions & Seattle Public Theater present in association with Yun Theatre a world premiere play entitled “LI” by Wei He. It’s a comedy set in Inner Mongolia about a thief who gives more than she gets. Directed by Christie Zhao. January 16 – February 8, 2026. At Seattle Public Theater on the shores of Green Lake. 7312 West Green Lake Drive N. 206-524-1300 or www.seattlepublictheater.org. 

The International Guitar Night Tour hits Washington State with the following stops. January 27, 2026 at Field Arts & Event Hall in Port Angeles,WA. January 29, 2026 atGestalt Powerhouse Theatre in Walla Walla,WA. January 30, 2026 at Kent Meridian Performing Arts Center in Kent,WA. January 31, 2026 at McIntyre Hall in Mt. Vernon,WA. February 1, 2026 at Washington Center for the Arts in Olympia. Performers include finger style guitarist Alexander Misako, Ukulele master Taimane, classical virtuoso Thu Le and rock/flamenco guitarist Lucas Imbirba. 

Singer-Songwriter/poet Frances Chang opens for Welsh singer/songwriter Cate Le Bon on January 27 at 8pm. All ages. Neptune Theatre. 1303 NE 45th St. 206-682-1414. 

STG stages a variety of performing arts across the city on various stages throughout the year. Seattle’s Degenerate Art Ensemble present a new piece on February 14, 2026 at 8pm at the Moore. Comic Henry Cho at the Moore on February 22, 2026  at 7pm. The Ravi Shankar Ensemble continues the great sitar virtuoso’s music when they play the Moore on April 6, 2026 at 7:30pm.Comic Margaret Cho comes to the Moore on April 19, 2026. Japanese jazz pianist brings her newest trio, “Hiromi’s Sonic Wonder” to the Moore on May 5, 2026 at 7:30pm.For full details, go to stgpresents.org. 

The Bessie Award for Outstanding Sound Design and Composition for Productions in New York City was awarded to Degenerate Art Ensemble’s Haruko Crow Nishimura, Joshua Kohl and collaborator yuniya edi kwon for their collaboration “Boy mother/faceless bloom.” The New York Dance and Performance Awards known as The Bessies are given out for outstanding and groundbreaking creative work dance artists have done in New York City for the last 40 years. Named in honor of revered dance teacher Bessie Schonberg, the awards were established in 1984 by David White at Dance Theater Workshop. They recognize groundbreaking work in choreography, performance, music, composition, visual design, legacy and service to the field of dance. 

APCC’s 28th Annual New Year Celebration this year centers on the theme  of  “Cambodia.” Set for February 28, 2026 from 11am – 6pm. Free. This family event includes cultural arts, games, crafts, performances, demos, hands-on activities, fashion, martial arts, food booths and more. At Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. 2727 East “D” St. Go to www.asianpacificculturalcenter.org for more details. 

The Junction Trio includes three visionary artists of the next generation in a new eclectic piano trio with Conrad Tao on piano, Stefan Jackiw on violin and Jay Campbell on cello. On February 21, 2026 at 7:30pm. Part of the Bellingham Festival of Music and the Sanford Hill Piano Series. On the day of the concert, each musician will conduct a two hour master class on their respective instruments for students at 10am. At the Performing Arts Center 155 – Concert Hall at 516 High St. in Bellingham,WA. Try Bellingham festival.org or 360-201-6621. 

Seattle Rep has Lloyd Suh’s “The Heartsellers” slated for its new season from January 2 – February 1, 2026.  Directed by Sunam Ellis. The play tells the story of two immigrants from Korean and the Philippines who meet over frozen turkeys in a supermarket and decide to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Go to www.seattlerep.org. 

Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story” February 19 – March 15, 2026. This play may be extended beyond this date, details TBA.This is a new work commissioned from local playwright Keiko Green. 155 Mercer. 206-441-3322 or try [email protected]. 

ACT/Union Arts Center has Jiehae Park’s “The Aves” set for their new season. Directed by Sheila Daniel’s and set for April 18 – May 3, 2026. The play concerns an older couple sitting on a park bench on a summer’s day. A simple conversation shifts into a world of surreal possibilities in this funny meditation on memory, forgiveness and the lifelong process of becoming who we are. Alien Theatre at ACT. 700 Union St. Go to www.unionartscenter.org for details. 

Theater Ander Wien, an Austrian opera company gives Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s “Alice in Wonderland” that country’s premiere. 

Film & Media

The Northwest Film Forum has the following –  “A Useful Ghost” by Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke screens January 24, 25, 30, 31 and February 1, 2026. A man mourns his late wife and discovers her spirit has returned as a vacuum cleaner. “Resurrection” by Chinese filmmaker Bi Gan screens February 6, 7 & 8, 2026. In the future where humanity has surrendered its ability to dream in exchange for immortality, a lone outcast finds nightmarish visions and beauty in an intoxicating world of his own making. Sook-Yin Lee’s “Paying For It” is an adaptation of Chester Brown’s graphic novel about a couple in a long-term committed relationship. But when the woman wants to redefine their relationship, her partner starts sleeping with sex workers. Screens February 12, 2026 at 7:30pm Co-presented by Elliott Bay Book Company. 1515 – 12th Ave. Go to northwest.filmforum.org for details. 

Grand illusion Cinema presents Rohan Kanawade’s “Cactus Pear” which won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Sundance Festival. Anand, a 30’s city dweller spends a 10 day mourning period for his father in the countryside where he meets a local farmer struggling to stay unmarried. As the mourning period ends, Anand must decide the fate of his relationships. Screens once on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at noon at SIFF Film Center. For details, go to SIFF.org. 

The Beacon is an alternative film center showing rare films.  Chang-Hwa Jeong’s 1969 film, “Temptress of  a Thousand Faces” follows a mysterious female criminal who ensnarls a rotating cast of hustlers, revolutionaries and would-be saviors Screens once on January 23, 2026. Banmei Takahashi’s 1994 film “A New Love in Tokyo” tells the story of a call girl and a dominatrix in a sex positive workplace comedy. Screens January 23, 24 & 27, 2026. 4405 Rainier Ave. S. Go to thebeacon.film for details. 

 The SIFF cinema group of theatres screens the following. Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet” screens once on Thursday, February 5 at 4:30pm at SIFF Cinema Downtown. “K-POP Demon Hunters” directed by Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans screens on Sunday, February 1 at 3:30pm and Thursday, February 5 at 7:45pm also at SIFF Cinema Downtown.  Max Webster directs the stage reenactment of the best-selling novel “Life of Pi” at the National Theatre in London. This filmed performance includes puppetry, magic and storytelling and was adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti. Stars Hiran Abeysekera. Opening on February 21, 2026 at SIFF Film Center.Go to SIFF.net for details. 

 Bi Gan’s “Resurrection” opens January 23, 2026 at SIFF Film Center. It’s the director’s love letter to a century of cinema, unfolding over five chapters that features an array of styles and genres. Screens January 23 – 29, 2026 at SIFF Film Center. Go to SIFF.net for details. 

“Rosemead” is a 2025 American film by Eric Lin who makes his directorial debut. It is based on a screenplay by Marilyn Fu based on a 2017 LA Times column by Frank Shyong. The film stars Lucy Liu, Lawrence Shou, Orion Lee, Jennifer Lim, Madison Hu and James Chen. The story follows a terminally ill widow dealing with her condition while simultaneously taking care of her son’s schizophrenia. Liu served as the film’s producer as well and learned Mandarin to portray her character’s accent mannerisms. Distributed by Vertical Entertainment. 

Lee Sang-il’s “Kokuho (National Treasure)” is a three hour film that does a deep dive into the life of a kabuki actor from his youth studying as an apprentice to his eventual rise up through the ranks. Superb cinematography by Sofia’s El Fani, art direction by Yohei Tanaka and costumes by Kumiko Ogawa all combine to enhance the experience. This film represented Japan at the Oscar’s. Set for November 2025 release in the U.S. by G-Kids distribution. 

Beth de Araujo is a Brazilian-Chinese American director and screenwriter. She directed “Soft and Quiet” in 2002. Her upcoming 2026 film “Josephine” is a story of a little girl who witnesses a rape in a playground. It stars Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan. Variety listed de Araujo as one of the “10 Directors to Watch in 2026. 

“Sleep in the Box” is filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest feature film currently in production. It stars Haruka Ayase and Daigo. The film is set in the near future where a couple takes in a state-of-the-art humanoid into their house as their son. Neon will distribute the film in the U.S., U.K. and Australia. 

Writer, cinematographer and director Sonny Zhao’s debut film “The Gift” stars Emma Barnett and tells the story of a farm girl who discovers a piano in the woods. 

Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s “A Useful Ghost” tells the story of a wife’s spirit incarnated as a vacuum cleaner. It is picking up awards on the festival circuit. It won the Grand Prix at Cannes Critics Week. It also won the Asian Next Wave Best Picture and the Artistic Achievement Award for production design at the 13th QCinema International Film Festival in the the Philippines. Other winners in this festival include the following. Chie Hayakawa received “Best Director” for “Renoir.” Yui Suzuki won “Best Lead Performance” in this film. Fujimoto Akio’s “Lost Land” received the Grand Jury Prize. Janus Victoria’s “Diamonds in the Sand” earned “Best Screenplay.” The “New Horizons” category honored these debut films -Tan Siyou’s “Amoeba” was named “Best Film.” Sony Romvari’s “Blue Heron” received the NetPac Jury Prize. Rena Rahadian’s “On Your Lap” took “Best Asian First Film.” In the. LGBTQ competition, “Divine Sung’s “Summer’s Camera” received a “Special Mention”, Diego Cespedes’ “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” got “Best LGBTQ Film.” 

The Taiwanese film “Double Happiness” as directed by Joseph Chen-Chieh Hsu centers on a wedding that descends into chaos. 

Sam Mendes will direct “The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event” with each film focused on an individual Beatle’s perspective. Anna Sawai has been selected to portray Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s wife. This Sony Pictures project hits theatres in April 2028. 

Lula Wang will direct a film adaptation of “Audition,” a book by Katie Kitamura. Lucy Liu and Charles Melton will fill the starring roles. 

Actress Havana Rose Liu plays a driven piano composition student in a romantic thriller entitled “Tuner” as directed by Daniel Roher and starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hofmann. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and received a 95% Fresh Tomatoes score. Black Bear acquired  U.S. rights for a theatrical release. 

Danish-Chinese filmmaker and scholar Amanda Renan Curdt-Christiansen is writing a screenplay for a feature film chronicling the life of British philosopher and peace activist Bertrand Russell. 

Vietnam has selected “Red Rain” as its submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the “Best International Feature Film” category. Directed by Dang Thai Huyen and co-written by novelist Chu Lai, the film portrays the 81-day defense of the Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, 

Actress Lola Tung will star in a new film from “Longlegs” director Osgood Perkins entitled “The Young People.” 

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, cinematographer for the award-winning film “Sinners” made Variety’s 2025 “Artisans to Watch” list. 

Stand-up comic and actress Margaret Cho stars in Yen Tan’s “All That We Love.” She plays a divorcee lost among life’s changes as she navigates relationships with family and a possible reunion with a returning partner. 

TV journalist Rachel Maddow’s recent podcast “Burnover” looks at Japanese American history and includes mention of UW Press books – “John Okada” by Frank Abe, “Enduring Conviction” by Lorraine K. Bannai and Mine Okubo graphic memoir “Citizen 13660”. 

Written and Spoken Arts

The United Filipino Club presents a poetry reading on January 29, 2026 at 4pm in the Seattle University Library’s Byte Café featuring some of the city’s finest poets. Poets Kalchua Kim, Seattle Poet Laureate Dujie Tahat, Troy Osaki and Emily Lawson will read. For details, email [email protected]. 

“Celebration of Life for Ken Mochizuki” celebrates the life and career of this noted.Northwest writer, performer and musician. On Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 11:30am – 2:30pm. At Terry’s Kitchen at 5625 – 119th Ave. S.E. In Bellevue. RSVP. 

Seattle Public Library presents the following events. Popular Japanese author Michiko Aoyama reads from her latest novel entitled “Hot Chocolate on Thursday” on February 25, 2026 at 7pm. . Microsoft Auditorium. Go to spl.org for details. 

Vivian Tu, author of “Well Endowed” addresses the topic of “The Secrets to Strategic Spending, Building a Financial Foundation for You and Your Family” with Tori Dunlop. On Wed., February 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. Co-sponsored with Elliott Bay Book Company. Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate discusses his book entitled “Hey Yang, Where’s My Thousand Bucks? And other True Stories of Staggering Depth” with Jonathan Sposato on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. At the Wyncote NW Forum at 1119 – 8th Avenue. This event co-sponsored by Elliott Bay Book Company. 

The Winter 2025 issue of University of Washington Magazine has a story by Chelsea Lin entitled “Caring for an Aging America” that profiles the journey of Antonia Cai, a University of Washington nursing student. 

Cheryll Leo-Gwin & Storyboards NW present “Lost Underground”, a series on the underground world of China’s youth during the cultural revolution. Oral histories from Asian American artists and writers entitled “Narratives” is also due for release with a Patti Warashina interview, the first in the series. Go to www.leogwin.com. 

The Book Larder is a bookstore specializing in books on food, cooking demonstrations and author events. An author talk + demo with Naoko Takei Moore, author of “Simply Donabe” on February 26, 2026 at 6:30pm. On March 17, 2026 at 6:30pm, Sana Javeri and Asha Loupy discuss their publication entitled “The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook.” 4252 Fremont in Seattle. 206-397-4271 or book larder.com. 

Elliott Bay Book Company has a busy schedule of readings and book events. Some highlights including the following. Marisa Kashino discusses her debut novel “Best Offer Wins” which explores class, ambition and the modern housing crisis. On January 22, 2026 at 7pm. Alan Chong Lau reads from his travel memoir, “This Single Road – Postcards and Notebooks from Kyoto” with sound artist Susie Kozawa (rescheduled from a November date cancelled  due to a power outage) on Wed., January 28, 2025 at 7pm. Multidisciplinary artist Dao Strom discusses her new project “Yellow Songs”, a four volume project set after the fall of Saigon on The 3rd Thing Press with Jennifer (JP) Perrine & Stephanie Adams-Santos. On Friday, January 30, 2026 at 7pm. Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes discusses “The Pohaku”, a fictional saga about generations of women tasked with protecting the history and place that made them with Kalehua Kim. On Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7pm. Journalist/author Andrew Lam discusses “Stories from The Edge of the Sea” with Seattle storyteller/journalist/filmmaker Thanh Tao on Wed., February 25, 2026 at 7pm. T. Kira Madden discusses her debut novel “Whidbey” with Danya Kukafka on Wed., March 18 at 7pm.  Naomi Hirahara discusses her latest crime novel “Crown City” with Mayumi Tsutakawa on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7pm.1521 10th Avenue. Go to www.elliottbaybook.com. 

The Seattle Chinatown Book Club meets every last Sunday of the month at 11am at Mam’s Bookstore at 608 Maynard Ave. S. In Seattle’s CID. For details, go to www.seattlechinatownid.com/local-events OR on Instagram @seattlechinatownbookclub. 

Third Place Books has three locations in the Puget Sound and readings at every venue.. Trish Hackett reads from “Chinese in Washington: The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act” on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna store. A PNBA Award Celebration with Kelly Goto and her book “Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience” on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna Store. Local award-winning children’s author Tae Keller reads from her new middle-grade book entitled “When Tomorrow Burns” on Tuesday, March 3 at 7pm, 2026 at Lake Forest Park. The Lake Forest Park store is at 17171 Bothell Way NE #A101 in Lake Forest Park, WA. 206-366-3333. The Ravenna store is at 6504 – 20th Ave. NE. In Seattle. 206-525-23. The Seward Park store is at 5041 Wilson Ave. S. In Seattle. 206-474-2200. For details, go to third place books.com. 

SAM Talks is a series of speakers held at Seattle Art Museum downtown.  On Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 3:30pm, artist Qiu  Zhijie talks about the debut of his new installation inside the Olympic Sculpture Park’s PACCAR Pavillion. All events at SAM’s Plestcheeff Auditorium. 

The Gardner Center For Asian Arts & Ideas presents their Saturday University Series that presents a different speaker each month with visiting scholars, authors, artists and thinkers offering perspectives on Asia at Seattle Asian Art Museum’s auditorium. On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2pm, Kira Donnell addresses “Always Already Ours: Representations of Transnational Adoptees in Contemporary Korean Dramas” and examines the emerging trend in contemporary South Korean television of incorporating transnational Korean adoptee characters into its narratives. On Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2pm, Thy Phu addresses the topic of “Ceaseless Replay: Photography and the Afterlife of the War in Vietnam” and talks about how photography serves not only as a record of conflict, but as a powerful medium for performing memory. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2pm, Padma Darjeeling Maitland addresses “Blue and Black Panthers- The Visual and Material Solidarities of the Dalit Panthers and Black Panther Party” and traces the history of the Dalit Panthers in India and how they sought to align themselves with the Black Panther Party in the U.S. On Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2pm, Sherry Fowler addresses “Why Get a Japanese Dragon Tattoo: An Enduring Image of Cross-cultural Exchange” and examines where does the mysterious hybrid creature of a Japanese dragon come from? 

Novelist Shona Rao discusses her new novel “Indian Country” on January 22, 2026 at 6:30pm. At Eagle Harbor Books at 157 Winslow Way East on Bainbridge Island,WA. 206-842-5332. 

Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Erin Malone curates a reading series for the Kitsap Regional Library. As part of that series, Alan Chong Lau reads from “This Single Road- Postcards and Notebooks from Kyoto” with sound artist Susie Kozawa. On February 19, 2026. 1270 Madison Avenue N. on Bainbridge Island,WA. Www.bainbridgeislandpoetlaureate.org/upcoming.events-and-workshops. 

Kim Fu reads from her latest novel entitled “The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts” on March 24, 2026 at 6pm. Village Books at 1200 – 11th St. in Bellingham,WA. Go to villagebooks.com for more details. 

Crime novelist Naomi Hirahara discusses her latest novel “:Crown City” with Tamiko Nimura on Friday, March 6, 2026 at a time TBA. At King’s Bookstore. 218 St. Helens Avenue in Tacoma. 253-272-8801 or kingsbookstore.com. 

South Indian writer, lawyer and social activist Banu Mushtaq has won the International Booker Prize for her short story collection entitled “Heart Lamp.” 

The Library of Congress has announced that New Mexico-based Arthur Sze is the nation’s 25th Poet Laureate for 2025-2026. Sze plans to have a special focus on translating poetry originally written in other languages. Sze is an American poet, translator, editor and professor. He is the first Asian American to be named a U.S.  Poet Laureate. He is the author of 12 poetry collections. 

Alice Wong, writer, and advocate for disability rights has died at 51. She oversaw the media oral history series “The Disability Visibility Project” which was a showcase for disability rights and visibility. She is the author of the memoir “Year of the Tiger”,“Disability Visibility” and “Disability Intimacy.” She  was awarded the MacArthur “genius grant” in 2024. 

Nellie Wong, a Bay Area prolific poet and activist from Oakland’s Chinatown passed away in early January, 2026. She was 91. She published five volumes of poetry including “Dreams in Harrison Railroad Park”, “The Death of Long Stem Lady” and others. She founded and led feminist artistic groups such as “Unbound Feet” and “Last Hoisan Poets.” She was featured in a 1980 documentary film with Japanese writer Mitsuye Yamada entitled “Mitsuye & Nellie: Asian American Poets” by Irving Saraf and Allie Light.A celebration of life memorial will be held February 14, 2026 from 1 – 4pm at Oakland Asian Cultural Center at 388 – 9th St.  

“Exophony” by Yoko Tawada as translated by Lisa Hofmann-Kuroda has been shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Awards under the category of “Criticism and the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize.”