July Arts Calendar 2026

Visual Arts

Snohomish-based installation artist Fumi Amano is a recipient of a 2026 Arts Innovator Award from Artist Trust. The award recognizes artists who are originating new work, experimenting with new ideas, taking risks and pushing the boundaries of their fields. The other winner was Wynter Rhys. Each recipient receives $25,000.  

“Continuum: Celebrating the Artist Trust Fellowships” is a group show that presents the work of Artist Trust recipients from 2020-2026. On view from June 25 – October 31, 2026. Includes the work of Douglas Burgess, Priscilla Dobler Dzul, Renaldo Gil Zambrano, C. David’s Ingram, Janessa Johnston, Natalie Krick, Hyunjeong Lim, Jimmie Line, Hanako O’Leary, Mary Ann Peters, Yongzi Tang and Lila Thomas. To visit, email [email protected].  

Chatwin Arts presents “James Leong: From Abstraction to Landscape” which is a retrospective of the artist’s abstract work exploring a career spanning five decades from San Francisco to Europe and Seattle. Opening reception on July 2, 2026 from 5 – 9pm. 323 1st Ave. S. Chatwinarts.com.  

The Friends of Minidoka present a digital presentation of “Transcendent: The Life and Work of Artist Takuichi Fujii. Originally from Hiroshima, he came to Seattle and became one of the city’s recognized artists working in the 1930s. His work evolved from realism to the abstract and also documented the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. This project was developed as part of “Beyond the Barbed Wire: Japanese American stories of the Pacific Northwest.” To get the link, email [email protected].  

AMcE Creative Arts presents a group show entitled “Self-Reflective” which includes a collection of non-narrative paintings that explore inner realms and the collective consciousness. Includes the work of several West Coast artists including Kaoru Mansour. Opening August 15, 2026 with a reception on August 16, 2026 from 3 – 5pm. 612 – 19th Avenue E. in Seattle. Amcecreativearts.com.  

Gallery No. 85 is a new Pioneer Square gallery dedicated to contemporary printmaking and works on paper by local and international artists. It builds upon the legacy established by Davidson Galleries. They represent a large number of print artists from Asia. Artists represented include Asumi Hayashi, Azumi Takeda, Chuo Soo Lee, Harumi Aoki, Keisuke Yamamoto, Koji Ikuta, Kumai Obata, Mariko Watanabe, Mio Asahi, Seiichi Hiroshima, Seiko Tachibana, Seoul Kim, Shigeki Tomura, Tetsuo Aoki and Zhizhong Zhang. 85 Yesler Way. 206-482-4957 or [email protected].     

“TADAIMA: “I’m Home” is now on view through July 12, 2026. In 1942, Japanese American families facing incarceration entrusted their Japanese dolls to Bailey Gatzert Elementary School for safekeeping. Most were never reclaimed after the war. Artist Miya Sukune researched the collection and interviewed Japanese American survivors and their descendants. Floral installation inspired by hanachozu (floating flowers in water basin) and found at Japanese temples is also featured. The installation serves as a “Day of Remembrance” offering. Open daily from 10am – 5pm. Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) at 860 Terry Ave. N. In Seattle.  

Gallery B612 has the following – “The Art of Soccer” on view through August 29, 2026. 520 – 1st Avenue South. The gallery’s SODO location at 1915 – 1st Ave. S. also has a show entitled “The Art of Soccer” on view through July 11, 2026. For exhibition information, email [email protected].  

Arts at King Street Station Gallery presents “SDOT Bridge Residency Exhibition: Animation” with artists Vivian Cho and Freyja Whitney. On view through August 8, 2026. Go to artbeat.seattle.gov.  

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 Spring , 2027. Ongoing is YouthCan’s “The Sky is a Diasporic Space.” “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. Register for this event at https://www.wingluke.org/auction. For details on the museum, go to wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124. 

KOBO is a unique shop of arts and crafts from Japan and items made locally by Northwest artists. KOBO offers the following activities. Featured artists this month include the following. Ceramic artist Eric Nelson who studied in Japan. His wood-fired ceramic pieces of Jizo (bodhisatva) and kitsune (fox) are on display. Watercolors by Rubi Do Trinh. Penny Cheuk-Low has more  workshops on the way. Sashiko Basics on July 11. Boro Stitching on August 15. Sashiko Basics on September 19. Details coming. [email protected]. 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. East Coast installation artist Taishin Hsu will create a mural for the East Façade which will be on view from August 2026 – July 2027. Charlene Liu’s work for the Sculpture Court Mural is on view through August 2027. Free. Go to Henryart.org for details.  

Cannonball Arts is Seattle’s newest art collective in the old Bed Bath & Beyond location downtown. On view is “Monster, a virtual reality dark ride created by Brent Watanabe. 1930 – 3rd Avenue. Cannonballarts.com.  

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. On view through September 27, 2026. 704 Terry. Try fryemuseum.org  

Seattle Asian Art Museum has the following – Opening July 15, 2026 is “The Kondo Family: Storytellers in Clay” which brings together four artists across three generations of one of Japan’s most influential artistic families in ceramics.   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 through October 27, 2027 and Qui Zhijie’s “Olympic Sculpture” remains on view through January 31, 2029 at SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park down by Elliott Bay. “Beyond Mysticism-The Modern Northwest” is a new show curated by Theresa Papanikolas, Curator of American Art. The show will be on view through August 2, 2026. The show showcases work that tells the story of Seattle in the 20th century using trending art styles such as Social Realism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. It is organized into sections that explore the city and industry, nature and ecocriticism, uncanny landscapes and abstraction. Noted Northwest Asian American artists such as Kamekichi Tokita, Paul Horiuchi and George Tsutakawa are included. The final talk on a series about “Beyond Mysticism” takes place  June 11, 2026 at 6:30pm at Seattle Art Museum. Free with admission but RSVP required. “Ash-Glazed Ceramics from Korea and Japan” is ongoing at Seattle Art Museum.  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. Her exhibit “What We Leave Behind” now on view through October 4, 2026 at Seattle Art Museum. Chanoyu: Tea Culture Celebration takes place on Second Saturdays from 3 – 4pm and Third Saturdays from 2 – 3pm at Seattle Art Museum. Go to Seattleartmuseum.org or visit Sam.org/events for details OR call 206-654-3210.  

Pacific Bonsai Museum has the following – “Bonsai United – 15 Traditions. 36 Practitioners. One World” through December 2027.  2515 south 336th St. in Federal Way, WA. PacificBonsaiMuseum.org.  

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  

Cascadia Art Museum has the following –  On view through September 13, 2026 is “Shadows of a Fleeting World”, a group show that explores pictorial photography and the Seattle Camera Club, founded by a core group of Japanese immigrant photographers in the 1920s by Dr. Kyo Koike and others. 190 Sunset Ave. S. #E cascadiaartmuseum.org   

Asian Pacific Cultural Center’s new gallery has the following: 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.  

“Cloth, Paper, Stiches – A Selection of Artist’s Books from the Cynthia Sears Collection” is a group show set from July 3 – September 20, 2026. Among the many artists included is work by Mariko Jesse and Yoonmi Nam. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. 550 Winslow Way E. On Bainbridge Island. Biartmuseum.org Or @bimuseum.of.art.  

“Where the World Breaks” is a group show that features paintings & sculptures by Michel Angela Petersen, paintings by He Gong as well as work by Pacific Northwest  Mystics from the Jud Sherwood Collection. Through August 30, 2026. Sophia Grace Gallery at 2026 Main St Suite B in Ferndale,WA. 360 988-3645 or www.sophiagracegallery.com.   

“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, WA  

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.   

(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. “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.  

Scott Rinckenberger Gallery has a show through June entitled “Snow Country” with photos made by Rinckenberger over the course of five winters in the mountains of central Honshu in Japan. 106 W. North Bend Way in North Bend, WA. [email protected].  

Photographer Sung Kyun Park loves to collaborate with visual artists. Her work is highlighted in the March – May 2026 issue of Public Display ART magazine. A free publication distributed throughout the region.   

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]. 

Portland Japanese Garden presents the following. “Woven Light – Illuminated Washi Sculptures of Seattle Artist Yuri Kinoshita” on view through September 14, 2026. 611 S.W. Kingston Ave. Portland, Oregon. 503-223-1321.  

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon presents the following. “Standing Justice – The Japanese Americans Shaping Oregon” on view through October 25, 2026. With a panel discussion on August 15, 2026 at 1pm in the JAMO Annex at 431 N.W. Flanders.220 Northwest 2nd Ave. in Portland. The Japanese American Museum of Oregon is located on 411 Flanders St. in Portland. [email protected]  

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University has the following show opening on August 28, 2026. “Amish Kapoor: Dissolving Margins, From the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.” This is an extensive exhibition of the artist’s printmaking practice featuring over 150 artworks. 1855 Broadway. In Portland, Oregon. Pdx.edu/museum-of-art. 

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 based on a popular 17th century novel. “Words in Flower – Arts of Buddhism.” “MAKERS: The Culture of Craft” explores the porous boundaries between art, craft, design and labor in Japan. “Kenji Nakahashi:Between Things” examines the work of this Japanese photographer who came to New York City in 1973 and looked at the relationship between everyday objects in his images. Tea bowls by contemporary Japanese ceramists are displayed alongside the photographs. 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 –“Frances Maihwa Li: Symbols of the New Year” opens in the spring of 2026. Also on view is a historical exhibit on “Chinese Congregations of Portland Chinatown’s Past.” Permanent exhibit is “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns.” 127 NW Third. Try PortlandChinatown.org 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art located on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon has the following.“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 23, 2026. “Gateway to Himalayan Art” is on view from February 21 – July 5, 2026. “Navigating Through Centuries: From Ancient to Global Contemporary in Korean Art” April 25, 2026 – April 11, 2027. Opening August 22 and remaining on view through October 10, 2027 is “High Drama: Japanese Prints of Theater, Heroes and History.”1430 Johnson Lane on campus. Try Jsma.uoregon.edu for details. 

The Arts Council of Lake Oswego has on view through July 17, 2026, “Art x Hand:60 Years of Arts at Menucha”, a group show that celebrates Creative Arts Community’s 60 years of programming and features works by CAC instructors, coordinators and board members over six decades. Includes work by Yuji Hiratsuka and Junko Iijima. 380 A Avenue, Suite A in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Arts councillo.org. 

The Bronze Coast Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon has a show entitled “The Art of Printmaking with Yuji Hiratsuka” opening  on July 18, 2026. 224 Noerht Hemlock Suite 2. Bronzecoaastgallery.com. 

The Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver BC’s Chinatown. Features three floors of exhibits that share and amplify Chinese Canadian history and heritage. 51 East Pender St. Chinese Canadian museum.ca. 

Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Center has the following –  On view through September 5, 2026 is “Return to Paueru Gai”, a retrospective exhibition celebrating 50 years of Powell Street Festival’s art and activism through various media. “DIS-displace, dispersed, disposed” is a group show that  has contemporary artists looking at the lasting influence of the Second World War on Nikkei communities globally. One part of this exhibit will be at NNMCC. On view September 19 – February 27, 2027.The second part of this exhibit will be at Legacy Gallery in Victoria from September 19 – December 5, 2027.On going is “TAIKEN: Generations of Resilence”, a group show on Japanese Canadian history and heritage. 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby BC Canada. 

“Becoming: The Art of Gu Xiong” is on view through February 7, 2027. It highlights the multimedia artist’s 50-year career exploring migration, hybridity and globalization through his experience as a laborer during the Cultural Revolution, a a Canadian immigrant and as a professor at UBC. Ongoing is “The Work of Repair: Redress & Repatriation at the Museum of Vancouver which includes “The Suitcase Project” which asks the question, “What would you pack if you were forciably removed from your home today?” More than 80 fourth and fifth generation Japanese Canadians and Americans responded and captured by photographer Kayla Isomura. 1100 Chetnut St. in Vancouver BC, Canada. Museumof Vancouver.ca. 

Congratulations to Cheryll Leo Gwin who was awarded a 2026 SOLA (Support of Old Lady Artists) Award from Artist Trust. The awards are unrestricted awards of $5,000 given annually to women visual artists in Washington State, age 60 and older, who have dedicated 25 years or more to their artistic practice. 

Anicka Yi is a New York-based installation artist. Her latest project “Message from the Mud” collects pond scum. This is her largest outdoor project to date for the Storm King Art Center in upper state New York. She has spent more than a decade mixing art and science. 

Artist Laurel Nakadate has been awarded the Maud Morgan Prize from the MFA Boston. 

The Asian American. Arts Alliance has named artist/weaver Clare Hu as the 2026 Van Lier Fellow for Visual Arts Practice. 

Yun Choi, Alison Kuo and Korakrit Arunanondchai have been named as “New Artist Residents” in the NEW Museum’s Artist Studio, a dedicated space where they will create new work and develop on site exhibitions and public programs. The space was created by the New Museum’ s expansion of their building. 

Performing Arts

Tasting Notes returns to Seattle on July 6, 2026 at 5pm at The Triple Door. Hosted by SCMS artistic director James Ernest and cookbook author Kenji Lopez-Alt. The event brings together Seattle Chamber Music Society musicians with Seattle chefs Taichi Kitamura, Mutsuko Soma and Christina Wood. Includes live music, cooking demos and a full dinner service. 216 Union St. in downtown Seattle. 

Asian Pacific Cultural Center hosts the Samoa Cultural Day July 23 – 25, 2026 AND Polynesian Luau and Fundraiser on August 29, 2026 from 3 – 6pm. Go to asianpacificculturalcenter.org for details. 

Some highlights from the prestigious Meany Center for the Performing Arts located on the Seattle UW campus include the following. The 2026/2027 season has been announced. Some highlights include the following. Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kei blends ancient mantras with global sounds in honor of Gandhi on October 2, 2026 at 8pm. Chopin Competition winner Bruce Liu performs piano classics by Ligeti, Beethoven, Ravel and Chopin on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7:30pm. Indonesian pianist Janice Carissa plays a varied program of Bach, Granados, Allan, Ravel, Tanzil and Messiaen on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:30pm. Hung Dance from Taiwan brings contemporary dance blending with myth, Tai Chi and striking visual imagery. November 19 – 21, 2026 at 8pm. The pulse-pounding Taiko drumming of Japanese drumming ensemble KODO return to Seattle. January 29 – 30, 2027 at 7:30pm. Pianist Conrad Tao and tap dancer Caleb Teicher continue their dynamic collaboration with “Counterpoint II.” Thrill to music and movement from Back Schoenberg, Mozart and improvisations and originals by the duo. On Thursday, March 18, 2027 at 7: 30pm.On the grounds of Seattle’s University of Washington. 206-543-4880 or try [email protected]. 

“The History of Japanese Shakuhachi with Hanzaburo Araki” is set for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 6pm. Araki is a descendant of a family that has played the shakuhachi for generations. He will introduce this musical tradition with a talk and musical demonstration. At Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum at 93 Pike St. #307. For details, go to folio Seattle.org. 206-402-4162. 

Seattle Symphony welcomes Xian Zhang, their new Chinese woman conductor as they embark on a new season. The 2026/2027 season under Music Director Xian Zhang has an opening night concert with pianist Yuji Wang with Zhang at the baton on September 19, 2026. Xian conducts the orchestra with violinist James Ehnes in a program of Bruch and Berlioz September 24,26 & 27, 2026. A program entitled “Etudes and Devotions” takes place on October 16, 2026 with Conor Hanick on piano, Mari Yoshinaga on percussion, Helen Kim on violin, Emerson Millar on violin, Katie Liu on viola and Meeka Quan DiLorenzo on cello. Violinist Leila Josefowicz returns on November 5 & 7, 2026 playing a program of music by Unsuk Chin, Szymanowski and Stravinsky. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Tchaikovsky’s “First Piano Concerto” and “Zarathustra” with Tony Siri Yun on piano November 12, 14 & 15, 2026. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Mozart’s “Requiem” with soprano Mei Gui Zhang on November 19, 21 & 22,2026. January 28 & 30, 2027 finds Xian Zhang conducting a program of Haydn and Mozart with Emanuel Ax as piano soloist. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Tchaikovsky’s “Manfred” on February 4, 6 & 7, 2027. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program entitled “The Sounds of Spain” on February 11 & 13, 2027. Xian Zhang conducts the symphony in a program featuring “Scheherazade” on March 11 & 13, 2027. The popular Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino better known as “Cateen” is equally at home playing pop, jazz and classical music. He makes his Seattle debut on March 19, 2027 in a program of classical music and originals. As part of the Nature In Music Festival”, Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” with Helen Kim on violin set for April 8 & 10, 2027. Also part of the “Nature In Music Festival”, Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” with Gil Shaham on violin April 15, 17 & 18, 2027. The Festival concludes on April 22,24 & 25, 2027 with Zhang conducting the Symphony  with Gabriela Montero on piano on April 22, 24 & 25, 2027. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Brahms on June 17, 19 & 20, 2027 with Daniel Lozakovich on violin. On June 24 & 26, 2027, Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Wagner’s “The Ring Without Words” with George Li on piano. Benaroya Hall is at 200 University St. 206-215-4747 or try Seattlesymphony.org. 

STG stages a variety of performing arts across the city on various stages throughout the year. “Dance This”, the annual variety show showcasing local young talent hits the Moore Theatre at 1932 Second Avenue on July 10, 2026 at 1pm and 7:30pm. Local groups on the bill include Morning Star Korean Cultural Center, NW Flamenco Academy and Rang Rsiya, an Indian folk dance group. Shonen Knife, that pioneer all women rock band from Japan is part of a bill including Men At Work and Toad the Wet Sprocket who hit the  the stage at Remlinger Farms on August 14, 2026 at 6pm. Comic Rahul Subramanian performs at the Neptune on August 8, 2026. Comic Gaurav Kapoor plays the Moore on October 10, 2026 at 5pm. Comedian Kanan brings his “No This Again” tour to the Moore on October 31, 2026 at 7pm. Chinese American comedian Ray Lau plays the Neptune on January 30, 2026 at 6:30 & 9pm. For full details, go to stgpresents. 

The local jazz club scene includes the following. Jazz musician Bob Antolin plays the Hilton Bellevue every Wednesday in July, 2026 starting at 6pm.  300 – 112th Ave. SE. 

Mukai Farm & Garden on Vashon Island presents Tanabata Tea Ceremony on July 5, 2026. They hold a Strawberry Festival Open House on July 17, 2026. 

London’s Barbican will host the European premiere of a theatrical production of “End of the World and Hard Boiled Wonderland” as directed by Philippe Decoufle. It is adapted from the popular novel by Haruki Murakami and will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles. The production stars Tatsuya Fujiwara. Scheduled for October 2026. Murakami himself is expected to make a London appearance for a reading and lecture as well. 

Elim Chan has been appointed the new conductor of the SAN Francisco Symphony. She is abed in Amsterdam with a UK passport. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she has impressed the symphony with prior frequent guest appearances. She is the first female conductor for this symphony. 

16-year-old classical pianist Ziyu Shao of China won the first prize at the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation Competition for Young Artists in Salt Lake City. Dunham Basu of the U.S. won the Silver Medal and Jae Yong Lee from South Korea won the Bronze Medal. 

New York City-based choreographer Jade Manno is highlighted in a recent issue of the New York Times as that of a new generation of younger dance artists presently breathing new life into dance. 

Chef Penelope Wong of Colorado won the James Beard Award for “Best Chef.” She had received three previous nominations before this year’s win. 

Film and Video

The Northwest Film Forum on Seattle’s Capitol Hill screens the following. “RRR” by S.S. Rajamouli tells the story of two real-life freedom fighters who led India’s fight against the British Raj. This international hit film screens July 16 at 6pm.  The Seattle Film Society’s “IN FOCUS” series screens Zia Mohajerjasbi’s 2022 coming-of-age drama “Know Your Place.” The film follows a young Eritrean American boy as he confronts the realities of change and loss. The director will be at the screening for a post-film Q&A. On Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7pm. Yaujiro Ozu’s 1951 film “Early Summer” screens July 17, 18 & 19, 2026. Setsuko Hara stars as a daughter who resists her family’s choice for a future husband, choosing her childhood friend instead. Michael Arias’s 2006 anime “UNSTREAMABLE-Tekkonkinpeet” in a 4K restoration screens on August 21, 2026 at 7pm. The film fells the story of two orphaned street kids who fight the yakuza and real estate developers who attempt to turn their city into a theme park. Based on the legendary manga by Taiyo Matsumoto. 1515 – 12th Ave. 253-363-9932. Nwfilmforum.org. 

Grand Illusion Cinema (presently without a permanent brick and mortar location) presents the following. John Woo’s classic Vietnam-era action/drama “Bullet in the Head” in a new 4K restoration screens on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Northwest Film Forum. 1515 – 12th Ave.  Katsuhito Ishii’s 2004 film “The Taste of Tea”, a surreal comedy about a most unusual family on July 18, 2026 at 1:30pm at SIFF Film Center. In a new HD Master. For details,  go to [email protected]. 

The Beacon is an alternative film center showing rare films. Park Chan-Wook’s “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” screens July 3 & 7. A deaf-mute factory worker in desperate need of money to pay for his sister’s kidney transplant, kidnaps the young daughter of a wealthy industrialist. Filipino filmmaker Lino Brocka’s “Macho Dancer” screens July 10, 11, 14 & 15, 2026. This 1988 drama is about a young poor rural gay man who is forced to support himself in Manila’s seamy red-light district. 4405 Rainier Ave. S. Go to thebeacon.film for details. 

 The SIFF cinema group of theaters screens the following. Annapurna Sriram’s  “Fucktoys” screens July 22 at SIFF Film Center. This is a 2025 surrealist black comedy drama. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Sheep in the Box” opens July 31, 2026 at the SIFF Uptown. A grieving couple have lost their son and take in a humanoid identical to their late child. SIFF members save hundreds on passes and ticket packages. To become a member or get more information, go to [email protected] or call 206-315-0680. For general information, go to SIFF.net for details. 

Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa masters yet another genre with his adaptation of a prize-winning historical novel by Honobu Yonezawa in his latest film entitled “The Samurai and the Prisoner.” 

Japanese director Yuki Kosode has adapted Mieko Kawakami’s novel “All the Lovers in the Night” for the screen. It had its debut in Un Certain Regard at Cannes May of 2026. The film stars Yukiko Kishii and Tadanobu Asano as the couple. 

“Another World” is an animated feature film debut directed by Hong Kong director Tommy Ng Kaichung with a script by Polly Yeung Po Man. Voiced in Cantonese with English subtitles, the story revolves around a human soul who refuses to reincarnate until she finds her younger brother and the guiding spirit who advises her. 

Havana Rose Liu stars as a composition student and love interest for Leo Woodall who plays a piano tuner  who falls into a criminal path in the film “Tuner” directed by Daniel Roger. The film also stars Dustin Hoffman. 

Taro Okamoto became the first Japanese performer to win the Cannes Film festival’s “Best Actress Prize” which she shared with Virginia Efira for their roles in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s drama “All of a Sudden.” 

Taichi Kimura’s second film as a director entitled “Fujiko” won the top prize at the 28th edition of the Undine Far East Film Festival held in Undine, Italy. 

Written and Spoken Arts

Art historian, author and curator at the Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds, David Martin will talk about his book “Shadows of a Fleeting World: Pictorial Photography of the Seattle Camera Club” on July 16, 2026 at 5:30pm. Free. Part of The People Lecture Series and a UW Press Showcase. At Washington State History Museum at 1911 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma,WA. 1-888-238-4373. The book is the exhibition catalog for an exhibition of the same name now on view through September 13, 2026 in Edmonds. 

Ocean Vuong discusses his novel “The Emperor of Gladness” with fellow writer Putsata Reang on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. At Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth Ave. Go to townhallseattle.org for details. 

Edmonds Bookshop presents Tamiko Nimura who will discuss her memoir “A Place for What We Lose-A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” (UW Press) on Thursday, August 20, 206 at 7pm. 111 – 5th Avenue S. 425-775-2789 or [email protected] 

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.   There will be a book signing for Yoko Kumano and Kayoko, authors of the book, “Everyday Sake” on July 20, 2026 at noon. This is a free event. There will be an author talk and demonstration by Sheldon Simeon for his book “Ohana Style” on Hawai’i’s diverse ethnic cuisine. $41.50 cost includes a signed book by the author.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. 1521 10th Avenue. Dr. Zed Zha discusses her book entitled “Consented: A Doctor’s Call to End Medical Violence and Reclaim Patient Autonomy” on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 7pm. Fatima’s Ashgar, poet, filmmaker, educator and performer discusses her new book entitled “Daughter of the Mountains: Poems of Heartbreak and Homecoming” on Wed., July 8, 2026 at 7pm with fellow poet/writer Jane Wong. On July 20, 2026 at 7pm, local translators of Korean literature Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton discuss their new translation of “Chinatown”, a novel by Oh Jung-hee. Poet Keanu Aguila Labra celebrates her new collection of poetry entitled “The Language of Unbreaking” by reading with fellow poets Kerry J. Hickman, Marty Salgado, Kalehua Kim, Eric Lochridge and Loren Z. Macon Dumuk. Labra is a queer Cebuana Tagalog Filipino genre-and gender-fluid/non-binary poet, playwright, editor and writer. Set for Tuesday, July 21 at 7pm. There will be a group reading from this year’s Jack Straw Writing Fellows with Gabriella Garcia, Mariah A. Merino, Bee Lynn Naihimet, Diane Nguyen, Alejandro Perez-Cortes and Sayantani Roy. Curator and poet Claudia Castro Luna introduces the readers. On Friday, July 24, 2106 at 7pm. Vikramaditya Prakash, UW Architecture Professor reads from his novel “Death of a Modernist” based on his father’s life on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 7pm. Novelist Elaine Castillo discusses the new paperback edition of “Moderation” on August 4, 2026 Fantasy and romance author Zen Cho zooms in from London to discuss her new romance novel, “The Perilous Life of Jake Yeo” with Amy Hirayama in Seattle on August 5, 2026. On August 11, 2026, Vandana Nair discusses her new novel “The Wedding” with Renee Simms. On August 18, 2026, prize-winning writer Chang-Rae Lee discusses his new novel “A Tender Age” with fellow writer E.J. Koh. Nita Noveno  will read from “Mud on the Moon”, a memoir of a daughter looking back on her father’s life and their relationship. August 21, 2026. On August 24, 2026 Kari Yaga reads from her short story collection “The Vanishings”, a portrait of  South Indian life in today’s 21st-century, global world. 1521 – 10th Ave. on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. 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. 

Third Place Books has three locations in the Puget Sound. Here are some of their activities.  Seattle writer Roberta Kwok reads from “Lost in Curiosity – Field Notes from Scientists’ Adventures Into the Unknown” on Tuesday, July 21 at 7pm. At Third Place Ravenna store. Kang Kang Li Kovacs talks to Daniel Tam-Claiborne about her novel of a childhood in China entitled “Nothing To My Name” on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna store.  Susan Lee reads from her romantic novel “See You at Sunset” on August 19, 2026 at 7pm at the Lake Forest Park store. Ed Park reads from his memoir of the 90’s entitled “Three Tenses” on August 25, 2026 at 7pm at the Forest Park store. 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. 

The James Beard Media Awards have been announced. Awards are given out to those in the food industry annually. Helen Goh received an award for “Best Baking and Desserts Book” for “Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes.” Yoko Nakazawa’s “The Japanese Art of Pickling and Fermenting” won the award for “Best Single Subject Book.”  In the “Beverage with Recipes” category, Irene Yoo won for “Soju Party: How to Drink (and Eat!) Like a Korean.” Melissa King with J.J. Goode won the category of “Professional and Restaurant” for “Cook Like a King: Recipes from My California Chinese Kitchen.” For the subject of “U.S. Foodways”, Sarah Ahn and Nam Soon Ahn won for “Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes.” For “Visuals”, Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Bhavya Pansari and Nandini Thirani won for “MUMBAI: Journey Through Its Kitchens,, Streets and Stories.” Under the category of “Dining and Travel”, Francis Lam (host for the radio program, “The Splendid Table”) won for “Rising Up, Hong Kong Looks Inward to Reinvent Itself”, an article that appeared in Condé Nast Traveler 

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami switches gears with his new novel, “The Tale of Kaho” out on July 3, 2026. Instead of his customary male protagonist, this upcoming novel follows a 26-year old woman navigating a bizarre world. 

Lee Lai’s book entitled “Cannon” is the first graphic novel to win the $60,000 Australian literary award for women and non-binary writers. Lai is also the first ever non-binary writer. The book follows the life of a queer Chinese woman living in Montreal shouldering responsibility without complaint. She cares for her grandfather without help from her mother by day and by night, works in the kitchen of a fine-dining restaurant. 

Esther Lin’s book of poetry “Cold Thief Place” won the Norma Farber First Book Award given out for a first book of poetry by the Poetry Society of America.  

“Taiwan Travelogue” by Yang Shuang-zi won the 2026 International Booker Prize. It’s the first novel originally written in Mandarin to win the award. The story follows a Japanese writer and her interpreter on a food tour through Japanese occupied Taiwan in the 1930s. 

Noted British author Kazuo Ishiguro has announced that his first new novel since 2021 entitled “Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger” will be published world-wide in March 2027. It will be set in a time and place like his past Booker Prize-winning novel, “The Remains of the Day.” The story concerns an encounter between the mysterious title character and  a music hall aficionado in London in 1938 on the eve of the Second World War.