Visual Arts
Highlights
IDEA ODYSSEY Collective revisits the theme from their inaugural exhibition juried again by artist Juan Alonso. This new exhibit entitled “A Sense of Place II” features work by Minh Carrico, SuJ’n Chon, Carina A. del Rosario, Michele Domingo, Victor Fuentes, Kathy Liao, Jo Moniz, Darius Morrison, Gregory Schaffer and Robert Wade. Nov. 5 – Jan. 3, 2014 at Seattle City Hall Galleries. Opening reception is Thurs., Nov. 7 from 4 – 6pm. 600-5th Ave. Open to the public, M – F from 7am – 6pm. For more information on IDEA Odyssey, go to http://ideaodysseygallery.com/blog.
Photojournalist Peggy Kelsey traveled to Afghanistan for several years to photograph and interview women from all walks of life in order to gain a fuller picture of their stories, issues and concerns now gathered in a book entitled “Gathering Strength – Conversations With Afghan Women” (Pomegranate Grove Press). She presents a talk and slide show about her experiences. Nov. 14th at 6pm. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255. Tickets & information at www.townhallseattle.org.
The 13th Annual Mingei Pottery Show takes place from Nov. 16th – Jan. 4, 2014 at Glenn Richards Asian Furnishings & Antiques. The S.A.C. Collective with Bob Antolin on sax will perform at the opening reception on Nov. 16th from 4 – 8pm. 964 Denny Way. (206) 287-1877.
Seattle artist Kamla Kakaria’s new series is “Strange Flowers” inspired by impaired walks in Kubota Gardens. She uses beeswax pigment, wire and fiber to fashion her floral creations. On view with Cynthia Hibbards “Off Walls” series from comes from images found on ancient walls. Opening reception is on Nov. 7 from 5 – 8pm. On view through Nov. 23rd. Shift Gallery in the Tashiro-Kaplan complex. #105 at 306 S. Washington. Open on First Thursdays. Regular hours are Fri. – Sat. from 12 – 5pm or by appointment. Go to www.shiftstudio.org for details
“Drawn From The Olympics” is a site specific installation now on view at Suyama Space created by Wade Kavanaugh & Stephen B. Nguyen. Inspired by the temperate rain forest’s textures and meshing the relationship between seeing and memory, the two Brooklyn-based artists create a fetid environment of twisted three-dimensional paper that turns drawing into environmental sculpture. It is up till Dec. 13, 2013. M – F from 9am – 5pm with free admission. 2324 Second Ave. (206) 256-0809 or go to www.suyamaspace.org for details.
“RACE: Are We So Different?” is an exhibit developed by the Science Museum of Minnesota in collaboration with the American Anthropological Association that helps viewers understand what race is and more important, what race is not. It focuses on the everyday experience of race the history of race in America and the science that is challenging some commonly held ideas about race. Through Jan. 5th, 2014 at Pacific Science Center. 200 Second Ave. N. (206) 443-2001.
“Facets Of Life” is a group show featuring local ethnic artists Humaira Abid, Stewart Wong, Sabah Al-Dhaher, Esther Ervin and Gail Tremblay currently on view till June 29, 2014. Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery on the 6th Floor Plaza of Seattle Municipal Tower located at 700 Fifth Ave. For details, go to www.seattle.gov/EthnicArtGallery..
Though IDEA Odyssey Collective lost their physical gallery space in the ID, they continue to do interesting projects all over town. “This Place Called Home” is a collaborative art project with Asian elders from Legacy House, an assisted living care facility. Artists Kathy Liao and Darius Morrison worked with the elderly to use their memories to create art. On view during regular business hours from M – F. SCIDpda’s IDEA Space is at 409 Maynard Ave. S., Plaza Level. Want to know more about what IDEA Odyssey Collective is up to? Log on to http://ideaodysseygallery.com/blog.
New and recent shows due to open at the Wing include the following – “SWEET” explores the role of sweets in the traditions. On view through Jan. 5, 2014. On view till Jan. 19, 2014 is “War Baby/Love Child: Mixed Race Asian American Art” co-curated by Laura Kina and Wei Ming Dariotis. “Under My Skin – Artists Explore Race in the 21st Century” continues at the Wing. Work was selected from 27 artists after months of discussions and viewing. Artists in this show include John Armstrong, Jenny Asamow, Wanda Benvenutti, Jasmine Brown, Kathy Budway, Minh Carrico, Lemuel Charley, Ling Chun, May Coss, Carina del Rosario, Tatiana Garmendia, Erin Genia, Ronald Hall, Chau Huynh, Akiko Jackson, Laura Kina, Naima Lowe, Fumi Matsumoto, Kathleen McHugh, Darius Morrison, Cahn Nguyen, Polly Purvis, Jennifer Smith, Joseph Songco and Tim Stensland. On view till Nov. 17, 2013. Opening Sept. 5 is “#iconic: Power and Pop Culture” which explores how Asian American pop icons are made and what it means to look up to – or challenge – these figures. Upcoming are two more interesting shows. “Hometown Desi: South Asian Culture in the Pacific Northwest” is a semi-permanent display that opens Oct. 3. It will explore the history of South Asians in this area up to the present. Opening Dec. 13 and remaining on display through Oct. 19, 2014 is “Grit: Asian Pacific Pioneers Across the Northwest”. Stories of pioneers and trailblazers who persisted through challenges of natural disasters, racial discrimination and violence to carve out a home in this new territory. 719 South King St. (206) 623-5124 or visit www.wingluke.org. Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. First Thursday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm. Third Saturday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm.
Currently on view at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park –On view through April 13, 2014 is “A Fuller View of China, Japan And Korea” which shows how museum founding director Dr. Richard Fuller, his family and friends built up SAM’s celebrated Asian art collection. On view through June 29, 2014 is “INKED – Wan Qingli”. This artist trained during the Cultural Revolution, uses a sharp wit and brush to match to address contemporary social ills with playful brush strokes full of humor and universal themes. On view till June 28, 2014 is “Hometown Boy: Liu Xiaodong”. Now heralded as one of China’s renowned contemporary artists, Lui grew up in a small industrial town before moving to Beijing. As a mature artist he returns to his hometown to find childhood friends still struggling, undeveloped rice paddies and his parents’ house still the same. Now an outsider, he captures the nuances of small town life in a typical Chinese town. A Fall Saturday University Lecture Series entitled “Empires That Changed Asia” runs through Dec. 7th at 9:30am at Stimson Auditorium. Speakers investigate empires from ancient to 20th century Asia. Co-sponsored by Elliott Bay Book Company. UC Berkeley Professor Patricia Berger talks about “China on the Global Stage: Arts of the Qing Empire” on Nov. 9th. UC Berkeley Professor Mary Elizabeth Berry speaks on “Retreat from Empire: Japan’s Changing Choices in the Age of Encounter.” Series tickets on sale now. (206) 654-3210 or visit tickets.seattleartmuseum.org/public. 1400 E. Prospect St. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. (206) 654-3100 for general information.
Artist Mira Kamada has work in the group show entitled “Putting Things in Their Best and Proper Place” at Arts West Gallery in West Seattle. Show remains on view through Nov. 16th, 2013. (206) 938-0339 or go to artswest.org.
The work of Aaliyah Gupta is included in Columbia City Gallery’s 8th Annual Juried Exhibit on view through Nov. 17th, 2013. Juried by Juan Alonso-Rodrigues, Randy Engstrom & Yoko Ott. 4864 Rainer Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or go to www.ColumbiaCityGallery.com.
Local artist Junko Yamamoto’s colorful abstract paintings explore the space between things. She likes to push and pull two -dimensional spaces with paint to bring them light and atmosphere. See her work displayed at TASTE, the restaurant at Seattle Art Museum downtown. Remains on view through Feb. 9, 2014. Presented by SAM Gallery. 1300 First Ave. (206) 903-5291.
Modernist horse oil paintings from Mongolia is what’s in the show entitled “Chimeddorj: Mongolian Modernism” opening Oct. 18th and running through Nov. 14th. Gage Academy at 1501 10th Ave. E. (206) 323-4243 or go to gageacademy.org. Open Mon. – Sun.
Kathy Liao shows some bold new oil paintings in a show at Core Gallery which opens Oct. 30th and runs till Nov. 30th, 2013. Entitled “I’m Home”, a verbal announcement of one’s return to home in Japanese culture, the show searches out images of people who share the intimate relationship of living together under one roof. 117 Prefontaine Pl. S. (206) 467-4444 or go to coregallery.org. Open Wed. – Sat.
Kim Sooja is an acclaimed contemporary Korean installation artist who over the past thirty years has drawn on traditions of her homeland, especially that of “bottari” (Korean colorful bed covers) to bring up issues of migration, social change and shifting cultural identity. Locally you can see her performance piece on film in Seattle as she stands motionless as a crowd swirls past her in large metropolitan cities across the world in front of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Office across from Seattle Center. Oct. 11 – Jan. 26th, 2014. Vancouver Art Gallery. 750 Hornby St. in Vancouver B.C. Canada. Go to www.vanartgallery.bc.ca or call (604) 662-4719.
The work of local Seattle photographer Carina del Rosario can be seen in the following exhibitions around town. In the group show, “Under My Skin: Artists Explore Race in the 21st Century through Nov. 17th at the Wing. “An Ocean Apart: The Philippines and Madagascar” is a solo show on view till Nov. 17th at Geraldine’s Counter at 4872 Rainier Ave. S. In the group show, “A Sense of Place” presented by IDEA Odyssey and curated by Juan Alonso at Seattle City Hall & Anne Foecke Gallery opening Nov. 6th and on view through Jan. 3, 2014. In the group show “IDxID: New Identities” presented by IDEA Odyssey Collective and curated by C. Davida Ingram on view Jan. through March 2014 at Washington State Convention Center, downtown Seattle. For more information, visit http://cadelrosario.com.
The work of Jill Beppu, James Kurihara, Ken Morisawa and Nguyen Ly Phuong Ngoc is included in a group show entitled “SURFACE TREATMENT” which explores surface through texture, ranging from the physicality of material to tromp l’oeil effects in a wide array of art from realistic to abstract. On view till March 3, 2014. University House Issaquah at 22975 SE Black Nugget Rd. (425) 557-4200. Curated for Era Living by June Sekiguchi.
Issei Artists is a group show of three artists from Japan, – Teiko Shimazaki, Hiroko Seki and Naoko Morisawa. On view till Dec. 11th. Aljoya Thornton Place at 450 N.E. 100th St. in Seattle. Curated for Era Living by June Sekiguchi.
“Turning Point: Transformative Experiences” is a group show that has art that conveys transformations of life changing experiences from the simple to the profound. The work of Kazie Good and David Ko is included in this show. On view till Feb. 8, 2014. University House Wallingford at 4400 Stone Way N. in Seattle. RSVP (206) 545-8400 if you plan to attend the opening. Artist talk set for Nov. 19th at 7:30pm. Curated for Era Living by June Sekiguchi.
“Salon de ArtXchange is a gallery wide re-design and installation of the gallery’s local and overseas artists such as June Sekiguchi, Donald Cole, Jonathan Wakuda Fischer, Marcio Diaz, Cong Khanh, Hai & Thanh, Gillchun Koh, Yang Bai Ping & others. Opens in late Nov. ArtXchange Gallery at 512 1st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or go to www.artxchange.org.
The City of Auburn has the following show in their gallery at city hall. Nov. 4 – Dec. 3rd brings “Time and Place: Indian Women’s Ornamentation and Globalization”, photographs by Christine Beaderstadt that captures the beauty of women’s ornamentation and tradition in India while at the same time commenting upon changes over time that have occurred largely due to Western contact. The City Hall Gallery is at 25 Main and is open M – F from 8am – 5pm. Call (253) 931-3043 or go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts for details.
“Samurai!” is an exhibit of ancient pieces of armor and weaponry from the 14th-19th centuries in Japan. This exhibition highlights the functionality, variety and evolution that came with the increased demand during wartime. Opens Oct. 5 at Portland Art Museum and runs through Jan. 12, 2014. This is the only West Coast stop for this show. Portland Art Museum’s Curator of Asian Art, Maribeth Graybill speaks on the topic of “Samurai in Myth, History, and Art” on Dec. 8th at 2pm. Portland State University History Professor and Director of The Center For Japanese Studies” will address the topic of “What Became of the Samurai in Modern Japan?” on Jan. 12 at 2pm. 1219 S.W. Park Ave. (503) 226-2811. Closed Mondays. Go to www.portlandartmuseum.org for details.
KOBO Gallery at Higo in Japantown/International District has the following – “Celebrating Nuno Japanese Textiles” is an exhibition by a Tokyo-based design and production studio led by artistic director and co-founder Reiko Sudo. Where traditional techniques and recycled materials are re-interpreted with cutting edge technology. On view Oct. 19 – Nov. 23rd. Nov. 2 through end of Dec. is the “7th Simple Cup Invitational Show” with the best cups from ceramic artists from the U.S. & Japan. Opening Nov. 2 from 6 – 9pm. Designer Mieko Mintz from Kyushu, Japan is a designer based in New York. Her signature designs are reversible jackets and garments made from vintage sari kantha. She has a trunk show of her work on Nov. 15th from 4 – 7pm and again on Nov. 16th from noon – 5pm. Go to www.miekomintz.com to see more. Nov. 30 – Dec. 14th features the work of Geidai instructor Kou Kitago who is “Artist-in-Residence” at Tacoma Community College’s Art Department.604 S. Jackson. Go to koboseattle.com for updates. 604 S. Jackson St.
Pacific Northwest Nikkei WWII veterans are featured in a special exhibition entitled “Our Humble Heroes: Stories of Service and Sacrifice during WWII.” Through Jan. 5th. Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center at 121 NW 2nd Ave. in Portland. (503) 224-1458 or visit www.oregonnikkei.org.
At the University of Washington’s Henry Art Gallery they have the following – “Camera Nipponica: Photographs from Japan, 1880 – 1930” is currently on view till Jan. 5th, 2014. Includes examples of hand-colored souvenir albumen prints and delicate glass lantern slides from the Meiji and Taisho eras plus a selection of vernacular portrait photography taken by unknown photographers. An intimate and compelling look at Japan’s cultural history. Catherine Roche, guest curator of this show gives a talk on Dec. 5 at 7pm. Opening Oct. 15 will be the first solo museum exhibition given to Korean-born artist Haegue Yang who presents “Towers on String”, a series of sculptures constructed with venetian blinds. 15th Ave. NE & NE 4lst St. on the UW Seattle campus. (206) 543-2280 or go to info@henryart.org.
In commemoration of Asian Heritage Month, an exhibit entitled “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” opened in May at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. and remains on view there through June 18. The exhibit celebrates the history of Asian Pacific Americans. The exhibit travels to the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles in September and continues on a 13-city national tour. Closest Northwest stop will be in Ontario, Oregon. The exhibit was curated by Lawrence-Ming Bui Davis, coordinator of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Initiative. On December 21, it opens at the Four Rivers Cultural Center at 676 SW Fifth Ave. in Ontario, Oregon. Call (541) 889-8191 or go to www.4rcc.com. For information about the exhibit, go to www.apa.si.edu.
“Meet Me at Higo” permanent exhibit- Part Two” presented and sponsored by the Wing is a multi-media presentation and self-guided tour that tells the origins and history of the store as a Japanese American five and dime. At Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. E-mail info@koboseattle.com or call (206) 381-3000.
Bryan Ohno, former Pioneer Square gallery owner is back in business. His new gallery is now in the ID at 521 S. Main St.
Performing Arts
Highlights
Osuwa Daiko, one of the most important taiko groups in Japan make a rare Seattle performance in a mini-concert on Wed., Nov. 6 at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple at 6pm. 1427 South Main St. Founded in 1951 by Daihachi Oguchi in Nagano Prefecture, an area known as the Japan Alps. Oguchi was a jazz drummer who expanded the scope of the Japanese percussion tradition by adding more drums and arranging traditional taiko pieces into an ensemble format. For information, contact Stan Shikuma in English at sktaiko1@mac.com or (206) 919-1465 or Asako Tateishi in Japanese at info@japantaiko.com or (425) 785-8315.
“Bat of No Bird Island” is a new song cycle by Seattle composer and sound artist Paul Kikuchi. The piece is inspired by the memoir of his late great-grandfather who farmed in the Yakima Valley. The chamber-jazz ensemble performs this original piece of music followed with a Q & A session. Free. Thurs., Nov. 7 at 6pm. At The Wing. 719 S. King St. (206) 623-5124 or go to www.wingluke.org.
The Kronos String Quartet known internationally for performing contemporary music, jazz and ethnic music from composers all over the world will do a special concert with Seattle’s Degenerate Art Ensemble on Nov. 16th at the Neptune Theatre. The core group of Seattle’s DAE consists of co-founders Haruko Nishimura (choreographer, dancer and singer) and Joshua Kohl (composer and performer). The special presentation entitled “Predator’s Songstress” includes a dance by Nishimura with a chorus described as “crazy human beings” including John Osebold, Jherek Bischoff, Dohee Lee and Soul Childe Okanamode. 1303 NE 45th St. Go to http://www.stgpresents.org for details.
Earshot Jazz Festival 25 brings musicians from all over the country and all over the world through Nov. 17 at various venues all over Puget Sound. Local musicians like Cuong Vu, Eyvind Kang and Paul Kikuchi are featured at several concerts. Also includes concerts at local clubs and institutions like the Royal Room, Tula’s and Seattle Art Museum. The Cuong Vu Trio with Dave Douglas and UW Jazz Students perform Nov. 9th at 7:30pm at UW’s Jones Playhouse Theatre. Eyvind Kang appears as part of Bill Frisell’s Big Sur Quintet and also responding musically to the art of Jim Woodring on Nov. 10th at UW’s Meany Hall at 7:30pm. Another interesting feature is the film component where films on jazz and their intersections with cinema will be screened at Northwest Film Forum. Go to www.nwfilmforum.org for tickets and information on that series. For details on the Festival, go to www.earshot.org or call the Festival Hotline at (206) 547-6763.
The 5th Annual Seattle Slack Key Festival takes place on Nov. 10th at 2pm with Cyril Pahinui, Jeff Peterson, Roland Cazimero and Nathan Aweau at Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or go to www.townhallseattle.org.
There are a myriad of choices at Benaroya Hall and not all of them involve classical concerts by Seattle Symphony although even there is a wide mix of genre and style. The “Live@Benaroya Hall” series has a wide selection of popular music for all tastes. On Nov. 7 at 7:30pm, internationally acclaimed slack key guitarist, singer, composer, philosopher and activist Makana performs. His music was featured in the Grammy-nominated soundtrack to the film, “The Descendants” starring George Clooney. For this series, go to benaroyahall.org or call 1-866-833-4747 toll-free for tickets. Classical musicians Ingudesman and Joo have grabbed audience attention with their unique and funny theatrical shows which combine comedy with classical music and popular culture. (206) 215-4747 or go to seattlesymphony.org.
UW WORLD Series features extraordinary performances from around the world in the fields of dance, music, piano and chamber music. Some highlights include the following – Anda Union is comprised of 10 singers and instrumentalists from Inner Mongolia They create a new form of music based on Mongol traditions using indigenous instruments and sung in “khoomii” throat-singing style. The group makes their Seattle debut on Nov. 8 at 8pm. Call (206) 543-4880 or toll-free at 800-859-5342 or go to uwworldseries.org for details.
There is a program on “The Arts Of Chinese Shadow Puppetry” on Nov. 7th at 7pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium in Volunteer Park. Grant Hayter-Menzies, author of “Shadow Woman: The Extraordinary Career of Pauline Benton” will talk about Benton as a student, performer and advocate of shadow puppetry. Mary Hirsch will give an introduction to SAM’s own Chinese shadow puppet collection. Film clips of the Red Gate Shadow Theater with composer Lou Harrison will also be screened.
Diem Ly, former Editor in Chief of the International Examiner and now External Affairs Manager with Comcast will share her stories of challenges and successes at the World Café, an evening of conversation and cross-cultural dialogue sponsored by the Vietnamese Friendship Association. This session will focus on cross-cultural differences in defining “success.” Friday, Nov. 8th . Reception begins at 5:30pm and the program from 6 – 8pm. Seattle University Student Center Room 160 in the Father LeRoux Center. Free and open to the public but space is limited. You can RSVP at http://www.vfaseattle.org/worldcafe/.
Dance instructor and choreographer Pat Hon has been teaching students at Cornish for years. She is a local dance treasure. Choreography by Hon, Wade Madsen, Marlo Martin and Ohad Naharin are featured in Cornish Dance Theatre’s “2013 Fall Concert” on Nov. 22nd & 23rd at Broadway Performance Hall. For tickets, go to CORNISH.EDU/EVENTS or call 1-800-838-3006.
It was with sadness that I found out the late news that Bay Area multi-media artist and educator Carlos Villa had died in March. He was 76. Villa who grew up in San Francisco’s Tenderloin came to art through the influence of his cousin, abstract painter Leo Valledor. It was at an art event his cousin introduced him to that he first learned of the art world through meeting artist/students from San Francisco Art institute (then known as the California School of Fine Arts). It was as if a light came on and he realized, “Hey, I can do this!” He not only went on to study there but become one of the prominent instructors at that institution. He encountered well-known artist/instructors there such as Richard Diebenkorn, Elmer Bischoff and William Morehouse. Some of his fellow student/colleague friends included William Wylie. Villa enjoyed mainstream success on both coasts with his minimalist paintings in the 1960’s but upon return from the East Coast to the Bay Area, he would began to explore his own cultural roots. An early work based on the study of Pacific tribal art traditions had Villa preforming as a tattooed performance artist, and creating mixed-media installations and word-based conceptual projects. As an educator, he was a passionate teacher and managed projects that gave light to underexposed multi-cultural art traditions. His “Rehistoricizing Abstract Expressionism in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1950s-1960s” attempted to give exposure to forgotten women and artists of color. I saw a show he did at the Oakland Museum that haunts me to this day. Through the use of doors, empty rooms and fedoras, he evoked the spirit of the Manongs, the elderly first generation Filipino American men who worked the fields and lived in small hotel rooms in Manilatown. He received the Guggenheim Fellowship, and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation during his lifetime. For more information on this influential Bay Area artist, check out the book on his life and art Edited by Theodore S. Gonzalves entitled “Carlos Villa And The Integrity of Spaces” (Meritage Press). Go to http://www.meritagepress.com.
Dim Mak presents “Steve Aoki Aokify America Tour” on Nov. 20th. Aoki is a DJ/Grammy-nominated producer/ electro house musician who launched Dim Mak Records in 1996 and has released over 250 records to date. Aoki’s own recordings include “Pilowface and his Airplane Chronicle” and “Wonderland”. He is a board member of the Music Is Revolution Foundation, a non-profit that provides music education support within public schools. On this tour will be “Legend” Borgore, Waka Flocka and others. The Paramount at 911 Pine St. Go to stgpresents.org or (877) 784-4849.
Margaret Cho’s new stand-up comedy tour entitled “Nothing Is Sacred Least Of All This MOTHER” comes to Seattle’s Moore Theatre on Sat., Nov. 16th. Tickets at STGPRESENTS.ORG or call (877) 784-4849. Tickets on sale at the Paramount Theatre Box Office 7 24 hour kiosk.
The Second Annual Musical Bridge Benefit Concert takes place on Sat., Nov. 13rd from 1 – 3:30pm. Japanese Community Service of Seattle’s second annual benefit concert features a mixture of Japanese and Western entertainment. Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center at 400 S. 2nd St. in Renton. Tickets for this event can be purchased by calling Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington at (206) 568-7114.
Congratulations to musicians/composers Eyvind Kang and Jessika Kenny who received the Stranger Genius Award in music for 2013.
If you want to learn how to break, pop or lick or just need some help with your moves, go to The Beacon, the Massive Monkees Dance Studio where world famous dance instructors can teach you hip-hop choreography, creative movement and more. All ages and skill levels welcome. 664 S. King St. Go to MASSIVEMONKEES.COM and facebook.com/MassiveMonkeesStudio for information.
Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu unveil a new production entitled “MU” in the Bay Area. It’s a magical fable based on a Japanese legend about a fisherman who rescues a mermaid.This production features their son, KK as well. Written & directed by Brenda Wong Aoki, music by Mark Izu and choreography by Kimi Okada. A CD soundtrack is also available. For details email aokizu@firstvoice.org or go to www.aokizu.com.
Noted jazz musician/composer/author Fred Ho was featured in a recent “Weekend Arts” section of the New York Times. Currently battling cancer, Ho played a vital role in researching the history and role of Asian American musicians in jazz. “Sweet Science Suite” is his choreographed musical tribute to boxer Muhammad Ali that is having its staged premiere at Brooklyn Academy of Art.
Film & Media
Highlights
Portland journalist Gregory Nokes wrote a best-selling book about the massacre of Chinese gold miners in Hells Canyon in Idaho several years ago. Now a new documentary film on that incident entitled “Massacred for Gold” is coming out. For details on this film project, go to http://cphdox.dk/en/screening/massacred-gold.
To complement their show on early Japanese photography, Henry Art Gallery presents the film “Hausu”, a cult classic about a teenage girl in a haunted house. From 1977. Screens Nov. 8 at 7pm. Both in the Henry Art Gallery’s theater. 15th Ave. NE & NE 45th Street in the University District. (206) 543-2280 or go to henryart.org.
Northwest Film Forum presents two films celebrating the indigenous culture of Hawai’I on Nov. 16th. Christen Marquez searches out the origin of her traditional name and in the process rekindles a relationship with her native Hawaiian mother in “E Haku Inoa”. “The Haumana” as directed by Keo Woolford tells the story of a tourist Waikiki TV show host thrust into the unlikely role of Hulu mentor to a high school class who learns about himself and his culture along the way. The last few years have seen an increasing popularity in Korean popular culture through their music and television melodramas. One of the most popular is “Flower Boy Drama Club” (co-presented with JK Pop), a series about a handsome playboy who hires someone to be his lover in order to sabotage his family’s attempts to marry him off only to gradually fall in love with who he’s hired. Episodes will screen weekly on Thursdays at 9pm until Nov. 21. Go to www.nwfilmforum.org for details.
Actor Keanu Reeves makes his directorial debut with “The Man of Tai Chi” in which he plays a promoter who attempts to turn a spiritual fighter into a killing machine, good enough to place bets on in a money making scheme. Plays at AMC Pacific Place 11 in downtown Seattle as well as in Lynnwood and Tukwila. (888) AMC-4FUN.
Portland’s Northwest Film Center has a “SAMURAI! CINEMA SERIES” in conjunction with the show on Samurai armor at Portland Art Museum. Samurai films and the Western films they inspired are in the line-up. They screen the following through Dec. 21st. Some screenings come with pre-screening introductions by scholars. Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran”, Masaki Kobayashi’s “Samurai Rebellion” & “Harakiri”, Kaneto Shindo’s “Onibaba”, Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai”, John Struges’ “The Magnificent Seven”, Toshiya Fujita’s “Candy Snowbird, Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill: Volume 1”, Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai” , Akira Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo” and Sergio Leone’s “A Fistful Of Dollars”. For details, go to nwfilm.org.
Chinese activist/artist Ai Wei Wei now under “house arrest” in China has completed his first music video entitled “Dumbass” with the assistance of cinematographer Christopher Doyle. Based on Ai’s 81 days in jail, almost everything was replicated exactly as it was in jail. Doyle has also completed the video portion of Beijing Rocker Cui Jian’s film entitled “Blue Bone” and will start directing his own film about Hong Kong entitled “The White Girl” very soon.
The Japanese Cultural & Community Center presents a Japanese film series entitled “Matinee Eiga” every Sunday at 2pm. $5 for non-members and $3 for JCCCW members. 1414 S. Weller St. (206) 568-7114 or go to www.jcccw.org. Call (425) 369-1012 for details.
An annual Veterans Day event by the Nisei Veterans Committee and NVC Foundation will feature a film screening of “Honor & Sacrifice: The Story of Roy Matsumoto” with guest speaker Colonel Michael S. Oshiki who will discuss about today’s role that Japanese Americans play in the U.S. Army. Nov. 10th at 2pm. Nisei Veterans Committee Hall at 1212 South King St. Free. Go to www.seattlenvc.org for details.
The Written Arts
Highlights
Jaime Ford, award-winning author of “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” returns for a reading of his new Seattle-based novel, “Songs of Willow Frost” on Sat. Nov. 9 at 1pm. This Depression-era tale follows a young Chinese boy’s search for his movie star mother. Tickets are $5 with limited availability. At the Wing. 719 S. King St. (206) 623-5124 or go to www.wingluke.org.
University Bookstore presents these events. Simon Singh reads from “The Simpsons & Their Mathematical Secrets” on Nov. 7 at 6pm. The book reveals how the show’s writers (all with advanced science degrees) slip in chunks of number theory and mathematical concepts into one of television’s most widely watched programs. Seattle Arts & Lectures co-hosts this event entitled “An Evening with Madhur Jaffrey”. Nov. 19 at 7:30pm. Jaffrey is a noted food writer on Indian food and actress. Her latest book is “Curry Nation”. All events held at Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth. Call (206) 652-4255 or go to www.townhallseattle.org for details.
The University Bookstore hosts author Amy Tan reading from her new novel entitled “The Valley of Amazement” on Dec. 5th at 7pm. The novel tells the story of three generations of women connected by blood and history and the mystery of an evocative painting. Please note the reading is at a different location than the bookstore. University Temple Methodist Church at 1415 N.E. 43rd St. in the University District. For more details, call (206) 634-3400 .
Seattle poet Shin-Yu Pai has a new book out that documents her years working in Texas and Arkansas. Since Asian Americans are a distinct minority in the South, her poems reflect that experience and a longing for place that stretches beyond boundaries. The book features over a dozen photographs by the author as well reminding us of her dual interests in art and the word. Pai reads on Dec. 5 at the Wing. Free. The book is available at local stores or by mail order from the publisher or Small Press Distribution.
Elliott Bay Book Company sponsors and co-presents fascinating readings by authors in venues across the city and in their own bookstore as well. Events take place at the bookstore unless otherwise noted. On Nov. 7th, noted California peach farmer /author David Mas Masumoto reads with Nikiko Masumoto from a new book entitled “Perfect Peach” (Ten Speed Books). Cookbook recipes and a performance are part of the event. On Nov. 10th from 3pm – 5pm, Mary Matsuda Gruenwald and Hiroshi Kashiwagi share the stage. Tule Lake poet laureate/actor Hiroshi Kashiwagi reads from his book, “Starting from Loomis and Other Stores (University Press of Colorado), a memoir in stories. His previous book entitled “Swimming in American” won a 2005 American Book Award. Mary Matsuda Gruenwald, author of “Looking Like the Enemy” returns with more stories from her life in a book entitled “Becoming Mama-San: My 80 Years of Wisdom” (New Sage Press). The Elliott Bay Book Company is at 1521 Tenth Avenue in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. (206) 624-6600 or visit www.elliottbaybook.com.
Reading events at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park include the following –Jung Chang who wrote “Wild Swans”, the searing, powerful memoir of the women in a family living in China during the Cultural Revolution is back with a new book entitled “Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China”. Nov. 20th at 1pm. 17171 Bothell Way NE. (206) 366-3333.
News/Opportunities
Seattle Chinese Garden presents their “Soaring Dragon Celebration and Benefit Dinner” on Nov. 9th at 5:30pm. South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center. 6000-16th Ave. SW (206) 934-5219 or go to www.seattlechinesegarden.org.
Former UW student Hannah Sanghee Park has been selected as one of this year’s five 2013 Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship recipients. The $15,000 fellowship is awarded by the Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry Magazine.
Seattle Kokon Taiko hosts a 4-session Beginner Level Class in Nov. No experience necessary. Go to www.seattlekokontaiko.org for complete details.
Storefront Seattle presents the following artists in their Installations/Creative Enterprises Projects this year. Ling Chun, Sarawat Chutiwongpeti, Aaliyah Gupta, Joyce Hsu, Jen Mitsuko and Romson Bustillo.
Congratulations to the following creative artists who all received Artist Trust GAP Grants this year. Jessi Li, Liz Tran, Rumi Koshino and Patti Warashina in the Visual Arts category. Larissa Min in the Literature category and Sachie Mikawa in the Performance Arts category.
Washington Lawyers for the Arts presents “Estate Planning for Artists”. This workshop for artists and their lawyers is set for Nov. 6th from noon – 1:30pm. In the third floor conference room of the Saturn Building in Fremont. 3417 Evanston Ave. N. Call 800-838-3006 to register. For more information, go to wla.org.
The beautiful Nagomi Tea House Space is also available for special events rentals. For details, contact Keiko Okada at reservations@napost.com or call (206) 623-0100.
Pinoy Words Expressed Kultura Arts has begin a small scholarship fund for Washington State Filipino artists and writers with Artist Trust, a state-wide arts agency. This fund will help reduce costs for participation in a number of Artist Trust-run workshops and development programs that are greatly beneficial for artist’s careers. To see fellowships available, go to http://artisttrust.org/index.php/support-artists/creative-career-center. To see workshops available, go to http://artisttrust.org/index.php/for-artists/careertraining. For details, email Robert Flor at florbob@aol.com.
Northwest Folklife seeks performers and instructors for the 2014 Northwest Folklife Festival. Deadline is Dec. 1, 2013. This festival is the largest free community arts festival in the United States. Call (206) 684-7300 for details.
Grant opportunities are available for Seattle-based individuals from the New Foundation Seattle for visual artists, curators, and arts writers. The Residency Program Funds will provide funds to out-of-state residencies. Go to http://thenewest.org/the-education-program/the-resedency-program-fund-page/. New Fellows Grants are a merit-based fellowship grants for Seattle-based visual artists, curators and art writers to use to travel out of state. Go to http://thenewest.org/the-education-program/the-new-fellows/.
The National Art Gallery which will focus on displaying Southeast Asian art from the nineteenth century to the present day, is seeking a Curatorial Assistant/Assistant Curator to join the gallery in 2015 when the gallery officially opens. Go to http://nationalartgallery.sg/join-us/ for details.
The Artist Residency Programme at IOAM in Bejing is welcoming applications from emerging artists who can communicate in both Mandarin and English. For details, go to http://www.chinaresidencies.com/residencies/inside-out-art-museum-residency.