1. Highlights
2. Visual Arts
3. Performing Arts
4. Film/Media
5. Written Arts
6. Art News/ Opportunites

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Highlights

• Would you like to hear a classical Indian music concert in a perfect acoustic space?  Check out Pandit Vikash Maharaji who will play the sarod with his son on tabla in the lovely acoustic setting of the Chapel Performance Space located on the 4^th floor of the Good Shepherd Center. September 2 at 8 p.m. 4649 Sunnyside N. in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle.
• Interested in meeting other artists, curators, collectors and art professionals in a friendly, supportive environment and getting a peek at the latest shows at the “Wing” at the same time? Then mark your calendars for the 2^nd annual “Mix It Up Again: Asian Pacific American Artist Reception” set for September 10 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. There will be a program, snacks and images of work by local Asian Pacific American artists shown throughout the night. $7 for museum members and $10 for non-members. To find out more information or to become a member before this big event, call (206) 623-5124 or www.wingluke.org. Wing Luke Museum Of the Asian Pacific American Experience is located at 719 S. King St., in Seattle.
• Those girls are at it again! SIS Productions presents the 18th installment of “Sex in Seattle” entitled “An Everyday Kind of Love” set for September 10 – October 9. Come see what your favorite female characters are up to now in this quirky comedy about today’s Asian American women, their lives and loves. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. Hugo House on Capitol Hill, 1634 11^th Ave. Call (206) 323-9443 or e-mail: tickets@sis-productions.org. Go to www.sexinseattle.org for details.
• “Wheedle’s Groove”, the documentary film by Jennifer Maas about Seattle’s lost “soul music” scene of the late 60’s should be the Seattle “feel-good” film of the year. When it screened at SIFF, people were turned away and the audience was full of musicians from the era. Asian American connection here is guitarist Philip Woo, one of the few musicians to make it out of this local scene. Of course Kenny G. was the only one to really hit the big time. Again, expect some of the special guests at these screenings to be local Seattle musicians from “back in the day.” September 3 – 9 at Northwest Film Forum.  1515 12^th Avenue.  1 (800) 838-3006 or go to www.nwfilmforum.org for tickets and information.
• The work of Liang-Cheng Yen, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yeonnmi Kang, Ron Ho, Nadine Kariya, Emiko Oye and many others are included in a fun group show that celebrates the 70^th birthday of Facere Jewelry Art Gallery owner, Karen Lorene with each artist taking a year and designating a significant event of that year into a priceless one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. ”Celebrating 70” is on view through September 5. 1420 Fifth Ave. in the City Centre Building. (206) 624-6768 or www.facerejewelryart.com.
• Kaatsuhide Motoki’s “Battle League Horomo” is a fantasy/action-comedy/love story all rolled into one. A group of college students get mixed up in the world of Horumo – a fighting competition where contestants call upon ancient spirits to inhabit miniature statues to do battle from then in an arena. September 3 – 9. Grand Illusion Cinema.1403 N.E. 50^th St. in the University District. (206) 523-3935 or grandillusioncinema.org.
• The work of Saya Moriyasu, Yuki Nakamura, Arun Sharma, Brendan Tang, Patti Warashina and others is included in “BAM Biennial 2010: Clay Throwdown”. This is Bellevue Arts Museum’s new juried exhibition competition where artists are asked to make work expressly for the show. Continues on view through January 16. Noted ceramic artist and UW Art Professor Akio Takamori was one of the judges. Also on view is “The Art of Discovery – The Northwest Art Collection of the Junior League of Seattle” which features work by Norie Sato on view till September 19. 510 Bellevue Way N.E. (425) 519-0770
• Judy Yung and Erika Lee,, the authors of “Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway to America” (Oxford University Press) will give a slide/ talk about their book, one  of the first comprehensive looks at this West Coast immigration station (the equivalent to Ellis Island on the East Coast) and how it affected the lives of countless immigrants from China, Korea, Japan and other countries. September 2 at 7:30pm. Town Hall at 1119 Eighth . Downstairs, enter on Seneca St. (206) 652-4255 or visit www.townhallseattle.org
• Artwork created by staff, volunteers and clients of Asian Counseling and Referral Service will be featured during the Chinatown/ID Jamfest on Thursday, September 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. Art by Dean Wong Rebecca Ip, Jeff Wendland, Gary Tang, Cora Edmonds, Carina del Rosario, Eun-Young Won and others will be on display. The band Naugahyde will also perform.  Come to Canton Alley on King St. between 7^th Ave. & 8^th Avenues S. Sponsored by Chinatown’s oldest gift shop, Sun May Company. Go to www.scidpda.org for details.
• Boo Duck Lee (see related article this issue), a visiting artist from Korea who will be teaching at Tacoma Community College has a special show of paper art through September 5. The work of two visiting ceramic artists from Oregon, Barb Campbell and Javier Cervantes are on display through September 18. A “Kimono Textile Show” by artist Yuri Kinoshita opens September 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. and continues on view through September 26. KOBO Gallery at HIGO. 604 South Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or www.koboseattle.com.
• “Trace Series” is a solo show of new work by Etsuko Ichikawa who uses the fire  and smoke of molten glass as a paint brush. Opens September 2 and on view until the end of this year. At Tramel-Gagne in the Design Center located at 5701 – 6^th Avenue S. #105. (206) 762-1511 or visit www.tgshowroom.com. Etsuko also does “Firebird”, a live performance piece at the Museum of Glass (in the Hot Shop) in Tacoma on September 11 at 6:45 p.m. during their annual fundraising event with the collaboration of dancer Mizue Trinidad. This event is open to registered guests with the museum. Seating is limited. Call (253) 284-4715 or try rsvpmuseumofglass.org for details. Located at 1801 Dock St. in Tacoma.
• Festal 2010 presents the following cultural festivals at Seattle Center House and Mural Amphitheatre. Korean Cultural Celebration on September 11 from noon – 7 p.m. Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival on September 12 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Expect music, performance, food booths and kids activities. Log on to seattlecenter.com for details.
• The late actor Sessue Hayakawa was the first Asian American star of the screen in Hollywood’s silent era. Although his career in Tinsel town had its’ ups and downs throughout the years, it ended on a high note when he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in David Lean’s “The Bridge Over The River Kwai”. Now SIFF Cinema brings back that classic war film in a new digital 4k restoration. September 10 – 12. 321 Mercer St. in McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. (206) 633-7151 or boxoffice@siff.net.
• Cans of Spam, Cup Noodles, evaporated milk are just some of the images found in Lynne Yamamoto’s cast porcelain sculptures evoking memories of her upbringing and family history in Hawai’i. Remains on view through September 30. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770 or www.gregkucera.com.
• La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum presents a pair of exhibits that focus on the Japanese quilt. “All That Blooms” looks at the use of blossoms, flowers and plants by quilt-makers. “Japanese Textiles” shows the variety of materials used in the quilt-making process from the perspective of the quilt-maker. Both shows on view through Sept. 26. 703 A. Second St. in La Connor, Wash. (360) 466-4288 or visit www.laconnorquilts.com.
• “Windfall” is a temporary installation by Seattle artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo of Lead Pencil Studio. A thousand wind chimes have been hung from newly planted trees on the walkway that leads to Seattle Rep and Intiman Theatre at Seattle Center. Stroll by and wait for the wind to conduct this leafy orchestra. Up till Sept. 17. Second Ave. N. at Mercer St., in Seattle.
• “The Wing” presents “JamFest!”, a summer festival of live music on  First Thursday Gallery Walk nights through September from 6 – 9 p.m. at four different venues in the ID. Go to www.wingluke.org for complete details.
• One of China’s most well known directors, Zhang Yimou (“House of Flying Daggers”, “Hero”) is back with “A Woman, A Gun And A Noodle Shop”, his clever adaptation of the Coen Brothers “Blood Simple.” Opens September 10 at the Harvard Exit. At Broadway & E. Roy. (206) 781-5755.
• Congratulations to writer/activist/performance artist Canyon Sam. Her book entitled “Sky Train: Tibetan Woman on the Edge” (UW Press) was turned down by editors and agents for over fifteen years. Now it has won the PEN American Center/Open Book Award for excellence by an author of color which has not received wide media attention. Only 3 authors were chosen from over 200 nominations.  She will receive the award on October 13 in New York City.
• After a long time in the studio, Saya Moriyasu bursts out with some new, fun work culled from her Pilchuk Glass Residency and experiments with two glazes. See shelves that shrink, dogs that grow and a fu dog diaspora all in her new show entitled “Charm” she’s sharing with fellow artist Maija Fiebig. It opens September 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. and remains on view through October 9.  G. Gibson Gallery at 300 S. Washington St. in Pioneer Square. (206) 587-4033 or go to www.ggibsongallery.com.
• See over 100 U.S. and international short films as well as three feature films at SIFF Cinema over Labor Day weekend September 3 – 6 as part of ONE Reel’s Film Festival at Bumbershoot. With lots of local/international Asian/Asian American talented directors represented. For details, go to www.bumbershoot.org for details.

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Visual Arts

• Cora Edmonds, Photographer and founder of ArtXchange Gallery will have on display a veritable photographic quilt of images taken on her many travels around the world. Artist reception on September 2 from 5 – 8pm. On view through October 30. Also closing September 4 is a small show of  cut paper artworks, accordian books, cards  and prints by Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw inspired by Edo period kimono patterns. 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or www.artxchange.org
• The work of Ed Ou is included in a group show of contemporary photography entitled “PERSPECTIVES” opening Sept. 2 and on view through September 25. Foster/White Gallery. 220 Third Avenue S. (206) 622-2833 or go to www.fosterwhite.com
• “Wings”, a group show on the history of flight features the work of Paul Horiuchi, Wada Sanzo and many others. Open on First Thursday on September 2 and October 7 from 5 – 7pm. Show is up till October 9. Art Resource Galllery at 625 First Ave., # 200. (206) 838-2639 or www.SeattleArtResource.com
• Pojagi Now is a group show of Korean wrapping textiles from both American and Korean  artists. Picture stained glass transformed to cloth with unique patchwork design. When exposed to light, the colors dance. Through Sept. 19 in the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle.  4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or www.columbiacitygallery.com
• “Revealing The Root: Moku hanga by Eva Pietzcker” is the latest show at Cullom Gallery. Through October 9. This German artist seeks “to reconnect to the root and reveal a vital energy” as embodied in “foundational elements of life, like stone, waves, or mountains.” 603 S. Main (206) 919-8278 or www.cullomgallery.com
• The work of stained glass artist Joby Shimomura is included in a group show entitled “Three Different Views of Nature” at Alchemy Gallery through September. Opening reception is September 2 from 6 – 9pm. 619 Western Avenue on the 2^nd floor. (206) 719-3769. Open First Thursdays from 6 – 9pm or by appointment.
• Z.Z. Wei’s paintings of Northwest landscapes and backroads are on view  Sept. 2 – Oct. 4 at Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273. Opening reception September 2 from 6 – 8pm.
• The current trend towards abstraction is shown in contrast to the use of the figure in a group show of photography entitled “Contemporary Works from the Monsen Collection” on view through Nov.  28 in the North Galleries of the Henry Art Gallery. The work of Weng Fen is featured.  15^th Ave. NE & NE 41^st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org
• “From Edo To Tacoma”””- Three Eras of Japanese Woodblock Prints: Edo, Meiji, and 20^th Century Works” opens September 4 and remains on view through February 13, 2011.Curator Zoe Donnell will talk about the show and there will be a Gallery Tour afterwards on September 8 starting at 10:30am.  “Arts Bento: A Taste of Japanese Culture” will give participants a chance to sample the variety of Japanese art forms in hand-on activities on September 12 from 1 – 5pm. Free Third Thursday takes place on September 16 from 5 – 8pm.Tacoma Art Museum is at 1701 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. (253) 272-4258 or tacomaartmuseum.org
• The work of Patsy Surh O’Connell and Cathy Woo is included in the group show entitled  “Annual Fall Exhibition” by Women Painters of Washington.  On view through October 29. 701 Fifth Avenue in Suite 310, (206) 624-0543 or womenpainters.com
• The work of early Seattle Camera Club member Frank Kunishige is included in the current exhibit entitled “The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest” on view now through November 28. There will be “Coffee and Lecture with the Curators” on September 11  from 9:30 – 11:30am. “ With Our Hands – Folk Art Treasures”. Vietnamese paper folding is just one of the many folk arts gathered from across the state for this exhibit that attempts to answer the question, “What is folk art?”  On view through December with various folk art demonstrations and activities planned. Washington State History Museum. 1911 Pacific Ave
• “New/Old: Recent Acquisitions of Chinese Painting” is on view through October 31. Ping-Kwan Wong emigrated from Hong Kong to Seattle in 1996. He used the McCaw Foundation Library at Seattle Asian Art Museum for years to study calligraphy and classic poems. He created hundreds of bookmarks featuring famous Chinese poems and well-known sayings before passing away in February of 2010. A small show of his bookmarks will be on view through October 2010 in the library. Also “First Saturdays from 11am – 2pm feature programs that connect your family with the arts and cultures of Asia. Free and no registration is required. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer  Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org
• “Order and Border” is an onging exhibit on the third floor World Textiles Gallery at Seattle Art Museum downtown. The selection from SAM’s permanent collection puts stripes in the spotlight with Japanese bedcovers and undergarments, a meditation cloth from  Laos, an African teacher’s disguise and items from many other global cultures. Also worth noting, a series of tea ceremony demonsrations in the teahouse on the Third Floor.   Sept. 16 at 6:30pm and Sept. 19 at 2:30pm. Instructors are Bonnie Soshin Mitchell, Mitsuko Soki Gale and Naomi Somi Takemura. Free with museum admission but seating is limited so registration is suggested. Call (206) 654-3121 or visit seattleartmuseum.org to register.
• “A Refugee’s Journey of Survival And Hope” is the latest show to open at the “Wing”. See life through the eyes of a refugee through personal stories, photographs and multimedia. Show continues on view till Dec. 12, 2010. “Cultural Transcendence is a group show at Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience curated by Lele Barnett that “explores the importance of technology in our modern experience and technology’s influence on contemporary installation art.” Features the work of Robert Hodgin, Eunsu Kang, Heidi Kumao, Horatio Law and Brent Watanabe. Show continues  through Sept. 2010. “Paj Ntaub – Stories of Hmong in Washington State” remains on view through Oct. 17. 2010. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
• Work by Ellen Ito, Lisa Kinoshita and Yuki Nakamura is included in the group show of  recipients and nominees for “The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s ‘Foundation of Art Award, 2008 – 2010’”. On view till  October 2 at the University of Puget Sound’s Kittredge Gallery. Opening reception on September 2 from 5 – 7pm. Located in Kittredge Hall on the UPS campus at . 15^th & N. Lawrence in Tacoma. (253) 879-3701 or go to www.pugetsound.edu/kittredge
• Artists such as Kamia Kakaria, Lisa Haswgawa, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Tina Koyama and Mark Takamichi Miller will all be teaching classes at Pratt Fine Arts Center this Fall. For details or to register, go to www.pratt.org or call (206) 328-2200. The arts facility is open to the public and has their Annual Open House on Sat., November 13 from 6 – 9pm. Mark your calendars.
• Chinese artist Long Gao shows his paintings, scrolls, prints and sculpture. Also his 2009 commission for the City of Woodenville is documented.  On view through Sept. 4.  Jeffrey Moose Gallery at 1333 – 5^th Ave. in Rainier Square. (206) 467-6951 or www.jeffreymoosegallery.com
• The mixed media/fiber paintings of Hye Young Kim and Jennifer Nerad are on view at Gallery at Towne Centre September 1 – October 9 with an opening reception for the artists on September 16 from 5 – 7pm.  17171 Bothell Way N.E. in Lake Forest Park. (206) 417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net
• “Farming the Waters: Japanese American Oyster Growers in Willapa Harbor” is the title of a free lecture by the Center for Columbia River History’s 2009 James B. Castle Fellow, Katy Fry set for September 8 at 7pm. Looks at the contributions of Japanese and Japanese American workers before, during, and after WW II. The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is located at 115 SE Lake St. in Llwaco, WA Got to CCRH.org for details.
• Iyoko Okano’s Japanese calligraphy is on view in the Edmonds Arts Festival Museum Sept. 10 – Oct. 30. Located at the Frances Anderson Center at 700 Main St, in Edmonds. (425) 771-1984 or www.eaffoundation.org
• “Dropping the Urn (Ceramic works, 5000 B.C.E.-2010 C.E.)” is the title of an exhibit by contemporary Chinese photographer/ceramic/installation artist Ai Weiwei now on view through October 30 at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland. Through October 30. (503) 223-2654 or www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org
• Fans of Japanese Pop culture, anime, and manga won’t want to miss “Aki Con 2010”. This festival includes 24 hour anime viewing, panels, workshops and more. Coming November 5 – 7 at the Bellevue Hilton Hotel. For details, go to www.akicon.org
• Local poster artist Emory Liu got a “Poster of the Week” mention in the August 26 issue of the Stranger. To see more work, go to www.holyblackgold.com

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Performing Arts

• Popular singer/songwriter Vienna Teng plays Bumbershoot with her trio on September 5.  Seattle Center. Go to Bumbershoot.org for details.
• The legendary all-women punk pop group from Japan, Shonen Knife play the Tractor Tavern on September 8 on behalf of their new album, “Free Time”. 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W. (206) 789-3599.
• Invocative Productions present “KALI DESCEND!” with vocalist Sumitra Guna and Peijman on tabla/drum on September 7. Doors open at 7pm. NEUMO’S. (206) 709-9467 or neumos.com
• “An Evening With Asia” is the title of a program set for the Moore Theatre on September 8 at 7:30pm. 1932 Second Ave. (877) 784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org
• “Sounds of Aloha” is a concert that presents Grammy-award-winning slack key guitarist Keoki Kahumoku paired with Ukelele master Herb Ohta Jr. and slack-key master Patrick Landeza in an evening of hula, storytelling and island beats. Washington Center for the Performing Arts512 Washington St. S.E. in Olympia. (360) 753-8586 or info@washingtoncenter.org
• Japanese Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka  brings his band to Chop Suey  on September 13 as part of his “Wind Land And Sea Tour”. 1325 East Madison St. 1-800-745-3000.
• Aki Matsuri is a Japanese Fall Festival set for September 11 & 12 at Bellevue College. With food, Japanese crafts and cultural activities for adults and kids alike. 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. (425) 861-7865 or go to wwwenma.org
• Japanese Tea Ceremony Master Kannoh presents a mobile tea house where he offers a casual tea ceremony every Saturday at Seattle Uwajimaya at 600 – 5^th Ave. S. and every Sunday at KOBO Capitol Hill at 814 E.Roy. From 1 – 3pm at both sites. For more details, go to www.kannoh.com
• Brittni Paiva, one of the preeminent female ukulele players in Hawai’I has released a new CD, “Four Strings: The Fire Within” featuring originals and covers of well-known compositions. For details, go to www.brittnipaiva.com

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Film/Media

• Quentin Lee’s new film, “The People I’ve Slept With” stars Karin Anna Cheung. This ribald romantic comedy about a promiscuous woman was written by Koji Steven Sakai. Opens in selected theatres across the country soon.
• POV, the award-winning documentary film series that runs on PBS channels across the country offers tow films of interest to our viewers. On August 21, they present “Wo Ai Ni (I Love YOU) Mommy”, an intimate account of how a Jewish family on Long Island adopt an 8-year old girl from Guangzhou Province, China. A Co-production of American Documentary/POV and Diverse Voices Project presented in Association with the Center for Asian American Media. Directed by Stephanie Wong-Breal. On September 14, a Korean American adoptee tries to untangle the identity switch that sent her to the U.S. in “In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee”. Directed by Deann Borshay Liem. Check local listings for exact date and showtimes. Locally on Channel 9, KCTS. For details, go to www.pbs.org/pov/pressroom or http://kcts9.org.
• A new 35mm print of  the late Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran” will be shown for one week starting September 3 at the Varisity. The epic film is a meditation on Shakespeare’s King Lear and features a marvelous perforamce by Tatsuya Nakadai as the aspiring ruler. 4329 University Way N.E. (206) 781-5755.
• “Enemies of The People” is a documentary film by Thet Sambath and Rob Lemkin that attempts for the first time to expose the truth about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rogue. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2010. Opens in Los Angeles on August 6 with plans underway to screen it nationally. For details, go to http://enemies of thepeople/movie.com
• “Tales From Earthsea” is a new film from Japan’s Studio Ghibli as directed by Goro Miyazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki) loosely based on the series by Ursula K. LeGuin. This adventure follows the journey of a character as he attempts to find the cause for an imbalance in the land of Earthsea. Set for release by Walt Disney Studios/Studio Ghibli on August 13 nation-wide .Check your local listings.
• “Mao’s Last Dancer”, a movie based on a true story about a Chinese dancer who sought asylum in America which played at SIFF 2010 is now playing at 7 Gables Theatre in the “U” district.
• POV’s “The Betrayal”  a documentary film by Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath about how a Laotian family was forced to leave their homeland due to a secret war waged there by the U.S. won a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit in Non-fiction filmmaking.
• Call for entries for the Couch Festival Films 2010. Films must be under 6 minutes and will be screened in people’s houses. For details go to http://www.couchfestfilms.com The Festival happens on Nov. 7, 2010.
• Seung-heon Sog and Nanako Matshushima are set to star in an Asian remake of the Hollywood smash film, “Ghost”.

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Written Arts

• “A Cold Wind from Idaho”  (Black Lawrence Press) is local writer Lawrence Matsuda’s debut collection of poetry that details his experience at Minidoka internment camp, the facility that most Japanese Americans from this area were sent for lock-up during WW II. Noted poet/writer Tess Gallagher says of this book, “I receive Matsuda’s narratives about the Camps with the shame and empathy of a fellow citizen who knows we must never let this happen again—which is the central message of this many layered document written by a modern samurai of the pen.” For ordering information, go to www.blacklawrence.com. Matsuda reads at the “Dedication of the NVC Foundation Japanese American Memorial Wall at 2pm on September 5. 1212 S. King St. Free but advance tickets required. Call (206) 390-1253 or email kyamguchi48@yahoo.com

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Art News/ Opportunites

• The idea for a collective art gallery in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District neighborhood is in the planning stages. Plans call for a gallery space that will showcase visual art by new & emerging artists of  color. If you want more information or want to attend a meeting, email Carina at cadelrosario@gmail.com or log on to www.flickr.com/photos/cadelrosario
• Berliner Liste takes place from 10/7-10. You can apply as a gallery, an artist or as a project. Over 100 international galleries and artists will exhibit. No deadline but visit www.berliner-liste.org/app07 for details.
• The Greater YMCA International offers two life-enriching journeys to Asia. More field trip and live-in experience than tourist focused, the Japan Global Food Trip will feature a group of international travelers interested in learning about food production in Japan with seminars, hand-on experience with farmers and talks. September 30 – October 14. The Thailand Trip is for young adults who wish to get to know another country, its people and culture on a day-to-day basis. Takes place next March with an orientation and introductionary meeting for interested parties set for this fall. For more information on the Japan trip, call (206) 382-4362. For the Thailand trip, go to (206) 749-7554.

Migrating to America as a child left Pei Ju Chou feeling like she existed between two generations—the first and second. So, she began referring to herself as being “1.5th generation”. Recently, the University of Washington student produced a documentary about her experience as a part of the 1.5 generation titled “Stuck on the Boat”. (You can view parts of Chou’s documentary on-line at the IE’s website: www.iexaminer.org).

Chou shares her thoughts about ethnic identity, culture, and in archiving her experience on film to share with others:

Q: Where are you from?

A: I moved to Washington State from Taiwan when I was ten years-old. The town my parents chose had a very small Asian population, and for that reason I became immersed in American culture.

Q: What inspired you to make this documentary?

A: I have many friends who are the same as me, and we all resonate with the feeling of not belonging. American society has such rigid categories of first and second-generations, and those of us roaming in-between sort of become outcasts. My most vivid memory is visiting Taiwan after seven years of living here, and people there calling me “ABC”–American-Born Chinese. Sadly, here in the states, I’m still considered a “FOB” (Fresh Off the Boat). Realizing that there’s a pretty large population of 1.5th generation Asian kids like me, I decided to capture our experiences to share with the world. I want other kids who are struggling to belong to know that there’s a place for us. We are in-between, but we should be proud of who we are instead of trying to fit into other groups. My ultimate goal is getting people to recognize the 1.5th generation, and for us to recognize ourselves as a proud and distinct group with unique backgrounds.

Q: What have you learned?

A: I realized how hurtful social categories can be for adolescents, especially in high school. The categories of “American”, “Asian American”, “FOB”, and “first” and “second generation” are all social constructs that force kids to conform to society. At the end of the project, I felt that even “1.5 generation” is a bit too rigid. Identity should be something more fluid. The “1.5th generation” is really an inclusive term for all the areas between first and second. For example, I interviewed a few people who felt more connected to their Asian identity while, for some, Asia is just a distant land in their memories. I witnessed such drastic differences within this single category of 1.5. All of my interviewees stand somewhere different on the continuum between first and second-generations. But one thing that connects all of us is the pain of being in-between two worlds that collided – yet belonging to neither.

Q: Any surprises?

A: I was very surprised that almost none of my interviewees knew the term “1.5 generation” before the interviews. A lot of them are still trying to digest the idea. From the stories I heard, I sensed a lot of self-hate, hate for the states, or hate towards Asia. And, it’s all because they had to sacrifice a piece of themselves in order to fit in. For some, it’s letting go of their Asian ways. For others, it’s isolating themselves from other Americans. And, for some, it’s becoming something they are not. It sounds almost like a typical “coming of age” movie, and it’s similar. Most of the struggles and stories my interviewees told me occurred during their high school years. It’s already hard enough for kids to fit in at school; imagine how much harder it is if they just moved here from Asia!

Q: How did you choose your interviewees?

A: I posted a request on Facebook and talked to my friends. Most of my interviewees are Chinese and Taiwanese, and I wish I had more of a variety of Asian origins, but my friends’ circle only expands so far. If I get the chance for a redo, I’ll definitely include more diversity to add a different dynamic.

Q: What’s in the future?

A: I don’t know yet. I didn’t plan that far. I just wanted to make this documentary with the potential to empower youths. Hopefully, I’ll be able to share this with more of them. It’s a way to say, “Hey, it’s okay. We’re the 1.5th generation.”

For more information, go to: http://thepookii.wordpress.com/category/short-films.

Boo Duck Lee. Photo credit: Susan Kunimatsu.

The work of Korean artist Boo Duck Lee has roots in two widely divergent eras. She makes sculpture of hanji, a paper made by hand in a tradition dating back thousands of years. She designs fabrics that are digitally printed using contemporary computer technology. Both are on display in the gallery at Kobo at Higo, contrasting views of one creative personality.

“I am a paper artist and textile designer,” said Lee, introducing herself at the opening of her show. Her works in paper are relief sculptures executed in hanji, a paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree. Lee employs a clean graphic style and neutral palette that give these works a serene quality, even when the designs are hard-edged and dynamic. Several pieces are abstract compositions built of strips of black and white paper standing on edge in rippling lines and concentric circles, like patterns on the surface of water. A pair of works titled “Life” uses the same strip construction to form subtle all-white female figures. The Lotus series is more pictorial with lotus blossoms, other plant and sea life sculpted in monochromatic paper pulp. Remember is a pair of three-dimensional collages of large characters torn from thick unbleached handmade paper and fragments of Korean book pages. While incorporating these varied techniques, Lee’s work is unified by an atmosphere of meditation and memory that avoids sentimentality.

Hanji is believed to have roots in papermaking techniques invented in China. In the first century B.C., it appeared in Korea, where it has been produced continuously to the present. Books printed with moveable type on hanji paper predate the development of the printing press in Europe. Today, hanji is made by hand and industrially. In addition to its traditional use for painting, calligraphy, and other arts, it is made into house wares and small scale furniture. Boo Duck Lee states that because hanji is an organic material that is good for the skin, its use in clothing and bedding is increasing.

Lee lives in Jeonju, South Korea, the historical center of hanji production. At Kunjang University in Gunsan City, about 30 miles west, she teaches both paper art and digital textile design. In 2003, she founded Artex Design Laboratory, a “digital textile enterprise” within Kunjang College that manufactures and markets “cultural goods and fashion accessories” designed by Lee and her industrial design students. Original art is scanned by computer and the image expanded into a repeating pattern which is printed on fabric, usually silk, and made into clothing and accessories. Lee’s textile designs at Kobo represent a range of techniques and visual styles: drawings, watercolors, shibori (tie-dye) patterns, floral prints, and computer-generated graphics. Most of the pieces on display are neckties, plus a few scarves and articles of clothing. The scale and colors of the printed patterns vary from small and subdued to large and flamboyant. Every aspect of Lee’s textile designs, from the high-tech production process to the wide range of colors and designs, is in striking contrast to her hanji paper sculpture. Taken together, the two bodies of work demonstrate an artist’s ability to integrate tradition and innovation, to reconcile fine art with industry.

The exhibition at Kobo culminates Lee’s summer spent as an artist-in-residence at Tacoma Community College, a sister school of Kunjang College. The two schools have hosted a number of faculty and student exchanges, but Lee’s is the first artist residency.

“Boo Duck Lee: Paper Art” is on view August 20 – September 5 at Kobo at Higo, 602 S. Jackson St. in Seattle. (206) 381-3000 or visit: www.koboseattle.com.

On August 21, Okumoto took time off of his busy schedule to be at the Wing Luke Asian Museum’s outdoor film screening of the “Karate Kid 2” at Hing Hay Park in Seattle. This reporter sits down with Okumoto during the screening and together, reflect on his time filming this movie that would become a pop culture icon.

Q: Does this event bring back any memories of filming the “Karate Kid 2”?

It just made me think of all the people I worked with…Pat [Morita, who played the role of Mr. Miyagi] was a real mentor to me. He was one of the pioneers as far as Asian American actors and I know he struggled a lot at the beginning of his career until he kind of broke through on Happy Days playing Arnold. I look back on him and know that acting doesn’t happen over night and the breaks don’t happen over night. It taught me perseverance.

Q: In your experience, what has it been like being an Asian American actor in Hollywood?

When I first started, which was back in 1980, it was a different time. There was still a lot of stereotyping. What I wanted to do as an actor was to always play characters I auditioned for and I wanted to play them with some sort of dignity and strength. I didn’t want to perpetuate a stereotype by playing a certain type of character.

Q: How do you balance your acting career and running your restaurant, Kona Kitchen?

It’s very difficult because it’s not only the restaurant and the acting. It’s having the children and the family and trying to balance all that stuff. I had to hold back a little bit on the acting because I decided to focus more on the restaurant and building that business up, so consequently I couldn’t go down to L.A. to audition as much but it’s a sacrifice well worth it. L.A. is a great place for acting but it’s not a great place for raising a family. I kind of miss it but I figure I’m going to segway more into the producing which you could do anywhere so I’m trying to start not only an Internet company that does 3D action, but also my own production company that does features.

Q: Is there anything you’d like children watching here today to take away from “Karate Kid 2”?

Don’t be a bully like my character! It’s funny because I’ve had kids come up to me and are like, “I want to be just like you when I grow up!” I’m thinking, is that a good thing? But what I interpreted from that was that they wanted to be a strong Asian American. We need strong Asian American characters out there, especially in movies. We’ve always been the gardener, nerd, dork, geek, or brainiac. So for years that’s what people thought of Asian Americans as. If they walk away from this and think, ‘I want to be somebody who’s a strong Asian American,’ I think that’s all I could say as for the kids walking away from here.

1. Highlights
2. Visual Arts
3. Performing Arts
4. Film/Media
5. Written Arts
6. Art News/ Opportunites

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Highlights

• The work of Saya Moriyasu, Yuki Nakamura, Arun Sharma, Brendan Tang, Patti Warashina and others is included in “BAM Biennial 2010: Clay Throwdown”. This is Bellevue Arts Museum’s new juried exhibition competition where artists are asked to make work expressly for the show. Opens August 28 and continues on view through January 16. Noted ceramic artist and UW Art Professor Akio Takamori was one of the judges. 510 Bellevue Way N.E. (425) 519-0770.
• Judy Yung and Erika Lee, the authors of “Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway to America” (Oxford University Press) will give a slide/talk about their book, one  of the first comprehensive looks at this West Coast immigration station (the equivalent to Ellis Island on the East Coast) and how it affected the lives of countless immigrants from China, Korea, Japan and other countries. September 2 at 7:30 p.m. Town Hall at 1119 Eighth. Downstairs, enter on Seneca St. (206) 652-4255 or visit www.townhallseattle.org.
• Artwork created by staff, volunteers and clients of Asian Counseling and Referral Service will be featured during the Chinatown/ID Jamfest on Thursday, September 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. Art by Dean Wong Rebecca Ip, Jeff Wendland, Gary Tang, Cora Edmonds, Carina del Rosario, Eun-Young Won and others will be on display. The band Naugahyde will also perform.  Come to Canton Alley on King St. between 7^th Ave. & 8^th Avenues S. Sponsored by Chinatown’s oldest gift shop, Sun May Company. Go to www.scidpda.org for details.
• UW Music Professor Cuong Vu who recently received an award as one of the best teachers on campus (see related article in this issue), dons his performing cap and takes the stage with his trumpet and New York based rhythm section as the Cuong Vu Trio. Expect high energy, bright notes and a big enough sound to suggest an improvising orchestra. August 24 at the Triple Door. 216 Union St. (206) 838-4333 or www.thetripledoor.net.
• Boo Duck Lee, a visiting artist from Korea who will be teaching at Tacoma Community College has a special show of paper art from August 20 – September 5. The work of two visiting ceramic artists from Oregon, Barb Campbell and Javier Cervantes are on display August 21  – September 18. Opening reception is August 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. KOBO Gallery at HIGO. 604 South Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or www.koboseattle.com.
• Goddard College’s MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts Program Visiting Artist Series presents Lily Yeh and her “Rwanda Healing Project: Building Community through Art and Creative Action” on August 21 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. USO Hall in Fort Worden State Parl. Open to the Public. Go to www.goddard.edu for details.
• Comedian/songstress Margaret Cho brings her “Cho Dependent” Tour to Seattle on August 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Paramount Theatre downtown. Go to www.margaretcho.com for details.
• “Trace Series” is a solo show of new work by Etsuko Ichikawa who uses the fire and smoke of molten glass as a paint brush. Opens September 2 and on view until the end of this year. At Tramel-Gagne in the Design Center located at 5701 – 6^th Avenue S. #105. (206) 762-1511 or visit www.tgshowroom.com.
• “Children of Nature” is the title of a show by Isnia (Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam), internationally known batik artists. The essence of the show is not so much about the cloths but the shadows that are created by them, symbolic of the illusive connection we all have to all living beings and nature. Through August 31. Island Gallery at 400 Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island. (206) 780-9500 or www.theislandgallery.net.
• Festal 2010 presents a Tibetan Cultural Festival at Seattle Center House’s Fisher Pavilion August 28 & 29. Expect music, performance, food booths and kids activities. (206) 542-3774 or log on to www.washingtontibet.org.
• Cans of Spam, Cup Noodles, evaporated milk are just some of the images found in Lynne Yamamoto’s cast porcelain sculptures evoking memories of her upbringing and family history in Hawai’i. Opening reception is August 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. The artist leads an informal walk-thru of her show on Sat., August 21 at noon. Remains on view through September 30. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770 or www.gregkucera.com.
• The annual moon-viewing event features Japanese traditional cultural activities including tea ceremony. Starts at 7 p.m. on August 21. Also on August 29, there will be a tea ceremony tribute to the 14^th Urasenke Grandmaster Tantansai at 1, 2:15 & 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association. All events take place at Shoseian Teahouse in the Seattle Japanese Garden. 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. Call (206) 684-4725 about moon viewing event. Call (206) 324-2829 about special tea ceremony.
• La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum presents a pair of exhibits that focus on the Japanese quilt. “All That Blooms” looks at the use of blossoms, flowers and plants by quilt-makers. “Japanese Textiles” shows the variety of materials used in the quilt-making process from the perspective of the quilt-maker. Both shows on view through Sept. 26. 703 A. Second St. in La Connor, Wash. (360) 466-4288 or visit www.laconnorquilts.com.
• “Windfall” is a temporary installation by Seattle artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo of Lead Pencil Studio. A thousand wind chimes have been hung from newly planted trees on the walkway that leads to Seattle Rep and Intiman Theatre at Seattle Center. Stroll by and wait for the wind to conduct this leafy orchestra. Up till Sept. 17. Second Ave. n. at Mercer St.
• “The Wing” presents “JamFest!”, a summer festival of live music on  First Thursday Gallery Walk nights through September from 6 – 9 p.m. at four different venues in the ID. Go to www.wingluke.org for complete details.

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Visual Arts

• The work of Mario Caoile, Yoonhee Choi and other members of the Portland-based art collective, BlackFish Gallery are currently on view through August 28 in an exchange exhibit with Gallery 110 of Seattle entitled “Gallery Exchange: Blackfish Upstream.” 110 Third Avenue S. (206) 624-9336 or www.gallery110.com.
• Pojagi Now is a group show of Korean wrapping textiles from both American and Korean artists. Picture stained glass transformed to cloth with unique patchwork design. When exposed to light, the colors dance. Another Korean related show entitled “You Are Here” shares the space. Through Sept. 19 in the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle.  4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or www.columbiacitygallery.com.
• The work of stained glass artist Joby Shimomura is included in a group show entitled “Three Different Views of Nature” at Alchemy Gallery through September. Opening reception is September 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. 619 Western Avenue on the 2^nd floor. (206) 719-3769. Open First Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. or by appointment.
• On view now through September 4^th in Artxchange’s North Gallery is work by Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw. On display are intricate cut-paper art works, accordian books, cards etc., all inspired by ornate kimono patterns of Edo-era Japan. 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377.
• Z.Z. Wei’s paintings of Northwest landscapes and backroads are on view Sept. 2 – Oct. 4 at Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273. Opening reception September 2 from 6 – 8 p.m.
• “Recent Work” by Eric Adrian Lee of mixed media abstract paintings associated with specific memories or reactions are on view through August   29. Gallery IMA at 123 S. Jackson. (206) 625-0055 or www.galleryima.com.
• The work of Minh Carrico is included in ”Postscripts From The Edge”, a group show showcasing the artwork of 15 graduates from the 2009 Artist Trust EDGE Program. On view through August 29. Collective Visions Gallery at 331 Pacific Avenue in Bremerton. (360) 377-8327 or www.collectivevisions.com.
• The current trend towards abstraction is shown in contrast to the use of the figure in a group show of photography entitled “Contemporary Works from the Monsen Collection” on view through Nov.  28 in the North Galleries of the Henry Art Gallery. The work of Weng Fen is featured.  15^th Ave. NE & NE 41^st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org.
• The work of Mark Takamichi Miller, Joseph Park and Akio Takamori is included in the group show entitled “Honoring 15 Years of Neddy Artist Fellows. On view through August 22. Tacoma Art Museum. 1701 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. (253) 272-4258 or www.tacomaartmuseum.org.
• The work of Patsy Surh O’Connell and Cathy Woo is included in the group show entitled  “Annual Fall Exhibition” by Women Painters of Washington.  On view through October 29. 701 Fifth Avenue in Suite 310, (206) 624-0543 or www.womenpainters.com.
• “ With Our Hands – Folk Art Treasures”. Vietnamese paper folding is just one of the many folk arts gathered from across the state for this exhibit that attempts to answer the question, “What is folk art?”. On view through December with various folk art demonstrations and activities planned. Washington State History Museum.
• Ping-Kwan Wong emigrated from Hong Kong to Seattle in 1996. He used the McCaw Foundation Library at Seattle Asian Art Museum for years to study calligraphy and classic poems. He created hundreds of bookmarks featuring famous Chinese poems and well-known sayings before passing away in February of 2010. A small show of his bookmarks will be on view through October 2010 in the library. Also “First Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. feature programs that connect your family with the arts and cultures of Asia. Free and no registration is required.  Visit seattleartmuseum.org/gardnercenter  for details. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer  Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org.
• “Order and Border” is an on-ging exhibit on the third floor World Textiles Gallery at Seattle Art Museum downtown. The selection from SAM’s permanent collection puts stripes in the spotlight with Japanese bedcovers and undergarments, a meditation cloth from Laos, an African teacher’s disguise and items from many other global cultures. Also worth noting, a series of tea ceremony demonstrations in the teahouse on the Third Floor.   Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Instructors are Bonnie Soshin Mitchell, Mitsuko Soki Gale and Naomi Somi Takemura. Free with museum admission but seating is limited so registration is suggested. Call (206) 654-3121 or visit seattleartmuseum.org to register.
• Seattle Chinese Garden present a “community showcase” on August 22 from 1 – 4 p.m. Free. 6000-16^th Ave. S.W. For details, go to www.seattlechinesegarden.org.
• Seattle Center For Book Arts has classes and workshops all summer. Naomi Kasumi does a workshop entitled “Creating Altered Books” on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a full schedule, go to www.seattlebookarts.org.
• “A Refugee’s Journey of Survival And Hope” is the latest show to open at the “Wing”. See life through the eyes of a refugee through personal stories, photographs and multimedia. Show continues on view till Dec. 12, 2010. “Cultural Transcendence is a group show at Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience curated by Lele Barnett that “explores the importance of technology in our modern experience and technology’s influence on contemporary installation art.” Features the work of Robert Hodgin, Eunsu Kang, Heidi Kumao, Horatio Law and Brent Watanabe. Show continues  through Sept. 2010. “Paj Ntaub – Stories of Hmong in Washington State” remains on view through Oct. 17. 2010. “Return Home From War – Remnants of War Through Recent Asian Pacific American Veterans’ Perspective” continues through August 15. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
• Artists such as Kamia Kakaria, Lisa Haswgawa, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Tina Koyama and Mark Takamichi Miller will all be teaching classes at Pratt Fine Arts Center this Fall. For details or to register, go to www.pratt.org or call (206) 328-2200. The arts facility is open to the public and has their Annual Open House on Sat., November 13 from 6 – 9 p.m. Mark your calendars.
• Chinese artist Long Gao shows his paintings, scrolls, prints and sculpture. Also his 2009 commission for the City of Woodinville is documented.  On view through Sept. 4.  Jeffrey Moose Gallery at 1333 – 5^th Ave. in Rainier Square. (206) 467-6951 or www.jeffreymoosegallery.com.
• The mixed media/fiber paintings of Hye Young Kim and Jennifer Nerad are on view at Gallery at Towne Centre September 1 – October 9 with an opening reception for the artists on September 16 from 5 – 7 p.m.  17171 Bothell Way N.E. in Lake Forest Park. (206) 417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net.
• The work of Chunghong Chang is included in a group show through August at the Bainbridge Art museum located at the corner of 305 and Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island.
• Amy Sie in her retirement rediscovered the pleasure of brush and ink using the Gongbi style of Chinese  painting. “Discovering the artistic I/eye in Second Adulthood” is on view through August at Gallery at Grace on Bainbridge Island. 8595 Day Road E. (206) 842-9997 or www.gracehere.org.
• Iyoko Okano’s Japanese calligraphy is on view in the Edmonds Arts Festival Museum Sept. 10 – Oct. 30. Located at the Frances Anderson Center at 700 Main St, in Edmonds. (425) 771-1984 or www.eaffoundation.org.
• Fans of Japanese Pop culture, anime, and manga won’t want to miss “Aki Con 2010”. This festival includes 24-hour anime viewing, panels, workshops and more. Coming November 5 – 7 at the Bellevue Hilton Hotel. For details, go to www.akicon.org.

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Performing Arts

• Tokyo experimental rock band, BORIS come to Neumos on August 23. Ian Astbury of The Cult will be  producing a new recording by the group .Look for a Capsule EP in September. (206) 709-9467 or www.neumos.com.
• “Natsu Matsuri” is what Uwajimaya is calling their Japanese outdoor summer festival at Uwajimaya Village in Seattle. August 27, 28 & 29. The group, “School of Taiko” perform on August 27 at 2 p.m. and August 28 at 3 p.m. Also there will be games, contests, food booths as well as a Tofu /curry eating and Ramune drinking contest for all ages.  Festival hours are noon – 8 p.m. on August 27 & 28 and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on August 29. 600 Fifth Avenue S. www.uwajimauya.com.
• Popular singer/songwriter Vienna Teng plays Bumbershoot with her trio on September 5. Seattle Center. Go to Bumbershoot.org for details.
• Japanese Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka brings his band to Chop Suey  on September 13 as part of his “Wind Land And Sea Tour”. 1325 East Madison St. 1 (800) 745-3000.
• The concept of a night market, popular in Asia is catching on the West Coast as well. Perhaps the largest one is in Vancouver, B.C. but recently our own Seattle Chinatown/International District neighborhood is trying out the concept as well. A night market will take place August 28 from 6 – 11 p.m. Look for food booths, shopping, martial arts demonstrations, music and children’s activities. Highlights include an “Anime” costume contest from 7:30 – 8 p.m. There will also be a free screening of the animated film, “Up.”  In Hing Hay Park at 422 Maynard Avenue S. Go to www.cidbia.org for details.
• “Beacon Rocks!” is a music series that strives to bring music and community together. Takes place on Lander Festival Street next to the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. August 29 from 1 – 5 p.m. For details, go to beaconrock@gmail.com or www.rockitspace.ning.com.
• The 11^th Lakewood International Festival is an international cultural event featuring Lakewood’s sister cities abroad. August 28 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Clover Park Technical College, McGavick Conference Center at 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W. in Lakewood. (888) 522-6116 or go to www.lakewoodsc.com.
• Aki Matsuri is a Japanese Fall Festival set for September 11 & 12 at Bellevue College. With food, Japanese crafts and cultural activities for adults and kids alike. 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. (425) 861-7865 or go to wwwenma.org.
• Japanese Tea Ceremony Master Kannoh presents a mobile tea house where he offers a casual tea ceremony every Saturday at Seattle Uwajimaya at 600 – 5^th Ave. S. and every Sunday at KOBO Capitol Hill at 814 E.Roy. From 1 – 3 p.m. at both sites. For more details, go to www.kannoh.com.

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Film/Media

• Quentin Lee’s new film, “The People I’ve Slept With” stars Karin Anna Cheung. This ribald romantic comedy about a promiscuous woman was written by Koji Steven Sakai. Opens in selected theatres across the country soon.
• Jet Li stars in  “The Expendables” (Lionsgate) Sylvester Stallone’s action/drama about a gang of mercenaries-for-hire “good guys”. Now at various theatres nationwide.
• POV, the award-winning documentary film series that runs on PBS channels across the country offers tow films of interest to our viewers. On August 21, they present “Wo Ai Ni (I Love YOU) Mommy”, an intimate account of how a Jewish family on Long Island adopt an 8 year-old girl from Guangzhou Province, China. A Co-production of American Documentary/POV and Diverse Voices Project presented in Association with the Center for Asian American Media. Directed by Stephanie Wong-Breal. On September 14, a Korean American adoptee tries to untangle the identity switch that sent her to the U.S. in “In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee”. Directed by Deann Borshay Liem. Check local listings for exact date and showtimes. Locally on Channel 9, KCTS. For details, go to www.pbs.org/pov/pressroom or http://kcts9.org.
• A new 35mm print of  the late Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran” will be shown for one week starting September 3 at the Varisity. The epic film is a meditation on Shakespeare’s King Lear and features a marvelous perforamce by Tatsuya Nakadai as the aspiring ruler. 4329 University Way N.E. (206) 781-5755.
• “Enemies of The People” is a documentary film by Thet Sambath and Rob Lemkin that attempts for the first time to expose the truth about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rogue. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2010. Opens in Los Angeles on August 6 with plans underway to screen it nationally. For details, go to http://enemies of thepeople/movie.com.
• “Tales From Earthsea” (see review this issue) is a new film from Japan’s Studio Ghibli as directed by Goro Miyazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki) loosely based on the series by Ursula K. LeGuin. This adventure follows the journey of a character as he attempts to find the cause for an imbalance in the land of Earthsea. Set for release by Walt Disney Studios/Studio Ghibli on August 13 nation-wide. Check your local listings.
• “Mao’s Last Dancer” (see review this issue), a movie based on a true story about a Chinese dancer who sought asylum in America which played at SIFF 2010 is now playing at Metro Cinemas at 4500 9^th N.E. (206) 632-5820.
• Call for entries for the Couch Festival Films 2010. Films must be under 6 minutes and will be screened in people’s houses. For details go to http://www.couchfestfilms.com The Festival happens on Nov. 7, 2010.
• Seung-heon Sog and Nanako Matshushima are set to star in an Asian remake of the Hollywood smash film, “Ghost”.

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Written Arts

• “A Cold Wind from Idaho”  (Black Lawrence Press) is local writer Lawrence Matsuda’s debut collection of poetry that details his experience at Minidoka internment camp, the facility that most Japanese Americans from this area were sent for lock-up during WW II. Noted poet/writer Tess Gallagher says of this book, “I receive Matsuda’s narratives about the Camps with the shame and empathy of a fellow citizen who knows we must never let this happen again—which is the central message of this many layered document written by a modern samurai of the pen.” For ordering information, go to www.blacklawrence.com. News of the poet’s local readings will be available soon.

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Art News/ Opportunites

• The idea for a collective art gallery in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District neighborhood is in the planning stages. Plans call for a gallery space that will showcase visual art by new & emerging artists of  color. If you want more information or want to attend a meeting, e-mail Carina at cadelrosario@gmail.com or log on to www.flickr.com/photos/cadelrosario.
• “NOTHING TO DECLARE’ is an International Contemporary Art Exhibition in Manila. To participate, send proposal of artwork you would like to show or new work you will make. Deadline is 8/30/10. Visit http://bit.ly/bkxyuY for details.
• Berliner Liste takes place from 10/7-10. You can apply as a gallery, an artist or as a project. Over 100 international galleries and artists will exhibit. No deadline but visit www.berliner-liste.org/app07 for details.
• The 2011 Multnomah Arts Center Gallery is looking for Oregon (Portland area) and Washington artists to submit proposals for group or solo shows. Deadline is 9/1/10. Visit www.multnomahartscenter.org for details.
• Wing Luke Asian Museum changes its name and gains a new nickname. The museum recently announced it has expanded its name to Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience to better reflect the community that it strives to serve. Recognizing that this new name is a mouthful, it has also created a new nickname which is simply “The Wing”.

Arren With Sparrowhawk in “Tales From the Earthsea”.

There’s a popular term known as “a happy accident”, although a press screening gone awry hardly seems the setting for one. Several days ago as the lights dimmed and a reel began to un-spool, voices speaking Japanese along with English subtitles appeared onscreen. That shouldn’t have seemed strange except that the animated characters in the film “Tales from Earthsea” had unmistakably European physical features.

Afterwards, we were informed that those voices should’ve been speaking English uttered by American actors Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin and Mariska Hargitay. Instead, we had just watched the 2006 Japanese version called “Gedo Senki” now dubbed and being released in the U.S. as “Tales from Earthsea”. An accident? Yes. Happy? Indeed, because it was an opportunity to learn some Japanese words like “kinko” which means balance—the importance of which was stressed throughout the movie yet inexplicably missing in its own production.

Based on a popular series of four books authored by fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin, the film has drawn complaints from aficionados of her mythical world as not being authentic to her vision. However, to the average oblivious filmgoer, Earthsea will appear to be an action packed anime with intriguing heroes and villains albeit a disjointed story. Author Le Guin, whose father was an anthropologist, often features people of color as main characters yet in this Japanese made movie they are, ironically, all Caucasian.

Earthsea opens with several men aboard a boat pitching in violent winds and stormy seas. As two dragons fight overhead, they plunge towards the flinching men. Nature, it seems, is off balance—lacking kinko–because of something that humans caused. As one frightened boatman shouts that he’s unable to recall the wind and sea’s true names, he laments that it prevents him from commanding them to stop their antics.

Meanwhile, a young prince named Arren (Matt Levin) runs away after murdering his father over a magical sword. Chased by his nightmares, he’s befriended in a new land by a master wizard called Lord Archmage or Sparrowhawk (Dalton). Wandering Hort Town, the two encounter drug addicts and locals being enslaved by soldiers.

In the Japanese version, the evil soldier Hare is voiced by Kagawa Teruyuki currently playing Yatoro on the Ryomaden taiga series, but replaced here by Cheech Marin.

Sparrowhawk leads Arren to a peaceful farm run by Tenar (Hargitay) an earthy, voluptuous woman obviously infatuated with him. While she manages household chores, an orphaned girl with a disfigured face, Therru, works the pastures alongside Arren, whom she openly despises in contrast to her love for animals. In some of the film’s most pictorial scenes, Sparrowhawk and Arren help the ladies with farm tasks then fill up on freshly prepared food that looks suspiciously vegetarian. It’s interesting to note that later on, the bad guys are seen chomping on meat.

Soon, Arren falls into the trap set by evil wizard Cob (Dafoe) channeling Morticia of “The Addams Family”. Hoping to possess eternal life, Cob has opened the path between life and death and prepares to battle Sparrowhawk for supreme control. As the womenfolk become the prerequisite collateral, Sparrowhawk and a newly motivated Arren come to their rescue.

Known for his spectacular anime (“Howl’s Moving Castle”, “Spirited Away”), director Hayao Miyazaki was too busy to make Le Guin’s story; offering it to his son Goro. The result disappointed him, causing father and son to stop speaking not unlike the king and prince in the film. Unfortunately, Earthsea lacks a cohesive kinko – making it an unhappy accident.

“Tales From Earthsea” opened August 13 at Harvard Exit.

Wang Shuang Bao as Dia and Joan Chen as Niang.

Bruce Beresford’s presentation of “Mao’s Last Dancer” appears to be all black and white, or perhaps the director wanted to tell a complicated story in a simplistic way. In any case, Beresford ends up with a good film that could have been a great film had he allowed a little more gray to seep through all that black and white.

The story of Li Cunxin is based on the Chinese ballet dancer’s acclaimed autobiography; but how much of his original story remains intact in the film can only be speculated on by those who never read the book.

Three actors play Li at three stages of his life and, although all are good, charismatic Chi Cao is the most convincing as the adult Li — probably because his own dancer’s life mirrored the role. Athletic, charming and capable, Chi as Li is totally believable as the artist who defects to the West. The only stumbling occurs in several romantic scenes where an awkward Chi should’ve played a smoother seducer at that point in Li’s life.

At age 11, Li, the youngest of six brothers in a farming family, is the perfect student. Eager to audition for Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy, he makes the cut then leaves his rural home to study in the city. Once among peers, he realizes that he’s not as good as them until a teacher takes pity and encourages him. After being selected for a cultural exchange program with the Houston Ballet Company, Li experiences an American life he decides he can’t give up even if it means never seeing his family or China again. After appealing to the Chinese embassy, he’s held hostage in a tense scene that drags on too long.

While the film suggests that Li’s dance career could only be satisfying to him in a freedom-loving U.S., there’s a problematic arc between his leaving home to visit Texas then suddenly attempting to claim asylum. Because this happens without us being able to share Li’s innermost thoughts about his life-changing decision, we’re left guessing at exactly what point he started developing a political agenda.

Did Li’s sense of Chinese censorship stem from the time a Party official chastised his troupe for performing a piece he considered too bourgeois? Since that happened early in the film, it’s hard to recall as the impetus.

Perhaps it was the material trappings that Li’s host, Ben Stevenson (Bruce Greenwood), plied him with upon his arrival in America that influenced him to flee China. Or, maybe it’s the white women. Most likely forbidden to him in China, in the U.S. Li marries one, divorces her, then gets involved with another.

Of course, the dancing is extraordinary throughout, but some of the best scenes are when Li’s just hanging out — like when he goes to the theater to watch kung fu movies and is visibly entertained.

And, there’s Joan Chen playing Li’s mother, Niang, as the one strong dissenting voice. As usual, her performance is powerful. Believable in any role, Chen is especially authentic playing an angry mother telling off Party leaders.

Unfortunately, this story unravels in shades of good and bad. The unyielding Communist Party is bad. American freedom is good. The Chinese embassy and its arrogant ambassador are bad. The heroic ballet dancer and his supporters—including George Bush, Sr. and wife Barbara — are good. And, so on.

What’s missing are overlapping gray edges that would’ve added a richness, although the ambiguity of what inspired Li’s monumental decision is about as gray as it can get.

Opens August 20 at Landmark’s Seven Gables, AMC Pacific Place and Lincoln Square.

Anu Taranath. Photo credit: by Mary Levin.

When we think back on the people who influenced our lives, we often remember our teachers. These individuals, perhaps in the school classroom or even outside in the “classroom” of daily living, endure as indelible impressions that shaped who we are today. Scholar Joseph Campbell in the PBS film “Mythos I: The Shaping of Our Mythic Tradition” spoke of the important part that teachers play in the “pedagogy of the individual” navigating through the cycle of life, the environment and the greater society.

So what makes good teachers, one might ask? What qualities personify good teachers (and not so good, for that matter)? These questions, among others, were posed to three noteworthy teachers who have distinguished themselves in the area of jazz studies and performance, history and multicultural studies, and comparative literature: Cuong Vu, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Washington (UW); Tracy Lai, Historian and Instructor at Seattle Central Community College; and Dr. Anu Taranath, Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at UW.

Recently, Vu and Taranath were both awarded the 2010 UW Distinguished Teaching Award. Last spring, Lai was one of four delegates sent by the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Solidarity Center on a Study Tour of Cambodia.

In recollecting his past teachers, Vu admits “Some were terrible, and some were good…the main things I took from the bad teachers were that problem solving skills, empathy, sympathy, passion, flexibility, intuition and inspiration are priceless and are keys to motivating people and helping them realize what they need to learn and how to master it.” While Lai now teaches history, she remembers her piano teacher, Mrs. Adams: “I had to sit and wait through my older sister’s lessons…she could see how much I wanted to learn…Though I was underage…[she] gave me a sense of possibility and performance.”

While these three individuals may diverge in the subjects they are passionate about, they share some similarities in their teaching styles. Vu customizes his private lessons with students: “I intuitively feel it out from lesson to lesson and the trajectory is flexible and often subtly changes course.” Lai utilizes an experiential learning model in the classroom rather than an “informative old-style lecture [in] helping students to raise their self-expectations (whether this is in terms of their own knowledge or skills, [or] what they expect to do with [their] college education).” Taranath also follows a flexible teaching style, admittedly describing it as more “organic and intuitive.” Often she may “not be sure of the outcome” when she begins her class, instead relying on “the vibes of the students.”

Both Lai and Taranath raise issues around race, class, gender, and sexual orientation through the class curricula. These include books reflecting “the diversity of experiences in the U.S. and the global arena,” according to Lai. “The students are also colleagues,” says Taranath, who sees herself also in the learning process rather than as an “expert.” If tensions arise during a discussion, she seizes the opportunity to “depersonalize issues [and instead] recognize the ideas they represent.”

Upon interviewing these teachers, it is apparent that one cannot separate the person from the teaching. The activity is inherently about relationships, as Vu puts it, “The teacher has to have the humility and respect for the student as a person” to fully realize the student’s potential. “This takes a lot of investment, especially emotionally to a certain extent, in the student. So it comes down to passion for the music as well as passion for the fellow human being.”

Author and teacher Barry Green further expounds on this humanistic approach in his book, “The Mastery of Music.” He quotes fellow educator Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser: “’…what catapults people beyond that into true greatness has to do with the messenger, not just the message: it’s their vision, their communication skills, their people skills, their understanding of others that makes people great. The real heroes are people who are always looking for ways to empower the people around them.’”

Green continues, “Tim teaches that the messenger is as important as the message, that the attitude of teachers or leaders is the key to unlocking the value of their message when all’s said and done.”

1. Highlights
2. Visual Arts
3. Performing Arts
4. Film/Media
5. Written Arts
6. Art News/ Opportunites

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Highlights

• As part of the 17^th Seattle Festival of Dance, two “Off the Cuff” faculty performances happen at 8 p.m. on August 5 and 6. Both concerts feature a mix of local and out of town talent. Teacher/dancer/choreographers Aiko Kinoshita and Haruko Nishimura (Degenerate Art Ensemble) will perform with others in the August 6 concert. Broadway Performance Hall at 1625 Broadway. (800) 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com for tickets and (206) 686-7323 or www.danceartgroup.org for more information. Support local dance by attending one or both of these concerts.
• “From Hiroshima To Hope”, the annual memorial for victims of war with the lantern lighting ceremony and program takes place by Seattle’s Green Lake Northwest shore, just south of the Bathhouse Theater. Friday, August 6 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call (206) 453-4471 or go to fhthvolunteers@gmail.com.
• Boo Duck Lee, a visiting artist from Korea who will be teaching at Tacoma Community College has a special show of paper art from August 20 – September 5.  Also enter the fantasy world of photographer Christian Peterson in the show entitled “KOBO Wonderland” on view August 5 – 17. Opening reception August 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. The work of Japanese ceramic artist Keizaburo Kubodera remains on view through August 15. KOBO Gallery at HIGO. 604 South Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or www.koboseattle.com.
• Novelist Shawna Yang Ryan reads from the new paperback edition of “Water Ghosts” her debut novel, “” (Penguin Books) detailing the story of a Chinese picture brides sent to the rural enclave of Locke, a Chinese American settlement in the San Joaquin Delta at the turn of the century. 1 p.m. on August 12 at Elliott Bay Book Company. 1521 10^th Ave. (206) 624-6600 or www.elliotbaybook.com.
• Sev Shoon welcomes Zhang Guanghui, one of China’s emerging printmaking artists whose work attracts international recognition, here from Beijing. Part of Second Saturday Ballard ARTwalk on August 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. 2862 NW Market. (206) 782-2415 or www.sevshoon.com.
• “Children of Nature” is the title of a show by Isnia (Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam), internationally known batik artists. The essence of the show is not so much about the cloths but the shadows that are created by them, symbolic of the illusive connection we all have to all living beings and nature. August 6 – 31. Island Gallery at 400 Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island. (206) 780-9500 or www.theislandgallery.net.
• Cans of Spam, Cup Noodles, evaporated milk are just some of the images found in Lynne Yamamoto’s cast porcelain sculptures evoking memories of her upbringing and family history in Hawai’i. Opening reception is August 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. Remains on view August 19 – September 30. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770 or www.gregkucera.com.
• The annual moon viewing event features Japanese traditional cultural activities including tea ceremony. Starts at 7 p.m. on August 21. Also on August 29, there will be a tea ceremony tribute to the 14^th Urasenke Grandmaster Tantansai at 1, 2:15 & 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association. All events take place at Shoseian Teahouse in the Seattle Japanese Garden. 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. Call (206) 684-4725 about moon viewing event. Call (206) 324-2829 about special tea ceremony.
• Akiko Izumitani’s documentary film, “Silent Shame” will have its North American premiere in Pasadena, Calif. at the Regency Academy Theatre. It is the journey of a Japanese-born filmmaker trying to uncover the hidden truth behind her country’s involvement in war crimes during WW II and the impact on today’s society. IE contributor Yakoi Winfrey worked on this film. Nominated for Best Documentary & Best Political Statement Movie at Active on Film International Film Festival. For details of screening schedule, go to www.silentshamedocumentary.com.
• The Cullom Gallery, a Seattle gallery specializing in Japanese prints & paper and work by artists inspired by the Japanese print tradition has officially relocated from Pioneer Square to the Japantown area of the Chinatown/ID neighborhood. Their new show “Cuttin’ It Up” features Ryohei Tanaka’s mischievous, irreverent take on the “kirigami” (folded and cut paper) tradition is the perfect prescription for summer. Bold colors and zany figures abound. On view through Aug. 14.  6035 Main. For more information, go to www.cullomgallery.com.
• La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum presents a pair of exhibits that focus on the Japanese quilt. “All That Blooms” looks at the use of blossoms, flowers and plants by quiltmakers. “Japanese Textiles” shows the variety of materials used in the quiltmaking process from the perspective of the quiltmaker. Both shows on view through Sept. 26. 703 A. Second St. in La Connor, Wash. (360) 466-4288 or visit www.laconnorquilts.com.
• “Windfall” is a temporary installation by Seattle artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo of Lead Pencil Studio. A thousand wind chimes have been hung from newly planted trees on the walkway that leads to Seattle Rep and Intiman Theatre at Seattle Center. Stroll by and wait for the wind to conduct this leafy orchestra. Up till Sept. 17. Second Ave. N. at Mercer St.
• “The Wing” presents “JamFest!”, a summer festival of live music on  First Thursday Gallery Walk nights through September from 6 – 9 p.m. at four different venues in the ID. Go to www.wingluke.org for complete details.
• In Stephen B. Nguyen’s installation entitled “Migration”, prepare for some visual sleight of hand and the magic of flight through an enclosed space as you watch the flight pattern of birds. The Brooklyn-based artist’s work continues on view through August 6. Free to the public. Suyama Space is at 2324 Second Ave. within the offices of Suyama/Peterson/Deguchi Architects. Visit  www.suyamapetersondeguchi.com/art OR www.stephennguyen.com for more information.
• “Show of Hands – Northwest Women Artists 1880 – 2010” is a new group show that takes an in-depth look at northwest women artists from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. More than 90 works by 63 area artists. Curator Barbara Matilsky (originally from the East Coast) says “she became conscious of many ‘unseen artists’ regarded highly in their lifetime that have since been forgotten.” The work of Diem Chau, Elizabeth Jameson, Margot Quan Knight, Norie Sato, Maki Tamura and Patti Warashina is included. Well worth the trip to Bellingham to see this beautiful, new contemporary art facility. On view through August 8, 2010. Whatcom Museum at the Lightcatcher. 250 Flora St. (360) 778-8930 or log on to www.whatcommuseum.org.

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Visual Arts

• Pojagi Now is a group show of Korean wrapping textiles from both American and Korean artists. Picture stained glass transformed to cloth with unique patchwork design. When exposed to light, the colors dance. Another Korean related show entitled “You Are Here” shares the space. August 4 – Sept. 19 in the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. Opening reception is August 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or www.columbiacitygallery.com.
• The work of stained glass artist Joby Shimomura is included in a group show entitled “Three Different Views of Nature” at Alchemy Gallery through September. Opening reception is September 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. 619 Western Avenue on the 2^nd floor. (206) 719-3769. Open First Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. or by appointment.
• The work of Diem Chau and Thuy-Van Vu is included in a Summer Gallery Artist Exhibit at G. Gibson Gallery through August 14.  300 S. Washington. (206)587-4033 or www.ggibsongallery.com.
• Z.Z. Wei’s paintings of Northwest landscapes and back roads are on view  Sept. 2 – Oct. 4 at Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273. Opening reception September 2 from 6 – 8 p.m.
• “Recent Work” by Eric Adrian Lee of mixed media abstract paintings associated with specific memories or reactions are on view August 5 – 29 with opening reception on August 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. Gallery IMA at 123 S. Jackson. (206) 625-0055 or www.galleryima.com.
• The work of Minh Carrico is included in ”Postscripts From The Edge”, a group show showcasing the artwork of 15 graduates from the 2009 Artist Trust EDGE Program. Opening reception is August 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. with an artists talk set for 7 p.m. On view through August 29. Collective Visions Gallery at 331 Pacific Avenue in Bremerton. (360) 377-8327 or www.collectivevisions.com.
• The current trend towards abstraction is shown in contrast to the use of the figure in a group show of photography entitled “Contemporary Works from the Monsen Collection” on view from August 5 – Nov.  28 in the North Galleries of the Henry Art Gallery. The work of Weng Fen is featured.  15^th Ave. NE & NE 41^st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org.
• “! Eightfold Six Trinity” is the title of a show that displays traditional Japanese motifs from Shinto and animist customs on rice paper and scrolls. Form Space Atelier at 2407 First Avenue. (206) 349-2509 or formspaceatelier.com Through August 15.
• The work of Mark Takamichi Miller, Joseph Park and Akio Takamori is included in the group show entitled “Honoring 15 Years of Neddy Artist Fellows. On view through August 22. Tacoma Art Museum. 1701 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. (253) 272-4258 or www.tacomaartmuseum.org.
• The work of Patsy Surh O’Connell and Cathy Woo is included in the group show entitled  “Annual Fall Exhibition” by Women Painters of Washington. Opening reception is August 5 from 4 – 6 p.m. On view through October 29. 701 Fifth Avenue in Suite 310, (206) 624-0543 or www.womenpainters.com.
• “ With Our Hands – Folk Art Treasures”. Vietnamese paper folding is just one of the many folk arts gathered from across the state for this exhibit that attempts to answer the question, “What is folk art?”. On view through December with various folk art demonstrations and activities planned. Washington State History Museum. 1911 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. (253) 272-3500.
• Seattle Asian Art Museum has a series of “Summer Art Talks in Volunteer Park” that will enrich your understanding of Asian art. “Four Individualists: Four Modernities in Chinese Painting” is a series in which Ben Wang of the China Institute in New York discusses the work of Chinese scholar-painters who excelled at the Three Perfections – painting, poetry and calligraphy. August 5 is “Eccentric of Yangzhou – Jin Nong (1687-1764)”, August 10 is “The Older You Are, The Better You Paint – Qi Baishi (1864-1957)” and August 12 is “Dispossessed Imperial Prince and Painter – Pu Ru (1896-1963)”. All talks begin at 7 p.m.
• Ping-Kwan Wong emigrated from Hong Kong to Seattle in 1996. He used the McCaw Foundation Library at Seattle Asian Art Museum for years to study calligraphy and classic poems. He created hundreds of bookmarks featuring famous Chinese poems and well-known sayings before passing away in February of 2010. A small show of his bookmarks will be on view August – October 2010 in the library. Also “First Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. feature programs that connect your family with the arts and cultures of Asia. Free and no registration is required. The August 7 program will have a workshop on painting landscapes of the amazing imaginary places you want to go. Visit www.seattleartmuseum.org/gardnercenter  for details. 1400 Prospect in Volunteer  Park. (206) 654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org.
• “Order and Border” is an on-going exhibit on the third floor World Textiles Gallery at Seattle Art Museum downtown. The selection from SAM’s permanent collection puts stripes in the spotlight with Japanese bedcovers and undergarments, a meditation cloth from Laos, an African teacher’s disguise and items from many other global cultures. Also worth noting, a series of tea ceremony demonstrations in the teahouse on the Third Floor.   Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Instructors are Bonnie Soshin Mitchell, Mitsuko Soki Gale and Naomi Somi Takemura. Free with museum admission but seating is limited so registration is suggested. Call (206) 654-3121 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org to register.
• Seattle Center For Book Arts has classes and workshops all summer. Lisa Hasegawa teaches  a workshop on “Spontaneous One Hour Books” on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Naomi  Kasumi does a workshop entitled “Creating Altered Books” on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a full schedule, go to www.seattlebookarts.org.
• “A Refugee’s Journey of Survival And Hope” is the latest show to open at the “Wing”. See life through the eyes of a refugee through personal stories, photographs and multimedia. Show continues on view till Dec. 12, 2010. “Cultural Transcendence is a group show at Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience curated by Lele Barnett that “explores the importance of technology in our modern experience and technology’s influence on contemporary installation art.” Features the work of Robert Hodgin, Eunsu Kang, Heidi Kumao, Horatio Law and Brent Watanabe. Show continues  through Sept. 2010. “Paj Ntaub – Stories of Hmong in Washington State” remains on view through Oct. 17. 2010. “Return Home From War – Remnants of War Through Recent Asian Pacific American Veterans’ Perspective” continues through August 15. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
• Artists such as Kamia Kakaria, Lisa Haswgawa, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Tina Koyama and Mark Takamichi Miller will all be teaching classes at Pratt Fine Arts Center this Fall. For details or to register, go to www.pratt.org or call (206) 328-2200. The arts facility is open to the public and has their Annual Open House on Sat., November 13 from 6 – 9 p.m. Mark your calendars.
• Chinese artist Long Gao shows his paintings, scrolls, prints and sculpture. Also his 2009 commission for the City of Woodinville is documented. Opening reception June 3 from 5 – 7 p.m. On view through Sept. 4. Jeffrey Moose Gallery at 1333 – 5^th Ave. in Rainier Square. (206) 467-6951 or www.jeffreymoosegallery.com.
• The mixed media/fiber paintings of Hye Young Kim and Jennifer Nerad are on view at Gallery at Towne Centre September 1 – October 9 with an opening reception for the artists on September 16 from 5 – 7 p.m.  17171 Bothell Way N.E. in Lake Forest Park. (206) 417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net.
• The work of Chunghong Chang is included in a group show through August at the Bainbridge Art museum located at the corner of 305 and Winslow Way on Bainbridge Island.
• Amy Sie in her retirement rediscovered the pleasure of brush and ink using the Gongbi style of Chinese  painting. “Discovering the artistic I/eye in Second Adulthood” is on view through August at Gallery at Grace on Bainbridge Island. 8595 Day Raod E. (206) 842-9997 or www.gracehere.org.
• Iyoko Okano’s Japanese calligraphy is on view in the Edmonds Arts Festival Museum Sept. 10 – Oct. 30. Located at the Frances Anderson Center at 700 Main St, in Edmonds. (425) 771-1984 or www.eaffoundation.org.
• Fans of Japanese Pop culture, anime, and manga won’t want to miss “Aki Con 2010”. This festival includes 24 hour anime viewing, panels, workshops and more. Coming November 5 – 7 at the Bellevue Hilton Hotel. For details, go to www.akicon.org.

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Performing Arts

• Now playing through August 8 is “Happy Summer from the Pork Filled Players”, a new program by this local Asian American sketch comedy collective. At Hugo House at 1634-11^th Avenue in Seattle. 8 p.m. Go to brownpapertickets.com/event/112181 to order tickets.
• Japanese Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka brings his band to Chop Suey  on September 13 as part of his “Wind Land And Sea Tour”. 1325 East Madison St. 1-800-745-3000.
• ReAct Theatre presents the World Premiere of Seattle playwright Maggie Lee’s “Kindred Spirits” (see review this issue) as directed by David Hsieh. It is a modern ghost story that sheds new light on the restless spirits from our past. Through August 8 with several “pay-what-you-can” performances. At Hugo House on Capitol Hill. 1634 Eleventh. (206) 364-3283 or log on to www.reacttheatre.org.
• Don Daryl Rivera takes the part of Sancho Panza in the new Taproot Theatre production of “Man of La Mancha” now on stage through August 7. 204 N. 85^th St.  Go to www.taproot theatre.org or call (206) 781-9707 for details.
• “Beacon Rocks!” is a music series that stroives to bring music and community together. Takes place on Lander Festival Street next to the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. August 8 and 29 from 1 – 5 p.m. For details, go to beaconrock@gmail.com or www.rockitspace.ning.com.
• The 11^th Lakewood International Festival is an international cultural event featuring Lakewood’s sister cities abroad. August 28 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Clover Park Technical College, McGavick Conference Center at 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W. in Lakewood. (888) 522-6116 or go to www.lakewoodsc.com.
• Aki Matsuri is a Japanese Fall Festival set for September 11 & 12 at Bellevue College. With food, Japanese crafts and cultural activities for adults and kids alike. 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. (425) 861-7865 or go to wwwenma.org.

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Film/Media

• “Hausu”, a Japanese comedy/horror film directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi screens at Northwest Film Forum August 6 – 8. 1515 – 12^th Avenue. Call (206) 329-2629.
• “Second Battle” is a documentary film that looks at families influenced by the presence of family members serving in Iraq and Afganistan. Japanese widow Hotaru Nakama Ferschk and her family is featured. Aires on August 13 on Channel 9, KCTS. For details, go to www.intheirboots.com or http://kcts9.org.
• A new 35mm print of the late Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran” will be shown for one week starting September 3 at the Varisity. The epic film is a meditation on Shakespeare’s King Lear and features a marvelous performance by Tatsuya Nakadai as the aspiring ruler. 4329 University Way N.E. (206) 781-5755.
• “Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo” recently was screened at SIFF 2010. Now it returns for a regular run at the Grand Illusion. Written, directed & produced by Jessica Oreck, this documentary film looks at Japan’s obsession with the beetle in its various and many forms. Through August 5.  1403 – NE 50oth St. in the University District. (206) 523-3935.
• “Enemies of The People” is a documentary film by Thet Sambath and Rob Lemkin that attempts for the first time to expose the truth about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rogue. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2010. Opens in Los Angeles on August 6 with plans underway to screen it nationally. For details, go to http://enemies of thepeople/movie.com.
• “Tales From Earthsea” is a new film from Japan’s Studio Ghibli as directed by Goro Miyazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki) loosely based on the series by Ursula K. LeGuin. This adventure follows the journey of a character as he attempts to find the cause for an imbalance in the land of Earthsea. Set for release by Walt Disney Studios/Studio Ghibli on August 13 nation-wide. Check your local listings.
• “Mao’s Last Dancer”, a movie based on a true story about a Chinese dancer who sought asylum in America which played at SIFF 2010 is now playing at Metro Cinemas at 4500 9^th N.E. (206) 632-5820.
• Call for entries for the Couch Festival Films 2010. Films must be under 6 minutes and will be screened in people’s houses. For details go to http://www.couchfestfilms.com. The Festival happens on Nov. 7, 2010.
• Seung-heon Sog and Nanako Matshushima are set to star in an Asian remake of the Hollywood smash film, “Ghost”.

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The Written Arts

• Excerpts from a forthcoming graphic novel by Eroyn Franklin entitled “Detained” were recently shown at Gallery4 Culture in July. The book is based on the oral histories of two illegal immigrants, Cambodian American Many Uch and Mexican American Gabriela Cubillos covering months of captivity and legal appeals.  Franklin did interviews with reporters from the Common Language Project. Look out for this book when it hits the stands.

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Art News/ Opportunites

• The idea for a collective art gallery in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District neighborhood is in the planning stages. Plans call for a gallery space that will showcase visual art by new & emerging artists of color. If you want more information or want to attend a meeting, email Carina at cadelrosario@gmail.com or log on to www.flickr.com/photos/cadelrosario
• WESTAF’s Visual Arts Touring Grant awards grants to visual arts organizations to support the preparation and touring of visual arts exhibitions of important regional artists. Deadline is 8/1/10. Visit http://amp.cgweb.org for details.
• “NOTHING TO DECLARE’ is an International Contemporary Art Exhibition in Manila. To participate, send proposal of artwork you would like to show or new work you will make. Deadline is 8/30/10. Visit http://bit.ly/bkxyuY for details.
• Berliner Liste takes place from 10/7-10. You can apply as a gallery, an artist or as a project. Over 100 international galleries and artists will exhibit. No deadline but visit www.berliner-liste.org/app07 for details.
• The 2011 Multnomah Arts Center Gallery is looking for Oregon (Portland area) and Washington artists to submit proposals for group or solo shows. Deadline is 9/1/10. Visit www.multnomahartscenter.org for details.

Yoon describes the premise of the book thusly: “Inside each person is the capacity for and the desire to order and name the living world. That capacity has influenced the history of science, and influenced how we interact with the living world in the past, present, and future.” Yoon attributes this impulse to the “umwelt”, which she describes as an instinctual perception of the natural world. According to Yoon, we have become so far removed from our umwelts that we risk losing our innate sense of nature, culminating in such scientific debacles as the cladist taxonomist’s claim that fish should be not be considered a separate species.

Yoon’s approach to writing is quirky and humorous. At our interview, Yoon shows me the latest book she’s reading – “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”, which perfectly encapsulates Yoon’s sensibility as a writer. Many of the scientists she writes about are idiosyncratic in their own right, and Yoon portrays their eccentricities in a humorous light.

When asked about her beginnings as a scientist, she says: “I was supposed to go to medical school, but I don’t like sick people. But I really liked biology. Eventually I convinced my dad that I wanted to go to graduate school, which would result in my applying to medical school.”

Yoon started seriously writing just after she graduated from graduate school. “I ended up going to grad school. Just as I was finishing up, I started a class in fiction writing. I started writing for the New York Times as a clerk. I had no journalism experience and they hired me to be a clerk, which means you get coffee for people. I did that for about six months. It was hard to do, because I had worked six years to get my Ph.D.”

Regarding her writing process, Yoon describes it as an agonizing procedure. Like many writers, for Yoon the initial stages of writing are most important. “I have a really ugly writing process. I read, read, read, then I wait forever. Then I spend a long time flipping out. I spend months writing a first chapter. Once I actually get something down, then I can keep going. But it takes a long time to start.”

Yoon’s influences are varied and diverse. She recalls Darwin as the thinker who influenced her the most.

“I’ve read the most of Darwin,” says Yoon. “He is pleasant to read because you can tell he’s a nice and gentle person.” Indeed, Darwin is present throughout the book as a kind of vantage point from which to examine the different theories of taxonomy. Another influence is Deva Sobel “who wrote ‘Longitude’. It’s a really amazing how she turns obscure weird scientific story that is fun to read. I read that book a lot of times while reading ‘Naming Nature’.”

To conclude the interview, I ask Yoon how we should go about resolving the dilemma between science and the umwelt. She answers: “Science and the umwelt have different ways of looking at the living world, but science and the umwelt each have their own, separate roles to play in our lives. So if you’re a scientist, when you’re doing your science, you should order scientifically, by evolutionary relationships. But everyone else, all regular folks can, if they want to, ignore the scientific order. It might even be good if they ignore it and instead connect with the living world in a very powerful way by letting the umwelt that comes naturally to them show them the sometimes very nonscientific order in the living world.”

Written in a lucid, down to earth style, “Naming Nature” will prove to be a memorable read for not only science buffs but also for those interested in a compelling story about the history of science.