AsianWeek

A regional roundup of events of special interest to Asian Americans

Dancing Around the World

Gamelan Sekar Jaya will be among the groups performing at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, which will feature dance styles from around the world over three weekends at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Northern California

FINE ARTS

At Home & Abroad The work of 20 contemporary Filipino artists marks the 100th anniversary of Philippine independence. Exhibit opens June 13. Through August 30. (Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8800.)

Chinese Bronze and Buddhist Arts Over 100 pieces from the museum's permanent collection are on display. Ongoing. (Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8800.)

Collaborations A new installation of paintings and calligraphy by artists Jiang Jin and Mitra Ghaffari is on display. Through June 22. (Meridian Gallery, 545 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-398-7229.)

Hisashi Otsuka The works of one of Japan's most well-known artists are on exhibit. Ongoing. (Lakeview Club, 300 Lakeside Dr., Suite 2800, Oakland. 510-271-4115.)

Late Ming and Early Qing
Furniture Forty-four pieces dating from the 16th to the mid-18th century that explore the aesthetic concerns of the wealthy classes, along with broader issues of use and social status, are on display. Ongoing. (Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8800.)

Memory A new exhibit exploring memory is accompanied by installations by Su Chen Hung and Paul Kwan. Ongoing. (Exploratorium, Palace of Fine Arts, Marina Blvd. at Lombard Street, San Francisco. 415-563-7337.)

Photo Backdrops Painted backdrops from the May Studio in Chinatown are part of this exhibit of backdrops from around the world, which opens June 13. Through August 23. (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. 415-978-2700.)

Picturing History: Manzanar A collection of 45 photographs and artifacts from artists such as Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Toyo Miyatake documents the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Ongoing. (Ansel Adams Center for Photography, 250 Fourth St., San Francisco. 415-495-7000.)

Practice and Process This new show focusing on abstract painters in California includes the work of Kim Anno, Hyesook and others. Ongoing. (Richmond Art Center, Civic Center Plaza, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772.)

Shining Stars The convergence of Eastern and Western ideas, processes and styles is explored in the work of four artists--two from the United States and two from China--Lampo Leong and Zhengfu Lu of China and Judith Foosaner and Joe Botherton of the Bay Area. Ongoing. (Pacific Heritage Museum, 608 Commercial St., San Francisco. 415-399-1124.)

DANCE

Classical Indian Dance Festival Jyoti Rout and guest artists Nirmala Madhava and Vidya Sridhar will perform in the ancient Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance styles. June 13, 8 p.m. and June 14, 6 p.m. $12-$25. (Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 415-974-4313.)

Ethnic Dance Festival World Arts West presents the 20th annual festival over three weekends beginning June 12. Performances of Asian and other cultural traditions will be included in each program, which will change each weekend. June 12-28. (Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco. 415-392-4400.)

Kalayaan Kaisahan Dance of San Jose and others will present a showcase of music and dance in observance of Philippine Independence Day. June 13, 3:30 p.m., $8-$15; 7:30 p.m.; $10-$20. (Scottish Rite Auditorium, 2455 Masonic Drive, San Jose. 408-815-8461.)

EVENTS

Chinese Folk Lantern Festival Dozens of Chinese artists participate in this celebration of the arts and culture of China. The festival features continuous performances of a royal tea ceremony, a traditional wedding celebration, drum dancing, emperor's palace dancers, pageants, parades and more. Opens June 13. (Pier 45, San Francisco.)

EastLake Unity Festival The EastLake Merchants Association is sponsoring this multicultural community celebration, which will feature performances of Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Brazilian, Mexican and Caribbean dance and music. June 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Clinton Park, 14th St., Oakland. 510-287-5353.)

Eden Japanese Community
Center Bazaar The center will hold a two-day benefit bazaar featuring raffles, bingo, a variety of food and more. June 13, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. and June 14, noon-8 p.m. (Eden Township JACL, 710 Elgin St., San Lorenzo. 510-276-6292.)

Japanese Cultural Fair Continuous entertainment on three outdoor stages and 50 exhibits featuring traditional and contemporary Japanese crafts, food and workshops will make up this one-day event. June 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (Mission Plaza, Downtown Santa Cruz. 408-475-2115.)

Jollibee Grand Opening The Philippine fast food restaurant will make its grand debut in the United States on June 13 at its new Daly City location. (Jollibee, 6955 Mission St., San Francisco.)

Jose Rizal Birthday Celebration The Filipino hero will be commemorated in this program. June 20, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Road, Pinole. 415-861-8558.)

Journey to the East: Chinese Argonauts and Their Legacy A screening of Loni Ding's Chinese in the Frontier West and a discussion of the experience of Chinese argonauts by professor Judy Yung will be featured at this event. June 21, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. $3-$6. (Oakland Museum of California, James Moore Theatre, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 510-238-3818.)

Philippine Centennial Gala The Asian Art Museum will hold a gala celebration to open its "At Home and Abroad" exhibit, which features the work of 20 contemporary Filipino artists. June 12, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. $175. (Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-557-6988.)

Rugby Match The U.S. rugby team will meet the Japanese team on June 13 and the Hong Kong team on June 20. $12-$15. (Balboa Park, South San Francisco. Call 888-987-8429 for information.)

Unity '98 The Unity Foundation is sponsoring this one-day event celebrating ethnic diversity in San Francisco, which will feature performances by numerous music and dance groups to mark the one-year anniversary of the President's Initiative on Race. June 14, noon-7 p.m. (Cannery Complex, 2801 Leavenworth St., San Francisco.)

FILM

Kim Ki-Young: Master of Madness The San Francisco Film Society will present a series of the Korean B-movie master's films, including Iodo, The Housemaid, Insect Woman, Promise of the Flesh, Killer Butterfly, and Woman of Fire. June 12-14. $6.50-$7.50. (Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. San Francisco. Call theater for schedule.)

Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Asian and Asian American films will play a prominent role in this year's festival, which will include screenings of The Queen's Cantonese, China Dolls, Yellow Fever, Wicked Women and more. June 18-28. (Call 415-703-8663 for tickets and information.)

LECTURES

Chinese in Cuba Susan Chen, who works with a health organization in Cuba among other groups, will discuss the Chinese Cuban community and the effort to create stronger ties. June 19, 7 p.m. Free. (Chinese Cultural Center, Third Floor, 750 Kearny St., San Francisco. 415-391-1188.)

MEETINGS

Adopting from China Bay Area Adoption Services will provide a free presentation on international adoption. June 20, 3 p.m. Free. (Bay Area Adoption Services, 465 Fairchild Dr., Suite 215, Mountain View. 415-964-3800.)

API-PFLAG Family Support
Network Asian Pacific Islander Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Family Project aims to promote communication about sexual diversity within families and in the broader Asian Pacific Islander community. Meetings every second Sunday. (Call 415-921-8850 voice mailbox 2, for more information.)

AQUA Group for and run by young queer and questioning Asian Pacific Islanders in the Bay Area. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. (Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center, 730 Polk St., San Francisco. 415-292-3400.)

Bi Flava Group for and by bisexual and bi-questioning Asian and Pacific Islander men and women. (Call 415-227-0946, ext. 312 for meeting times and locations.)

Cancer Support Group in
Cantonese The Cancer Support Community sponsors this support group for Chinese women with cancer. The group uses practices such as meditation, massage, Tai Chi and Qi Gong to reduce stress and accelerate healing. First and third Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Free. (Chinatown Public Health Center, 1490 Mason St., San Francisco. 415-788-2131.)

Caregiver's Support Group This group offers an opportunity to share experiences, concerns and the pain of caring for elderly family members. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. (Oyama Hall, Kimochi Home, 1531 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-922-9972.)

Community Forum on Hepatitis C Guest speakers, an open Q&A session and a patient panel will make up this informational session. June 17, 7 p.m. Free. (The Arc San Francisco, 1500 Howard St., San Francisco. 415-834-4100.)

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Meets the second Sunday of each month. 6 p.m. (150 Eureka St., San Francisco. 415-282-GAPA.)

Senior Day Services Information Session Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service will sponsor an informational session on its seniors program. June 16, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (Yui-Ai Kai Community Center, 588 4th St., San Jose. 4108-294-2505.)

MUSIC

Chinese Music Melody of China, Jumping Buddha Ensemble and guest singers Xiao-Yen Pei and Qi-Ren Lee will perform. June 13, 7:30 p.m. $5-$50. (Clarion Music, 816 Sacramento St., San Francisco. 415-986-7038.)

San Francisco Taiko Dojo The group will perform along with the Rising Suns in celebration of the Japanese Community Youth Council's 28th anniversary. June 14, noon-4 p.m. (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. 415-202-7907.)

READING

Charlie Chin The well-known performing artist will read from his children's book China's Bravest Girl: The Legend of Hua Mu Lan. June 20, 2 p.m. (Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 1986 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-548-2350.)

THEATER

Bomba Filipino American comedy group Tongue in a Mood offers its interpretation of the Filipino American sexual psyche through puppets, music and nudity. June 18-July 4. $7-$10. (Bindlestiff Studio, 185 Sixth St., San Francisco. 415-974-1167.)

WORKSHOPS

Computer Classes Free after-school computer classes for low-income children in the Tenderloin, Mission, Chinatown and Western Addition are available. (Career Resources Development Center, San Francisco. 415-775-8880.)

Conversational Cantonese The organization is offering courses in conversational Cantonese for beginning and intermediate speakers. Summer term begins June 15 and ends August 31. (Call 415-391-6986 to register.)

English Classes The YMCA offers morning English classes with bilingual counselors to help Cantonese speakers. Open enrollment. Free. (YMCA Literacy School, San Francisco. 415-928-4419.)

Free Legal Advice and Referral Volunteer attorneys are available to provide free legal advice and referral to elderly and low- and moderate-income Asian Americans. Chinese translation is available. Tuesday nights, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. (Asian Law Caucus, 720 Market St., Fifth Floor, San Francisco. 415-391-1655.)

Southern California

FINE ARTS

Being & Nothingness The mixed-media canvases of artist Yong Sin are on display. Through July 11. (Sunyata Gallery, 331 W. Seventh St., San Pedro. 310-832-5516.)

Chinese Art Galleries Six new galleries feature 500 objects and paintings related to both the religious and wealthy class. Ongoing. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-857-6000.)

Common Ground The works of 11 artists, whose art incorporates humor, are on display. Through June 25. (Korean Cultural Center, 5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-936-7141.)

Humanity Above Nation The adventures of Manjiro and Heco, who played a critical role in fostering the relationship between Japan and the United States in the 19th century are the subject of this exhibit. Ongoing. (Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414.)

Mariko Mori The artist's large-scale installation Nirvana, composed of four billboard-sized photographic elements, a 3-D video and a lotus-shaped acrylic sculpture, is on display. Ongoing. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-857-6000.)

Philippine Painters, Poets and Craftsmen "The Creative Voices of Reason" exhibit features the work of Philippine artists, tracing the beginning of commerce between Asia and the Americas through textiles, silver, paintings and ceramics used as items of trade. Ongoing. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Textiles of the Southern Philippines Fifty rare textile and garments--ceremonial costumes, tapestry cloths, silk flags and canopies, and beaded, embroidered and shell sequined garments--are on display. Ongoing. (UCLA Fowler Museum, Los Angeles. 310-825-4361.)

EVENTS

Family Fishing Trip The Japanese America Society has chartered a large fishing boat for a half-day fishing trip, which includes equipment and instruction. June 14, noon-5:45 p.m. $20-$35. (Long Beach Marina Sport Fishing, 140 Marina Drive, Long Beach. 562-628-7926.)

Myanmar Folk Arts Festival The culture of Burma will be celebrated through folk music, ethnic dance performances and an arts and crafts display in this free one-day event. June 20, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Free. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Tiananmen Commemoration and Award Dinner Nobel Peace Prize nominee Wei Jingsheng will be the keynote speaker at this Chinese banquet-style dinner. June 14, 6 p.m. $20-$50. (Golden Dragon Restaurant, 960 N. Broadway, Los Angeles. 310-539-0234.)

LECTURES

Wei Jingsheng The nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize will speak at this event sponsored by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. June 15, 7:30 p.m. $5. (Call 310-815-0450 for information.)

WORKSHOPS

Chinese Brush Painting Guang-Li Zhang teaches basic and advanced techniques. Saturdays, 9 a.m. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Citizenship classes Chinatown Service Center offers free citizenship classes from Monday to Thursday between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. Free. (Chinatown Service Center, 767 N. Hill St., Suite 400, Los Angeles. Call 213-253-0870 to register.)

Tai Chi Chuan Chao Li Chi teaches the traditional Chinese martial art. Saturdays, 8 a.m. $6-$7. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Rest of the West

Art and Independence

The work of 20 Filipino artists makes up a new exhibit at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, which coincides with Philippine independence celebrations.

FINE ARTS

Arts of Korea Vivid Choson dynasty decorative screens that include scenes from literature and Korean rural life make up this exhibit. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect, Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, Seattle. 206-654-3165.)

Chinese Shadow Puppets Additions to the Theodore Bodde collection of Chinese shadow puppets collected in Beijing during the 1930s are on display. The collection includes 360 puppets dating from the 19th century. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect, Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Japanese 19th Century Painting "Diffusion and Diversity in Japanese 19th Century Painting" features Japanese painting from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration, highlighting the political, social and economic tensions and changes of the era. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Korean Folk Painting Folk art screens and portraits from private collections featuring colorful imagery and bright colors, highlighting classical themes are on display in the Korean art gallery. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

P.I. ( Made in America): Filipino American Artists in the Pacific Northwest. The works of 10 Filipino American artists from Alaska, Washington and Oregon are on display. Ongoing. (Wing Luke Asian Museum, 407-7th Ave. South, Seattle. 216-623-5124.)

Pacific Voices Part of the museum's permanent collection, this exhibit features artifacts and testimonials from Asians, Pacific Islanders and others about settling in the Pacific Northwest. Ongoing. (Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle. 206-543-7907.)

Vietnamese Ceramics In the first U.S. exhibit to explore this tradition--which incorporates features from such diverse cultures as Cambodia and India--features more than 50 pieces dating from the second through the 16th century. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect, Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3165.)

Voices of the Community:
Korean American Youth This installation examines the recent cultural history of Korean American youths in Shoreline, Wash., including topics such as school, church, family and pop culture. Ongoing. (Shoreline Historical Museum, 749 N. 175th, Shoreline, Wash. 206-542-7111.)

Wonders of Clay and Fire The evolution of artistic traditions in ceramics and their manufacturing technology over a 7,000-year period is traced in this comprehensive survey of Chinese ceramic history, from the fifth millennium B.C. to the 15th century. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Woven Legacies Art and social history merge in this exhibit, which aims to illustrate the transition of traditional Asian clothing to Asian American clothing. It traces the movement of Asian clothing from the Chinese and Japanese upper classes to the use of selected forms of Asian clothing in Seattle. Ongoing. (Wing Luke Asian Museum, 407 Seventh Ave. S., Seattle. 206-624-5124.)

EVENTS

Hong Kong One Year After Transition This two-day conference on business opportunities and business challenges in Hong Kong will include speeches by Anson Chan, chief secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Washington Gov. Gary Locke. June 15-16. (Call 206-441-4419 for information.)

The East

FINE ARTS

America's Concentration Camps: the Japanese American Experience The Japanese American internment of World War II is the subject of this exhibit, which incorporates the stories of former internees. Ongoing. (Ellis Island Immigration Museum, New York.)

Ancient Chinese Pottery and Bronze A selection of eight ceramic and 29 bronze vessels dating from around 2000 B.C. to the second century show the complex relationship between two of China's oldest artistic traditions. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-2700.)

Chinese Celadon Ceramics Forty-four glazed stoneware vessels made in China between the Western Han dynasty and the Qing dynasty are on display. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-2700.)

East Asian Figure Painting A selection of later Chinese, Korean and Japanese figure paintings drawn from several private collections dating as far back as the 17th century are on display as part of the "Paragons of Wisdom and Virtue: Later East Asian Figure Painting" exhibit. The principal subjects of these paintings are landscapes, figures and flora and fauna. Ongoing. (Sackler Museum, Harvard University, 485 Broadway, Cambridge, Mass. 617-495-9400.)

Eternal Landscape of Chinese Characters An exhibition celebrating the art of writing in Chinese culture is on display. (Chinese Information and Culture Center Library, Simon & Schuster Building, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York. 212-373-1836.)

Favorite Sons: Folk Images of Ebisu and Daikoku The Japanese gods of abundance and prosperity are the theme of this new exhibit, which opens June 16. (Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Boca Raton, Fl. 561-495-0233.)

From the Heart to the Hand The calligraphy of Kashin Senoo, which is influenced by both experimental and established forms, is currently on view. Through June 27. (Gallery Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd., 24 W. 57th St., New York. 212-262-0239.)

I.M. Pei Rare conceptual sketches by the architect, which highlight his early creative designs are among 20 works on view. Ongoing. (National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street at Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215.)

In the Mountains Several significant stylistic and conceptual developments in Chinese landscape painting are highlighted in this exhibition of album leaves, hand scrolls, hanging scrolls and fans. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art, 1050 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-4880.)

More than Meets the Eye The Asia Society presents Japanese art from its collection, including paintings, prints, sculpture and ceramics from the Neolithic to the early modern period. Ongoing. (Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., New York. 212-288-6400.)

Poetic Landscapes Twenty-one illustrations from two albums of Chinese poetry are on display. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Arthur Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-2700.)

Princes, Poets and Paladins This collection of Islamic and Indian paintings from the collection of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan--featuring 146 paintings and manuscripts from the 14th to the 20th century--is on view. Ongoing. (Sackler Museum, 485 Broadway, Cambridge, Mass. 617-495-9400.)

The Power of the Line Drawings by 22 contemporary international artists, which explore the essence of line and form as the basis for all of the visual arts, are on display. Ongoing. (Taipei Gallery, McGraw-Hill Building, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York.)

Tomie Arai: Double Happiness Arai's installations based on oral histories documenting the cultural experiences of Chinese Caribbean and Chinese Latino communities in New York are on display. Ongoing. (Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York. 718-681-6000.)

LECTURES

Tadanori Yokoo The acclaimed Japanese artist--a founding member of the pop art movement of the 1960s--will participate in a dialogue with graphic designer Paul Davis. June 17, 6:30 p.m. $8-$10. (Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., New York. 212-832-1155.)

WORKSHOPS

Writing an Effective Business Plan Asian Women in Business will present this workshop on writing a business plan to obtain financing. June 16, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $15-$25. (Salomon Smith Barney, 767 Fifth Ave., Seventh Floor, New York. 212-868-1368.)

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