Celebrating Asian American Heritage Month with KC Artists Heinrich Toh & Hyeyoung Shin

KC Artists Heinrich Toh & Hyeyoung Shin

Join GUILDit in celebrating Asian American Heritage Month with these dynamic cross-cultural artists at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City!

GUILDit - FREE forums where art & biz fuse >> presenters >>

Heinrich Toh's mix-media works on paper
-recipient of an ArtsKC Inspiration Grant
-teaches in Kansas City

He'll share his insight on his various lines of revenue, including 12 years of art fairs, representation with galleries and new series of workshops he teaches in his print studio in the crossroads. Click here for more info

Hyeyoung Shin is the Assistant Professor of Print Media at UMKC Art Department.
-recipient of an ArtsKC Inspiration Grant
-teaches in Kansas City

Her art, at times combines drawing/prints, book art, installations, and performance.
She will share how she obtains residencies and develops various art formats to effectively interact with the audience. Click here for more info

KC Artists Heinrich Toh & Hyeyoung Shin
Thursday, May 19 at 12 PM - 1 PM
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
4801 Rockhill Rd,
Kansas City, Missouri 64110

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2016

Year of the Monkey

Also known as the Spring Festival, this year, Chinese New Year - The Year of the Monkey - begins on February 8th and lasts until Jan 27th, 2017. The festivities usually start the day before the New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the new year.

This is a time to wish for peace and happiness. Gong Hey Fat Choy means "wishing you to be prosperous in the coming year."

Chinese New Year officially falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. From late January to mid-February, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and other countries celebrate Lunar New Year.

Lion Dance performance celebrating  Chinese New Year 2016 at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Watching the Lion Dance performance @nelson_atkins today as part of the 2016 Year of the Monkey celebration pic.twitter.com/7UVdabtjjh

— Sig T (@SigT71) January 31, 2016

Lion Dance performance for Chinese New Year at @nelson_atkins 

— Kansas City, MO (@KCMO) January 31, 2016

12 animal signs forecast for 2016 Year of the Monkey

What you need to know about the Year of the Monkey


Chinese New Year 2014

Monkey Image by Angelus - Creative Commons license

THAO'S LIBRARY Award-Winning Documentary

This year, 2015, marks fifty years since the first US combat ground forces landed in Vietnam and forty years since the fall of Saigon. 


Thao, a young a 24-year-old Vietnamese woman, is among the Vietnam War's uncounted casualties.  Despite her disabilities, a victim of Agent Orange, Thao had set up a makeshift library for children in her village. And then she is introduced to a woman from New York and both lives are changed forever.

THAO'S LIBRARY,  an Award-Winning documentary opens October 16th in AMC Independent Theatres Nationwide including Kansas City's AMC's Town Center 20! 

Click here to watch the trailer and for more info about the film.

Kodo Performing in Kansas City

Kodo, the Legendary Japanese Taiko Drumming Ensamble from Sado Island, Japan, will be performing an all new show exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum. 

Kodo strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts.

"In Japanese the word "Kodo" conveys two meanings: Firstly, 'heartbeat' the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations. Secondly, read in a different way, the word can mean "children of the drum," a reflection of Kodo's desire to play the drums simply, with the heart of a child." 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

at the Lied Center of Kansas.  

Enjoy this video "Kodo - Live at the Acropolis"

Are you familiar with this Ensemble? Have you seen them perform? I would love to hear from you!

Visit Kodo's Webpage to learn more!
Image:  Kodo - Yatai2" by Don France 
Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Moving From Emptiness A Film

Moving From Emptiness, The Life and Art of a Zen Dude

 “Healing and heart opening… Like media as medicine.”

"This TRAILER is for the 69 minute feature documentary film: "Moving From Emptiness: The Life and Art of a Zen Dude" featuring Zen calligraphic artist Alok Hsu Kwang-han. Playful. Profound. Meditative and deeply healing, this film is a transformational experience."

"My house burned down

I see the moon

Now paint"

 ~Alok

Moving From Emptiness, The Life and Art of a Zen Dude is showing in Overland Park, KS at the Glenwood Arts Theater Oct. 24-30 – 4:15 daily

For more info go to Zen Dude Movie

Royals Right Fielder Nori Aoki

Royals Right Fielder Nori Aoki

Congratulations to the Kansas City Royals for making it to the World Series!
Kansas City is not alone in loving this team. The whole country has fallen in love with the Royals according to Hampton Stevens article in The Atlantic
"The Kansas City Royals' Huge Appeal!"

Newspapers from Seattle to Washington, D.C. have dubbed KC “America's Team.” Even overseas, The Independent (UK) noted that America is "falling in love with the Royals."

Part of that appeal is Norichika Aoki, the Japanese professional baseball outfielder for the *pennant-winning* Kansas City Royals.

Born in Japan, he played for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball before coming to the U.S. to play for the Milwaukee Brewers. Aoki is one of only four players to amass 200 or more hits in a single season in Japanese professional baseball.

On December 5, 2013, the Milwaukee Brewers traded Aoki to the Kansas City Royals for Will Smith. And we're happy he is here!

"Nori"Aoki, No. 23 right fielder, helped take the Royals to the World Series!

Aoki Saves The Royals  
10/2/14: Nori Aoki makes two fantastic run saving plays in the sixth and seventh innings of Thursday nights game against the Los Angeles Angels, one on a backup catch to Lorenzo Cain and another on a great recovery in the outfield. The next inning, with two outs and a runner on third, Aoki tracked a fly to make the diving catch.
  

"One of the best things about watching Aoki play is -- as tired as the cliche may be -- the joy he has on the field."  ~Cy Brown

Aoki celebrates With Fans
Watch as Aoki teases the fans after their winning game and tosses his jersey into crowd.
Oct 15, 2014

A few career highlights and awards

• 2× NPB All-Star Game MVP (2006 Game 1, 2009 Game 1)
• 6× Golden Glove Award (2006–2011) 
• 7× NPB All-Star (2005 - 2011)

Are you an Aoki fan? 
I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Click here to read more about Aoki.
Click here to read more about the Kansas City Royals



Nori Aoki Posters, Jerseys,
Signed Baseballs, Gifts







Image of  Nori Aoki on April 26, 2014 CC BY-SA 2.0 Keith Allison on Flickr

Living with the Spirits

Living with the Spirits: Decorating Homes in Traditional China
at the Nelson-Atkins Gallery of Art

Laurence Sickman, the former curator and director who started the world-renowned collection of Chinese art at the Nelson-Atkins Gallery, acquired this collection of popular prints that is currently on display in Gallery 222. While living and studying in China from 1930 to 1935, he decorated his own home with the colorful prints. This installation re-creates the decoration of a traditional Chinese home.

The description of this exhibit says that during festival and seasonal occasions in China, family members select brightly colored prints to display on their doors, windows, walls and furniture. It states that these prints, called New Year Pictures (nianhua), heighten the cheerful holiday feeling.

A New Year Picture is a form of Chinese colored woodblock print, for decoration during the Chinese New Year Holiday, then later used to depict current events.

January 31, 2014–July 20, 2014
Gallery 222 -  Admission is Free

Image:  New Year picture/ Unknown, before 1900 public domain because its copyright has expired.

Happy Chinese New Year
 
 

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year

Year of the Horse

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year 2014 celebrations are expected to go on throughout the weekend, as the Chinese people usher in the year of the Horse.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - Chinese New Year celebration is Friday, January 31

"It begins tonight at Midnight. The year of the Green, Yang, Wood Horse. Celebrate by lighting a red candle tonight. Tomorrow wear your new red clothes, best jewels, no cleaning or use of sharp objects, put out a bowl of oranges for everyone and enjoy the wonderfully determined, free energy of the Horse. "
~Teresa Padilla
Feng Shui Many Blessings

asia-kc.com

Also known as the Spring Festival, the holiday lasts 15 days starting from January 31, 2014. This year its last day falls on Valentine's Day.

This is a time to wish for peace and happiness. Gong Hey Fat Choy means "wishing you to be prosperous in the coming year."

Chinese New Year officially falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. From late January to mid-February, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and other countries celebrate Lunar New Year.


updated 2/7/16

KC World Citizen of the Year Award: Bob Chien

Congratulations, Bob Chien! You deserve this award for all the hard work you do promoting friendship between KC and Xi'an.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 at the 43rd annual Mayor's United Nations Day Dinner, Kansas City Mayor Sylvester James Jr. will present the 2013 Kansas City World Citizen of the Year Award to Robert (Bob) Chien, long-time advocate of closer China-U.S. relations, chairman of the Kansas City-Xi’an Sister City Committee and President of the Society for Friendship with China.

Here is the information about the event:
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013
InterContinental Hotel Ballroom
401 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
7:00 p.m. dinner, with 6:30 p.m. cash bar reception

Click Here For More Information and Registration

Faces From China’s Past: Paintings for Entertainment and Remembrance

The Exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum “Faces From China’s Past: Paintings for Entertainment and Remembrance” has been extended through December 09, 2012. Arrangements have been made for two Docent led tours planned for Sunday, October 14th, the first at 2:00 and the second at 2:45.

This is hosted by USCPFA and they need to know who is planning to come. So please contact me if you plan to be there.

Tours will meet in Kirkwood Hall and take about 45 minutes.  The exhibit gallery is small so there is not room for both groups to be in the gallery at the same time.  10 people are needed in order to have a Docent led tour.  Invite all your friends and neighbors to come with you.  It’s a good opportunity for them to enjoy a more informative visit.

The plan is to come in time to eat together in Rozzelle Court if You want to. Go through the serving line in Rozzelle Court and be ready to go on the tour of your choice; 2:00 or 2:45.  Those of you who can come early, go through the line, take time to enjoy your lunch and be ready to tour by 2:00 will go on the first one.  Those of you who cannot get there until later will go on the 2:45 tour. 

Rozzelle Court is open for brunch from noon until 3 pm on Sundays.  There will be some tables in the SW corner reserved for USCPFA from 1:00 to 3:00 for us to eat and visit until our tour time.  You will need to plan for standing in line time, especially “early on”.  Brunch will be on your own.  There are no reservations for lunch and therefore if you want to come for the tour only, it is certainly ok.  Admission to the Museum and the Painting Gallery is free.  Parking in the garage is $5 unless you are a Museum Member, then it is free with your card.  Members also get a discount on our meal, so bring your membership card.   

Kansas City Chinese New Year Celebration

  Kansas City Chinese New Year Celebration

The Kansas City Chinese-American Association cordially extends its invite to you to join them in their 6th annual Chinese New Year celebration. 

More than 4,000 people are expected to join the celebration, with more than 200 local performers presenting their talents during the evening gala. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and enjoy wonderful fun! 

Jan. 22nd 2012 from 9AM to 9PM
Johnson County Community College's Carlsen Center
12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas 66210

To register, or for more info, check out their website at www.kccaa.org

Experience The Ancient Culture of Mongolia

Anda Union Film Presentation 

Experience The Ancient Culture of Mongolia during a free evening of authentic music from the Inner Mongolian plateau! Presented by the Lied Center, the Kansas City Chinese Association, and the Kansas City Public Library, the film Anda Union: From the Steppes to the City will be presented for the first time in the United States of America. 

Joining the group for this unique cultural experience will be the producer of the film and a few of the musicians from the group, all the way from Inner Mongolia! There will be a chance after the film to ask questions of the filmmaker and the musicians. 

Free appetizers will be provided by Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill.

Plaza Library, Truman Forum, 4801 Main St. KCMO

Wednesday, 11/2, 6:00pm

This music on this film trailer is amazing...

Filipino Association Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe

This should be a very enjoyable evening! 

Folk Meets Ballroom

The Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe presents "Folk Meets Ballroom," a presentation of traditional Filipino dance suites and modern ballroom numbers. 

The Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. 

Saturday, October 29, 2011 4:00 PM
Tickets are $10; $5 for students

For More Info: Filipino Association

National Acrobats of China at the Lied Center

National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China

Friday, October 21 | 7:30 pm

Lied Center ($28/$25/$10)

This dramatic 35-member company performs feats of strength, skill, and ability in a balancing act of exhilaration and risk. Taking the audience on an extraordinary journey, the National Acrobats perform high-flying acrobatics, martial arts, gripping illusions, and enchanting traditional Chinese dance and music. Please come to the FREE China Festival before the show at 6:30 pm.

updated 4/29/15

2011 Kansas City Chinese Film Festival

Love and War: and the Courage Required for Each
Saturdays at 10:00am -
April 2 through April 3
Glenwood Theatre
9575 Metcalf
Overland Park, KS 66212
(east side of Metcalf South Mall)

A festival of contemporary cinema from China, presented in a bilingual Chinese/English format. All screenings will feature enlightening discussions led by noted area experts.
The Festival kicks off this Saturday -- April 2, 10:00 am with John Woo's  Red Cliff.


updated 4/29/15

Megan True Photography Exhibit

Megan True Photography on view through May 12, 2011

School of Journalism second floor of Stauffer-Flint

1435 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS

Artist's Talk with Megan True
Tuesday, March 29 | 1 pm | 303 Stauffer-Flint Hall

Free and open to the public.

Megan True is a freelance photographer and a 2007 KU School of Journalism graduate. She spent the last three years in China teaching English and doing photography work for non-profit organizations and travel magazines. Her work highlights rural life and minority people in southwest China (Yunnan Province). Her photos give a unique glimpse of China-from village weddings to farmers harvesting crops to beautiful landscapes. Her work has been published in newspapers and magazines in both the United States and China.

updated 4/29/15

Saturday - Solidarity with the People of Japan

Public Event: Be In Solidarity with the People of Japan
Free and open to the public.
Saturday, March 26 | 1 pm |
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
(4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO)
To recognize the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and express support and sympathy, participants will meet in the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Court. Twenty mats will be scattered around the court for meditation or thought, haiku poetry will be available to read aloud or silently, and long strips of paper will be provided to tie onto the trees in the Kansas City Sculpture Park. Inspired by the "wish trees" found in Japanese courtyards of Shinto shrines, in which slips of paper are hung on bamboo poles to release the ideas to the universe.

Cherry Blossom Festival Exhibit

Cherry Blossom Festival Exhibit- March 29 - April 10, 2011, Spencer Museum of Art | Lawrence, KS
Teaching Gallery
In recognition of the annual celebration held in Japan, Cherry Blossom Festival displays SMA works organized by Carpenter Foundation Intern in Asian Art Amanda Wright and Prints and Drawings Curatorial Assistant Kate Meyer in collaboration with the Center for East Asian Studies.

Akira Kurosawa's KAGEMUSHA

2011 UMKC Department of Film & Media Arts and the Tivoli Cinemas present
GREAT DIRECTORS SERIES

Akira Kurosawa's KAGEMUSHA (The Shadow Warrior)
Thursday, March 3 • 6:30pm
All Seats $5
Free for UMKC Students/Staff with ID
Available day of show only

"In his 1980 color masterpiece, Kurosawa returns to the samurai film and to a primary theme of his career - the play between illusion and reality. Sumptuously reconstructing the splendor of feudal Japan and the pageantry of war, this legendary director creates a historical epic that is also a meditation on the nature of power."

Japan, 1980, Color, 162 minutes

If you haven't seen this film on the big screen, don't miss it. The images of this film will stay with you for a long time. And Kurosawa is a master storyteller.

Kagemusha (CRITERION TRAILER)

The Sacred Tripod: Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism in Harmony

The Sacred Tripod: Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism in Harmony
February 2011—August 2011
New Chinese paintings, prints & rubbings exhibit!
Nelson-Atkins Building

"In traditional China, the Three Teachings (sanjiao)—Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism—were likened to the legs of the ancient sacred tripod known as ding. This analogy underscored the fundamental role of each of the religions in Chinese society.
...Although the paintings, prints and rubbings displayed here are associated with a specific religion, they often share imagery or stylistic features borrowed from one of the others. Indeed, the same artists often created works for more than one religion." More exhibits 

Edited 2/15