Artist Arleigh Wood looking fabulous beside her series featuring crows
during the Eastside Culture Crawl opening night – photo Todd Wong
Yearly Archives: 2006
Deb Martin and Todd Wong enjoying wine at Janice Wong Studio during the Eastside Culture Crawl – photo George/Todd Wong
Artist Janice Wong, and her cousin Todd Wong at Eastside Culture Crawl – photo George/Todd Wong
Gailan Ngan opens up a bottle of wine during the Eastside Culture Crawl – photo Todd Wong
Eastside Culture Crawl: Visits to Gailan Ngan, Janice Wong and Arleigh Wood in Strathcona and 1000 Parker
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Eastside Culture Crawl: Visits to Gailan Ngan, Janice Wong and Arleigh Wood in Strathcona and 1000 Parker
Deb Martin and Todd Wong visit Janice
Wong's studio at the Eastside Culture Crawl on opening night. It
is a tradition for many artists to serve wine – photo George/Todd Wong
I've always thought of the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team as
being on the artsy cultural side…. This weekend some of the team
paddlers are planning to check out the Eastside Culture Crawl on Saturday. But on Friday night, I bumped into 2 team members + 1 team alumni.
The evening started when my girlfriend Deb (who drums and steers for
the dragon boat team, while I coach, steer or paddle) and I enjoyed
visiting two
pottery studios in the Strathcona neighborhood. There are many
art studios throughout the Strathcona neighborhood as revealed by the
map on the East Side Culture Crawl website . It's great for a walk from place to place. Kathleen Murphy's Kamu Studio is on 318 Union St. and Gailan Pottery Studio
at Georgia and Campbell St. Kathleen has some really nice cups,
vases
and bowls. There is a gentle delicacy to her work. The rims
on the cups and bowls are thin, as well as on the thin necked vases.
Kathleen said that they are actually quite strong and durable.
Great black and blue glazes… I will definitely be back for a
visit with my cheque book!
Pottery artist Gailan Ngan opens up a
bottle of wine to serve to guests at her studio in Strathcona.
Cookies are presented in her functional pottery bowls and plates.
The kiln is in the far left corner. – photo Todd Wong
I've met Gailan Ngan before,
about 11 years ago. She was establishing herself in Vancouver and
had a small show. I bought one of her vases and one of her
father's pots. Her famous potter father is Wayne Ngan who
lives and works on Hornby
Island. I first met Wayne Ngan back around 1970 and during the
1980's during family vacations to Hornby, where my architect cousin
Wayne Wai also lives. Wayne Ngan's works are incredble, and I
have several of his pots in my collection… if I haven't given them to
my mother yet. Gailan's works are also very nice. She
concentrates on functional objects while keeping an eye on the asthetic
qualities. Her works have a very nice light touch to them.
She has a good selection of “wobble” cups and bowls, which are very
pleasing to hold and touch. She has a nice studio… I will
definitely be back for visits.
Artist
Janice Wong with cousin Todd Wong, standing in front of Janice's large
installation work titled “Return” – a 3 level paper construction, 60″ x 90.” It is a wonderful
three-dimensional hanging representing the loss of language with a
circle motif that represents “heaven” in Chinese cultures – photo
George/Todd Wong
For me, no visit to 1000 Parker Street would be complete with a visit to Studio 318, home of Janice Wong Studio.
Janice is an internationally recognized artist for her abstract
monotype creations. Janice's father and my grandmother were
cousins, so technically we are second cousins once removed. We
got to know each other last year when she contacted me for assistance
in gathering Rev. Chan descendants to help celebrate her book launch of C H O W: From China to Canada: Memories of food + family.
Tonight I selected one of her monotypes to be used as a prize for the
inaugural Gung Haggis Fat Choy intercultural arts achievement award,
which will be presented at the
Gung Haggis Fat Choy Robbie Burns Chinese New Year Dinner event on January 27th, 2007.
Mixed Media artist Arleigh Wood poses
in front of one of her series works. Arleigh likes crows, and she
has been the featured artist for the Eastside Culture Crawl which
features crows as its theme logo. – photo Todd Wong
The Arleigh Wood Designs studio is just down the hall from Janice Wong. I met Arleigh
at last year's Eastside Culture Crawl, and was immediately
impressed by her mixed media work. She also draws on her family
history and Japanese ethnic background. She has used pictures of
her grandparents, incorporating them into her work. Last year, I
was intrigued by a picture of her grandfather with one of his fishing
boats. Arleigh is a descendent of Japanese Canadian internment
survivors and she is pleased by my work on the Save Joy Kogawa House committee.
Hip, Hapa and Interculturally Happening – Nov 24 to 30
Hip, Hapa and Interculturally Happening – Nov 24 to 30
Lots of stuff happening this weekend!
East Side Culture Crawl
2006 Culture CrawlNOV 24: 5PM – 10PM NOV 25/26: 11AM – 6PM
The
Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual three day visual arts festival.
This event involves artists who work on the east side of Vancouver, BC,
Canada in an area bounded by Main Street to Commercial Drive and from
First Avenue north to the waterfront. On this site you find complete
information about the event, including a printable map and a list of
our participating artists. Artists for 2006: Go to artist registration
at top of page for printable entry form or contact the representative
for your building for details and an entry form.
Los Cuatro Vientos
November 24, 25 & 26, 2006
Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver
8pm
Download press release
“Los
Cuatro Vientos” is considered to be the company’s most prestigious and
original show to date, as well as being their first production that is
based on a non-Spanish subject. Joining acclaimed Artistic director
Rosario Ancer and Musical Director Victor Kolstee on the stage will be
renowned Dancer/Choreographer Mariano Cruceta (from Madrid), Flamenco
Guitarist/Composer Carolina Plante (based in Madrid), dancer Carmen de
Torres (from Sevilla), Gypsy singer Antonio de Jerez, Guest
dancers/choreographers Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi and
Flamenco Rosario Members; Mariko Aramaki, Denise Canso, Alice
Gerbrecht, Afifa Lahbabi Moxness, Kara Miranda and Veronica Stewart.
Head Tax Redress: Inside Outside
– 1st anniversary of Nov.26th protest.
Here's the latest from the Head Tax Families Society planning the anniversary of last year's
pivotal moment when Head Tax Redress became an important election issue for the 2006
Federal election. Here's my article from last year's important event:
Chinese Head Tax: Protest in Vancouver Chinatown
When: 11:00am Saturday, November 25, 2006
Where: Chinese Cultural Center - Dr. David Lam Hall
50 East Pender Street, Vancouver
New Democrat and Liberal MP's to Mark Redress with Head Tax Families:
Jack Layton and Ujjal Dosanjh to Observe Seminal Redress Turnaround
Moment
The Head Tax Families Society of Canada (HTFSC) hosts Jack Layton, Leader of
the federal New Democrats, and Ujjal Dosanjh, former Liberal cabinet minister and
B. C. premier, will observe the turnaround of the Chinese head tax/exclusion redress
struggle at a public forum. Invitees included the Leaders and Greater
Vancouver Members of Parliament of the four parties represented in the
House of Commons, the Leaders of parties and Members of the B. C.'s
legislature and elected officials from the three parties represented
at Vancouver city council.
Tandava for CBC Radio
November 25
th at 3PM.
Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace
(Burrard and 15th Ave.) with guests Indian vocalist Sunita Bapooji &
bassist Tommy Babin. This is the closing concert of the week-long event “Sacred Spaces, Sacred Places¨, produced by CBC Radio and Radio Canada. Please call CBC to reserve free tickets. The RSVP line is 604.662.6600.
NO LUCK CLUB: PROSPERITY RELEASE PARTY
Saturday – Nov. 25
Media Club – 695 Cambie
Doors @ 8pm, $8
The No Luck Club returns to Vancouver, after a cross-Canada tour, for a homecoming cd release party.
Known as an edgy instrumental hip hop band – It was almost a year ago
this time, when Trevor Chan and the No Luck Club released a mash up
exploring the Chinese head tax and racial discrimination. Check
out my article about the Globe & Mail article with links: “Head-tax Hip Hop” features …
Vancouver Opera – Macbeth
November 25, 28, 30 and Dec 2,
All performances 7:30 pm | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The Shakespearean English classic theatre play about a Scottish King, turned into an opera sung in Italian.
More than 3 witches… in fact a chorus of witches! But will
anybody be wearing kilts? I will be wearing my kilt on Tuesday
night, after attending a British Consulate reception for a visiting
Scottish Parliamentarian… See you there!
Chinese Head Tax: Jack Layton and Ujjal Dosanjh to mark anniversary of turnaround moment
Chinese Head Tax: Jack Layton and Ujjal Dosanjh to
mark anniversary of turnaround moment
Here's the latest from the Head Tax Families Society planning the anniversary of last year's
pivotal moment when Head Tax Redress became an important election issue for the 2006
Federal election. Here's my article from last year's important event:
Chinese Head Tax: Protest in Vancouver Chinatown
Media Advisory: For Immediate Release - November 24, 2006
New Democrat and Liberal MP's to Mark Redress with Head Tax Families:
Jack Layton and Ujjal Dosanjh to Observe Seminal Redress Turnaround
Moment
Vancouver BC - The Head Tax Families Society of Canada (HTFSC) is
encouraged Jack Layton, Leader of the federal New Democrats, and Ujjal
Dosanjh, former Liberal cabinet minister and B. C. premier, will
observe the turnaround of the Chinese head tax/exclusion redress
struggle at a public forum. Invitees included the Leaders and Greater
Vancouver Members of Parliament of the four parties represented in the
House of Commons, the Leaders of parties and Members of the B. C.'s
legislature and elected officials from the three parties represented
at Vancouver city council.
When: 11:00am Saturday, November 25, 2006
Where: Chinese Cultural Center - Dr. David Lam Hall
50 East Pender Street, Vancouver
On November 26 last year, the ad hoc B. C. Coalition of Head Tax
Payers, Spouses and Descendants (BC Coalition) organised a march in
Chinatown to protest the then Liberal government's "no apology, no
compensation" agreement. An information line was set up outside a
closed redress conference funded by the government at the Chinese
Cultural Center and a photo opportunity for Prime Minister Paul Martin
at United Chinese Community Enrichment Social Services (SUCCESS). This
action is considered a seminal moment in the redress struggle.
Several days later, the action manifested itself politically. Kanman
Wong and Darrell Reid, who were at the information line and subsequent
Conservative candidates in the 2006 federal election, joined
Conservative John Cummins MP (Delta-Richmond East) to break with the
party position. On December 8, 2005, with the federal election
underway, Conservative leader Stephen Harper promised action on
Chinese head tax/exclusion redress if elected.
The unilateral settlement imposed by the Government will directly
address only 0.6% of affected head tax families. Approximately 600
surviving head tax payers and spouses will receive $20,000 in ex
gratia payments. Over 82,000 Chinese families paid the unjust tax
between 1885 and 1923 in Canada and 1906 to 1949 in Newfoundland
before joining Confederation.
Members of the BC Coalition formed the Head Tax Families Society of
Canada, a B. C. registered Society with a mandate from over 2,500
written claims for justice and honour for Chinese pioneer families. An
open membership and democratic Society, HTFSC continues its mission
of meaningful redress for head tax families.
-30-
Asian Santa Claus in Richmond BC – Why did it take so long?
Asian Santa Claus in Richmond BC – Why did it take so long?
Asian Santa takes the reins
Here's a story about the first Asian Santa Claus at Richmond Centre Mall. George King, age 73, was born in Shanghai, then lived in Taiwan where he saw his first Santa Claus hawking merchandise in department stores. Apparently there is not long tradition of Santa as a benevolent figure bearing gifts in China.Mr. King isn't really up on all the names of the reindeer, and apparently wasn't aware of Rudoph.
While Santa diversity may be a good idea, cultural insensitivity or ignorance cannot be ignored. I think that in Greater Vancouver's history of Chinese born in BC since Won Alexander Cumyow in 1861 – Richmond Centre should be able to find a Canadian of Chinese descent who truly understands the important role that Santa Claus plays in the development of Canadian children.
I saw my first Asian Santa Claus in 1980 at a Honolulu shopping mall. I even have a picture with our family and Santa “Uncle Tony” Claus at a Christmas Eve Luau party in Kaneohe – just North of Honolulu. 27 years later and Richmond Centre gets big press over there first Chinese Santa Claus and he doesn't know who Rudolph is? Do we dare ask him about “Olive” the other reindeer? or would that be too cruel?
Asian Santa takes the reins
Eastside Culture Crawl this weekend! Friday Nov 24 – Sunday Nov 26
Eastside Culture Crawl this weekend! Friday Nov 24 – Sunday Nov 26
Eastside Culture Crawl
Friday, November 24 5-10pm
Saturday, November 25 11-6pm
Sunday, November 26 11-6pm
Arleigh Wood
is one of the artists participating in the Eastside Culture
Crawl. She combines mixed media, and also draws on her combined
Japanese and Caucasian heritage.
Janice Wong is another artist (and my cousin) working in the same building at 1000 Parker Street. You can bet I will be visiting them both this coming weekend during the Eastside Culture Crawl.
There are 47 buildings to visit.
Gailan Ngan Ceramics Studio is in the Strathcona neighborhood at 898 East Georgia Street at Campbell. I have a piece of Gailan Ngan's pottery, a vase beside my bed. I am a big fan of her father Wayne Ngan – definitely one of Canada's greatest pottery artists.
If you visit only one building… make sure it is 1000 Parker
at the corner of Parker and This building is huge with 4
stories, just walking along each floor and down each alcove is an
adventure in itself.
Read my article from last year:
Eastside Culture Crawl – I am no longer a Culture Crawl virgin
Arleigh sent me the below pictures and message to remind me to attend!
Her studio is #326-1000 Parker St. Vancouver
If you miss this why not check out the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy
Show?
Friday, December 15th 5-10pm
Saturday, December 16th 12-5pm
Sunday, December 17th 12-5pm
Video In Studios
1965 Main Street
(between 3rd & 4th ave)
Visit our website to preview artists
www.shinyfuzzymuddy.com
Interested in taking mixed media workshops in
the New Year?
Email or visit my website for more details (click
‘news’).
www.arleighwooddesigns.com
Take care,
Arleigh
Beats Without Borders 2 Year Anniversary
Beats Without Borders 2 Year Anniversary
Tarun Nayar is doing some very cool intercultural events
around Vancouver. He's keeping his ears about town – I bumped
into him last week at the
Alliance Francaise de Vancouver sponsored Pandit Vithal Rao and his
student Kiran Ahluwalia.
Beats Without Borders is now a “happening” group with violinist Kytami, dj's, bhangra dancers + musical guests.
Here's Tarun's message:
Hi all,
There's some great stuff happening over the next few days. See you on the dance floor!
Tarun
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Beats Without Borders 2 Year Anniversary
Thursday Nov 23, doors 9pm
The Red Room (398 Richards)
10$ @ the door
Join
the BWB crew in celebrating 2 years of global fusion madness! With
guest DJ and producer Jacob Cino, electric violinist Kytami, local
hip-hop/bhangra crew BPM, the United Bhangra dance crew, and BWB
resident DJs. Another rocking party at the Red Room :o)
the BWB crew in celebrating 2 years of global fusion madness! With
guest DJ and producer Jacob Cino, electric violinist Kytami, local
hip-hop/bhangra crew BPM, the United Bhangra dance crew, and BWB
resident DJs. Another rocking party at the Red Room :o)
———————————————————————————————–
Tarun & Ivan Tucakov
Friday Nov 24, 7pm
Radha Yoga (730 Main Street)
By Donation
I'll
be joining my longtime music partner, gypsy guitarist Ivan Tucakov, for
an evening of Indian. flamenco, and middle-eastern sounds at one of the
most beautiful spaces in town. Come by, eat some great food and relax!
be joining my longtime music partner, gypsy guitarist Ivan Tucakov, for
an evening of Indian. flamenco, and middle-eastern sounds at one of the
most beautiful spaces in town. Come by, eat some great food and relax!
———————————————————————————————–
STOP THE HIGHWAY Dance Party
Friday Nov. 24, 8:30pm
The Anza Club (8th & Ontario)
5-10$
http://www.GATEWAYSUCKS.org
A
fun-raiser to bring awareness about the scary throughway project
planned for the Commercial Drive area. Tons of good stuff happening,
including lots of live music, vegetarian goodies, and Tspoon the masala
mixa, BPM and the sugar dhollies doing their respective things. Miss
Bliss rounds out the night with global soundz…
fun-raiser to bring awareness about the scary throughway project
planned for the Commercial Drive area. Tons of good stuff happening,
including lots of live music, vegetarian goodies, and Tspoon the masala
mixa, BPM and the sugar dhollies doing their respective things. Miss
Bliss rounds out the night with global soundz…
———————————————————————————————–
Ongoing:
Ongoing:
Eastern Music Nights at Chai Restaurant
3243 West Broadway (above East is East)
www.chaiateastiseast.com
Wed: fundraisers for the Afghan Children of War foundation, red hot nights with many acts from all over the city.
Thurs: fiery flamenco nights, with some of the best Flamenco musicians and dancers in the citySun:
Sufi and Indian classical nights with James Hamilton (sitar) Majid
Qayam (rabab) and some fine Persian and Indian percussionists.
Sufi and Indian classical nights with James Hamilton (sitar) Majid
Qayam (rabab) and some fine Persian and Indian percussionists.