Published May 22 2015
To honor the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to the community, the city is hosting a free exhibit of art by Asian-Pacific American artists and designers in the region at City Hall through May 29. Members of the public are invited to come enjoy the art.
A public event to mark the exhibition will be at City Hall, 7-9 p.m., Thursday, May 28, and will include performances, remarks from organizers and light refreshments.
The display of 25 works of fine art, sculpture, couture and design commemorates Asian-Pacific American History Month, marked nationwide since 1978. City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on some evenings when meetings are held. Call 425-452-6800 to confirm evening hours.
The Asia Pacific area encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. In Bellevue, approximately 35 percent of the population comes from Asia and the Pacific Islands, helping to enrich the culture of the community.
The exhibit features paintings by Z. Z. Wei, glass sculpture by Boyd Sugiki, dresses designed by Seattle couturier Luly Yang, and a display recognizing the accomplishments of Wong Tsu, Boeing's first engineer. Eastside artists include Aki Sogabe and Cheryll Leo Gwin.
The exhibit was made possible through the efforts and contributions of community supporters Jerry and Charlene Lee and Brenda Handley, president, Gobo Enterprises. Other contributions came from: Key Donn, ArtXchange Gallery, Bellevue Arts Museum, Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Patricia Rovzar Gallery, Seattle Art Museum, Wing Luke Museum, Woodside/Braseth Gallery and artists Aki Sogabe, Boyd Sugiki, Cheryll Leo Gwin and designer Luly Yang.
The exhibit was organized through the City of Bellevue's Arts Program, which provides funding for arts organizations and artists working in Bellevue, manages Bellevue's public art and oversees implementation of the Cultural Compass, among other responsibilities. The Arts Commission, a seven-member volunteer advisory group appointed by the City Council, advises the Arts Program.
For more information contact Mary Pat Byrne at 425-452-4105 or mpbyrne@bellevuewa.gov.