Shay
Be a Permanent San Francisco Fixture
Shay - August 27, 2008
If you're a San Francisco Bay Area artist with talent, vision, and passion--or have friends who fit the description--now is the chance to be immortalized as the permanent exterior of the International Hotel (I-Hotel). You read right; this is for keeps!
Artists are encouraged to submit an image for this public art project, which is funded by the San Francisco Arts Commission and celebrates the spirit of the I-Hotel.
The theme for this project should send a message about the importance of the I-Hotel, which has dedicated itself to preserve the Manila neighborhood and low-cost housing. The building has a rich history of struggle and victory, and represents a community of diverse people working together to preserve their home. The art piece selected will engage viewers for its artistic merit and educational value.
The artwork must be able to withstand outdoor exposure, and the scale of the piece should be appropriate for the site. The committee has no preconceptions as to style, specific material, or color--so dig deep and have fun!
A few key facts about the application process:
- You may submit up to 10 images of past work, which can be scanned drawings or composite images. Digital submissions on CD/DVD or flash drive are preferred. Printed 8 by 10-inch photos will also be accepted. Clearly label all items. Original work will not be accepted, and all applications will become the property of the selection committee.
- Artist's biography listing artistic experience and community affiliations are limited to 3,000 characters.
- Provide three professional references that can speak about your artistic ability.
- Once applications are submitted and reviewed, up to five finalists will be chosen for interviews and will be asked to provide a concept/proposal for the design of the artwork. Each finalist will receive a nominal stipend of $250 to compensate for his/her time and work.
- Deadline is September 12, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Send applications or forward questions to:
Tan Chow, Senior Organizer, Chinatown Community Development Center
1525 Grant Street
San Francisco, California 94133
415.984.1498
tchow [at] chinatowndc.org
For more information about the history of the I-Hotel, visit this link: http://www.manilatown.org/ourpast.htm
Paper Pushers Features Work of Local Bay Area Artists
Shay - August 13, 2008
Gallery1988 is presenting Paper Pushers, a show featuring the work of a multitude of artists and local Bay Area talent. The opening reception and show will start on August 15th and run until September 6th.
Some of the artists include: Lawrence Yang, whose work is described as "graffiti art and traditional Chinese painting," Juri Ueda, who received a BFA in Traditional Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and Lani Imre, a Canadian artist who is currently located in the Bay Area.
Opening Reception:
Friday, August 15th 7-10 PM
Gallery1988 SF
1173 Sutter St. (at Polk)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Check out the flyer here: http://www.suckatlife.com/images/paperPushersFlyer.jpg
Lawrence Yang: http://www.suckatlife.com
Juri Ueda: http://www.juriueda.com/
APAture Runway II Features Fresh Local Talent
Shay - August 6, 2008
Apologies for the late notice, but if you're wondering what to do with yourself the evening of Thursday, August 7th, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., go to APAture Runway II!
APAture Runway II is Kearny Street Workshop's second annual fashion show of emerging Asian Pacific American designers. New collections from designers like Isabelle Le, Lucio Montana, Yola Ng, Feral Childe and other local fresh talent will be showcased, followed by a live auction hosted by Joshua Lim.
Jewelry provided by Khazana Gifts.
All proceeds will help fund Kearny Street Workshop's 10th annual APAture festival. Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance at www.kearnystreet.org.
Asian Art Museum MATCHA ticket holders receive a 50% discount at the door.
For more information contact Lucy Lin at //www.kearnystreet.org/programs/ksw-next/apature2008/www.amymho [at] gmail.com">kalyanilin [at] gmail.com (.)
Asian Americans Not Always Top Achievers
Shay - July 11, 2008
I had a bit of nostalgia recently, and I recalled the good 'ol days of college lectures and courses. One that recently sprung to mind was a discussion about stereotypes. For example, my favorite one is that Asian Americans are good at math and science. Perhaps it is near and dear to my own heart because my brain has a hard enough time calculating the tip on a check, and I really never understood the ins and outs of photosynthesis.
However, I always wondered: is it still considered bad if a stereotype is "good?" Isn't it usually seen as a positive thing if someone believes you are smart, capable, hard-working?
Then I stumbled across a recent article that debunks the notion that Asian Americans are always "top notchers." In the study from New York University, a group of mostly Asian American educators and the College Board found that the number of Asian Americans at institutions was inflated by the influx of international students, and that (surprise, surprise) "not all were top students gaining easy entry to the best colleges and universities to become doctors and engineers."
Additionally, the increase of Asian American and Pacific Islander students in colleges and universities is proportional to the increases in population, whereas people used to think the increased amount of students meant that they were "taking over" because of their academic performance. In the increase of students and the assumption that Asian Americans do well in school, many who need academic help are overlooked.
It's nice to see that people are starting to recognize that even though a stereotype can seem "positive," it is still a stereotype.
Or is it possible for a "beneficial" stereotype to exist?
Peter Mui Featured On Cover of Entrepreneur
Shay - July 2, 2008
I did a double-take today when I was perusing through the news. It wasn't because the July issue of Entrepreneur magazine featured Peter Mui, the founder of a high-end apparel company on the cover. It was the fact that my eye caught the words: Yellow Man.
"Yellow Man?" I thought, rather scandalized.; "Surely they didn't write a headline like that?!"
But yes, born and raised in Oklahoma, Peter Mui decided to brand his line of clothing and call it YellowMan. It was a way of expressing himself "rebelliously. Apparently, it wasn't enough to sell high quality clothes - the brand itself had to make a huge statement.
As he says on his site: "Your skin is the largest organ of your body. What you are born with is what you've got for the rest of your life. It defines who you are. And no matter what color it is, it's beautiful. And so it is that he thumbs his nose on the derogatory label "Yellow," and instead declares it a badge of integrity and pride for those who dare to be different."
The clothing apparel gathers together some of the most interesting tattoo art from a variety of artists and styles, such as Maori tribal, American traditional, Japanese Irezumi, and much more. YellowMan promises that snowboards are coming soon. (If I hadn't already splurged on one this year, I would be one of the first in line for that!)
It's interesting to me how this is another example of how to adopt a once derogatory term and make it into something... cool, perhaps?