Mali RPCV Mae G. Monsanto writes about Filipino Artists
Filipino Americans get their own exhibit at Wing Luke
by Mae Monsanto
NW Asian Weekly
The Wing Luke Asian Museum will be exhibiting the works of Northwest Filipino American artists in what is said to be the first show of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
"A lot of (Filipino) artists don't even know about their colleagues," Eydie Detera, exhibit coordinator, said of the show, which runs April 3 through Sept. 6 at the Wing Luke Asian Museum in Seattle's Chinatown/International District.
"We're providing a way for artists to learn from one another, and the community to learn from the artists," Detera said.
Titled "P.I. (Made in America): Filipino American Artists in the Pacific Northwest," the exhibit is intended to illustrate what it means to be a Filipino or Filipina living in this region.
Officials at Wing Luke hope that the artists will focus their works on a variety of subjects of interest to Filipino Americans, from political concerns such as immigration and discrimination, to cultural values and religious practices.
"I'm hoping it will cause us to be excited about the (Filipino) heritage," Detera said of the exhibit. "The artists are trying to speak the truth through their art and give that back to the community."
When the idea first came up, the first thing officials at the museum did was to meet with Filipino American art critics, leaders and activists to discuss what members of the community would like to see in such an exhibit.
Art critics and community leaders were able to come up with ideas for what they wanted, including the selection of five jurors in the area who they felt would be qualified to serve as judges.
Museum officials began calling for artistic contributions in late autumn. So far, they have received works from artists from Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Exhibit developer Cassie Chin said she hopes to receive works from Montana and Alaska, as well.
"This is a great foundation for future artists," Chin said. "We hope to have a wide range" of artwork on display.
To get a greater selection, the deadline for contributions was extended to Jan. 31. A jury composed of local Asian American leaders will select approximately 20 works for the show.
According to Chin, members of the jury hope to select art from various media, including paintings, drawings, computer-generated imaging, photography and sculpture.
Wing Luke Museum Executive Director Ron Chew said that the exhibit will tie in with the Philippine centennial, which is being celebrated this year.
"Beyond that, we have quite a bit of talent in the community that needs to be exhibited," said Chew. "There's a lack of (displays of Filipino art.)"
Chew believes that the local Filipino artists will leave a lasting impression in the community.
"I hope that it inspires a greater appreciation of talents and range of artistic possibilities in this community," he said. "They present a great appreciation for art and are shining examples."
Founded in 1966, the Wing Luke Asian Museum is today housed at 409 Seventh Ave. S., Seattle. It is the only museum in the United States devoted to the collection, preservation and display of Asian Pacific American culture, history and art by the Pan Asian American community.
It is named for the former Seattle City Councilman Wing Luke, who was the first Asian American elected official in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1960s.
After he died in a plane crash in 1965, the community fulfilled his dream of establishing a multi-cultural Asian American museum. It opened in 1967.
Cynthia Sipin, a Filipina student and the secretary of the Filipino American Student Association (FASA) at the University of Washington, thinks the exhibit at the Wing Luke museum is a great idea.
"Hopefully it will educate and make the Filipino community aware of Filipino culture, and also make other cultures aware and understand our culture," she said.
To submit materials or for other information, call Eydie Detera or Cassie Chin at (206) 623-5124.
Mae Monsanto is a writer for the University of Washington Diversity News Lab.
