Gallery Hours:
M-F, 11 am - 4 pm
Sat, 1 pm - 4 pm
During Exhibitions
Past Events
SPRING 2008
Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands
From The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation
February 9 – March 28, 2008
Center for the Arts, Asian Arts Gallery
This exhibition features over 80 exquisite bronze ornaments from the vast Asian grasslands that were home to a remarkable ancient culture whose art, richly decorated with animal motifs, reflects the trading, hunting and religious lifestyles from the 1st millennium BC. Exhibition organized by the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation and curated by Trudy S. Kawami, Ph.D. A collection of contemporary artwork from Mongolia, made possible by the Embassy of Mongolia and organized by Gan Na, was also on view.
"Every piece is stunning and the information presented is interesting and very thorough. I will come again!"
"I thought the exhibit was wonderful! I liked the mix of history with artifacts and oil paintings of people's memories and thoughts."
"Having visited the gallery every semester for the past 3 years, I can honestly say it has been the highlight of my semester!
Huun Huur Tu: the Throat Singers of Tuva
Sunday, March 9, 3 pm, Kaplan Concert Hall
In conjunction to the Bronze of Asian Grasslands exhibit, the world famous Throat Singers of Tuva Huun Huur Tu will amaze the audience with their mystic sophisticated overtone singing. Tuvan pastoral music is intimately connected to an ancient tradition of animism, the belief that natural objects and phenomena have souls or are inhabited by spirit.
Audience comments:
"Thank you! We've been waiting for years to see this spectacular ensemble!"
"Fantastic! The most unusual musical performance I've ever heard. Exceeded my expectations!"
"I loved every moment. The singers were excellent! An exciting performance!"
Realized in Wood: Contemporary Prints from China
April 10–May 16, Asian Arts Gallery
The exhibit displays a distinctive style of European-influenced printmaking from the post-Mao era to the present. It celebrates the artists, all from the Hebei Province (a northern region) in China, for their exquisite technique and succinct expressions of pure creativity. Curator: Renee Covalucci
Audience comments:
"This was an absolutely fantastic show. I enjoyed the discussion from the Curator. I learned so much!!!"
"Outstanding artwork, tremendous detail and technical skill by artists, and interesting subject matter. Always beautifully displayed and a nice variety of live art."
"Wonderful diversity. A great installation and inspiring craftsmanship by all the artists."
"Breathtaking artwork and very interesting concept of art."
Lecture: Avant Garde China: Art in China since the 1980's
Dr. Roberta Wue, Associate Professor , Towson University
Sunday, May 4, 2:30 pm
The radical changes taking place in China over the last quarter-century are reflected in the exploding contemporary Chinese art scene. This talk will explore how modern Chinese artists explore themes of social and political change, cultural and personal identity in media ranging from painting and photography to installation and performance art.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co.
Saturday, May 3, 8 pm, Stephens Hall Theater
Known for Asian-inspired works and visual clarity, the Washington, D.C.-based Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. debuted its first piece in December 1992 and since then has performed at top national and international venues. "Each dance is as spare, intimate and perfect as a pearl." (Washington Post)
Audience comments:
"I appreciate every opportunity to see Contemporary Dance in Baltimore- there is not enough! I think the programming of the Asian Arts & Culture Center is great!"
" Very interesting, unusual, and entertaining!"
"I particularly liked learning about the intersection of Chinese and Latino cultures."
"Splendid Interpretation!"
Fall 2007
"Out of India: Contemporary Paintings from India"
September 6 - October 13, 2007
The first of its kind for
the Baltimore metropolitan area, this groundbreaking show provides a glimpse of
contemporary Indian art over the past century. This exhibition was organized by guest curator, Dr. Koli Banik and the generous help of Dr. Mahinder Tak who will give a gallery
talk at the opening.
Curator’s Talk: “Out of India--Contemporary Paintings from India"
As part of the Department of Art Lecture Series, Dr. Koli Banik discusses the evolution and trends of the contemporary art of India.
Audience comments:
"An amazing collection - each piece gave me something to think about."
"The mixture of visual art, food, music, and the gallery talk made the experience complete."
"Congratulations on a well thought out exhibit."
From Temple to Theater: Ragamala Music and Dance Theater
The Ragamala Music and Dance Theater unfurls a rich tapestry of cross-cultural choreography. Rooted in Southern India's Bharatanatyam, Ragamala fuses contemporary movement with this 2,500 year-old dance tradition, bringing ancient stories to life in a swirl of visual poetry.
Audience comments:
"Spectacular - awe inspiring. and authentic. The women were amazing dancers."
"Very innovative and a wonderful mix of traditional Indian dance with other world cultures."
"This was great; I would see them again in a heartbeat."
Art of Vietnam: 21st Century
October 20 - December 8
Asian Arts Gallery, Center
for the Arts
21st Century Vietnamese art, never before seen in the Baltimore region, this exhibit of young artists integrates the traditional with modern influences from the Western art world. Guest Curator: Brigitte Le.
The Art of Vietnam: 21st Century," is featured on the following media websites: Maryland Public Television's Artworks:
Audience comments:
"Absolutely beautiful works of art. Very nicely mounted and displayed, and a wide variety of art techniques displayed."
"Wonderful exhibit: curator was very friendly and helpful. Artwork exceeded expectations."
"The artwork was very inspiring. Each picture told a story, but left the interpretation up to the viewer."
The Four Seasons
Saturday October 20, 8:00 pm
Stephens Hall Theatre, Towson University
The performance of The Four Seasons combines Asian and Western theater forms and utilizes both contemporary works and recognized pieces from the standard canon of Vietnamese traditional theater. Performed by the Asian Pacific American Cultural Arts Foundation (APACAF)
Fall Film Series
Two films from India and one from Central Asia is included in the Fall Film Series sponsored by Towson University’s departments of Electronic Media and Music.
Main Hoon Na (I'm here Now)
Monday September 24, 7:00 pm
An excellent example of Bollywood cinema, this film combines comedy, family melodrama, action-adventure, musical, thriller, romance, and political suspense into a highly stylized mix that evokes all possible emotional responses. Greg Faller, Department of Electronic Media and Film, introduced the film.
Vaanaprastham (The Last Dance), 1999
Monday October 8, 7:30 pm
An Indo-German production, directed by Shaji N. Karun, the film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (AFI FEST) in 1999. Scott Robinson, Department of Music, introduced the film.
Genghis Blues, 1999
Monday, December 3, 7:30pm
This film focuses on the Central Asian techniques of throat singing and is an excellent introduction to the live performance of “Huun Huur Tu: Throat Singers of Tuva,” sponsored by the AA&CC on March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Kaplan Concert Hall. Diane Luchese, Department of Music, introduced the film.
Spring 2007
FIRED WITH PASSION: CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS OF JAPAN
February 10 – May 11, 2007
Following
the devastating aftermath of WWII, Japanese artists
searched for a new sense of identity. Over the post-war decades,
innovative forms sprang from inspiration not constrained by tradition.
This exhibition highlighted over fifty ceramics works created by masters. The sculptural pieces were selected by guest curator Beatrice
Chang of the Dai Ichi Art Gallery, New York, who recently
co-authored a book on the subject.
Audience comments:
“Exceptional! What a fabulous exhibit. I am impressed with the caliber of this wonderful show.
On par with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts show.”
“Exquisite!! Well presented. Beautiful – something very unexpected at a university."
“I loved the variety of colors and beautiful craftsmanship of the pottery and sculptures.”
“Very interesting to think the pottery dated back to 13,000 B.C.!”
Corollary programs open to the public: Tales from the Land of the Sun Goddess
Saturday, February 10, 3:30 pm
A family program of stories and legends from ancient Japan was presented by Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec Storytelling Movement Theater from San Francisco. Nancy and Robert inspired the imagination and brought their stories alive with musical instruments such as Japanese taiko drums and bamboo flutes of Asia.
Audience comments:
"Excellent!"
"Entertaining and artistically pleasing!"
"The two person performance from San Francisco was
delightful!"
Poetry in Motion: Japanese Dance and Music
Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 pm
Sachiyo Ito and Company, based in New York, performed works in both Japanese classical and contemporary styles. Described by the Village Voice as, ”an expressive and powerful performer is at the same time, touchingly delicate.” Sachiyo Ito combined Japanese formality with the fluidity of modern dance.
Audience comments:
“The musicians, dancers, and presentation were all fantastic.”
“Always a delight. Asian Arts is the best show in town always.”
“Great performance. Exceeded my expectations. More
performances like this.”
“Top-flight.”
Tea, Flower and Music
Saturday, March 31, 2 pm
Audiences enjoyed presentations of Japanese tea ceremony (2 pm), flower arranging (3 pm), and a performance of Japanese music (4 pm).
Audience comments:
“I really enjoyed the program. I loved the flower arrangement – IKEBANA. I am going to try to
arrange some flowers of my own.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the three cultural forms of the Japanese people.”
“A lovely program. Actually enticed me to join center within the next month.”
Distant Voices and Sounds of Thunder
Wednesday, May 2,
7 pm 
A theatrical retelling of the experience of a Japanese
American during the WWII Internment and beyond based on the personal diary of Hiroaki Nishimura. A performance of Japanese taiko drumming followed Distant Voices after an intermission/reception.
Audience comments:
“Distant voices was very impressive in giving you
a view of Nishimura’s life."
"Sounds of Thunder was AMAZING!! Both of these programs should be shown again in the
future.”
“I had thought it would be more theatrical, but it was very informative. Taiko was very good!”
“Amazing! Very moving + informative. Awesome drums! Gorgeous piano accompaniment.”
Fall 2006
TOUCHING
THE MEKONG:
A Southeast Asian
Sojourn
Friday, September 8 - Friday, October 27.
A group of 50 black and white photographs taken by photographer Andrea Baldeck provided a rare glimpse of the life in distant lands, capturing the transient yet lingering beauty of life, culture and nature. Highlights of the Asian Art Permanent Collection was also on view.
Audience comments:
"The entire display was very artistically arranged and eye-appealing ! Excellent!"
"Beautiful, crisp clean photography and introduction to each regional landscapes and culture."
"I was so excited to see traditional black and white photography. It captures nature and the world's essence of simple beauty which we all take for granted."
MANY MOONS FESTIVAL 2006
Saturday, September 30, 11 am – 6 pm.
The Asian Arts & Culture Center celebrated its 35th anniversary in its new location in the renovated Center for the Arts with the third Many Moons Festival 2006. This full day festival utilized three stages and several large public spaces featuring performances of traditional and innovative music and dance, arts and crafts, storytelling, martial arts, and delicious food and teas from across the world. (Click on "Many Moon Festival" in the side panel.)
Audience comments:
"Saved me a trip to Asia! Best way to spend a day."
"Very organized - amazing fantastic variety. Thoroughly enjoyed it!!"
"Wonderful! Please do it again! I hope that you'll continue to have Asian Festivals like this every year. Thank You!"
DREAM
WORLD:
TAIPEI FOLK DANCE THEATER
The Taipei Folk Dance Theater presented the beauty of indigenous Taiwanese multicultural ethnic dance, incorporating the influences of Chinese traditional dance with the use of modern dance techniques.
Audience comments:
"Awesome! We really enjoyed it."
"The most beautiful cultural dancing I have seen in a VERY long time. My first Taipei experience!"
"Fantastic presentation. High quality and educational."
FORCES
OF NATURE:
Paintings by Marlene Tseng Yu
November 11-December 15
Breathtaking large scale abstract paintings inspired by nature and cosmology are the work of New York based artist Marlene Tseng Yu.
Audience comments:
"I love these paintings. They are dramatic. The colors are exceptional. These paintings really express an awe of nature, in its splendor and beauty."
"This exhibit is vibrant and meaningful to humanity in many ways."
"Very organic and true to environment. A wonderful way to display the artwork."
Spring 2006
ABANDON
AND ADHERING
International Modern Ink Painting
February 11 - March 17. A display of powerful ink and brush works by
recognized artists from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, China, France and the U.S.
who represent the modern development of this time honored method of
artistic expression. Featured in this exhibition were, among others, Gao
Xing-Jian, the first Chinese writer to win the Nobel Prize for
Literature in 2000.
FREE
corollary programs open to the public:
Ink Play
February 11. During the opening reception artists from Taiwan conducted
a participatory "ink play" with the audience. Artists interacted with
guests in creating original works on large cotton sheets.
Ink
Painting Workshop for Children
Saturday, February 18, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. International Modern
Ink Painting artists provided small paper umbrellas for children, to
paint on. Each child had his/her own original umbrella to take home.
Student
Poetry Contest
Towson University students were invited to review the exhibition and
submitted a poem for a poetry reading on Thursday, March 9, 4 pm.
Audience comments:
"I like how each picture carries a message about society and its influences on the arts."
"My son had a great time painting and being creative. I think this is a great program."
" Fascinating! Washing the artist demonstrate. The children seemed very interested. Thank you!"
NAI-NI
CHEN DANCE RESIDENCY (Part II)
March 1-14. After two weeks of a successful residency program
in Fall 2005, Nai-Ni Chen returned for another two weeks to continue her
choreography and rehearsals of the Way of Five with TU Department of
Dance, and actively engaged K-12 students and community groups in
workshops and demonstrations to illustrate the Chinese concepts of
mind/body balance that inspired her art.
Audience comments:
"What a fabulous program!! We feel so honored to have been selected to take a class with Ms. Chen."
"Nai-Ni gave excellent physical and verbal explanation of her technique- the students had a wonderful class and enjoyed the challenge presented."
"This opens my horizons and let me experience the choreographic progress."
A
MUSICAL TRAVELOGUE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Saturday, March 11, 8 pm. Kaplan Concert Hall.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Reynaldo Reyes collaborated with Alleluia Panis, artistic director of Kularts (San Francisco) in a performance of authentic music of the Philippines featuring the Magui Moro Master Artists, a colorful and exuberant kulintang music ensemble.
Audience comments:
"Fascinating. Can’t wait to see the second act!"
"Excellent. Impressed by the purity of the tradition and the adaptation."
"This was wonderful! We brought my 89 year old mother to this program & she is enjoying it!"
GLORIOUS
POTS: A Millennium of Southeast Asian Trade - Oriental Ceramics from
Maryland, Virginia and Washington Collections April 8- May 20
Guest Curator: David Rehfuss, President of Washington Oriental
Ceramics."Glorious Pots" told tales of trade, traders, history,
technology, adventure and the search for profits. These pots, sought
after because of their utility, treasured for their beauty, fired from
as early as the 12th century in kilns in China, Thailand, Vietnam,
Japan, Burma and Laos, were sold throughout Southeast Asia. Supported in
part by a grant from the Carpenter Foundation.
Audience comments:
"Beautiful array of various pieces- great detail regarding history and origin & each individual piece- very inspiring!"
"Very nicely displayed, a wide range of pieces, very interesting history, I like to see the variations of a certain type of ceramic."
"Excellent captions. I liked having the map. It helped my 9 year old grandson to enjoy the exhibit. Textiles were beautiful and much."