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Asian Arts & Culture Center
REFLECT
and ASPIRE
SPRING 2021
1
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
Dear AA&CC Friends:
We hope that you and your families are the need to level the playing field and We thank you for believing in the power
well in these challenging times. The past to create platforms for the expression of AA&CC’s work to shift dominant
year has been like no other in the history of diverse experiences. You know the cultural narratives, to help people
of the Asian Arts & Culture Center, importance of dialogue in bridging and expand their perspectives, and to correct
starting with the coronavirus pandemic celebrating differences. misperceptions. We are deeply grateful
and developing into the expression and to you for joining us in combatting
increased exposure of social divisions As supporters of AA&CC, you recognize xenophobia by connecting communities
and inequities in the United States, the unique role that the arts play in through art and culture, and we know
especially in relation to Americans of facilitating that dialogue. You know how you will take advantage of this moment
African and Asian descent. For fifty years, arts engagement can provide the kind to share your appreciation of AA&CC
AA&CC has built cross-cultural bridges of experiences that go beyond diversity, with everyone in your life.
by connecting people in conversations equity and inclusion policies and
through art and culture. Now, we find communications training to challenge
ourselves at a unique moment in time: stereotypes.
the U.S. and the world are waking up
to the systemic prejudice and racism You are eminently aware that there is no Our sincere thanks,
that hinder the achievement of truly co- single, monolithic AAPI community and
existing, sharing, and appreciating one recognize the richness and complexity
another. of multiple AAPI communities. You also
know that Asian and AAPI experiences
As supporters of AA&CC over the do not exist in a vacuum, but rather,
years, you represent the forefront of that they are intricately connected to
a movement. You have demonstrated other communities.
your awareness of and commitment to
Cover image: Detail of “Amethyst Mountain Range Fit for an Emperor” by Phaan Howng from A Bag of Rocks for a Bag of
Rice exhibition. Photo credit: Joseph Hyde.
2 3
Asian Arts & Culture Center
The Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University engages the university and surrounding
communities in cross-cultural dialogue through a broad range of artistic and cultural learning
experiences related to Asia. Our programs increase understanding of the world's diverse
cultures, challenge stereotypes, strengthen cultural competency, and offer unique perspectives
on creativity and the human experience.
Exhibitions
REFLECT
AA&CC presents exhibitions on campus and
in the community, featuring diverse arts, Asia in Maryland (AIM)
culture, and ideas from across the community AIM engages community and showcases the
and around the world, often with interactive stories of Maryland-based Asian and AAPI
elements. Exhibits regularly feature and are artists and creatives. The series increases
co-curated with international, national, and awareness and understanding of Maryland’s
community artists and specialists. Objects diversity through exhibitions, workshops, family
from AA&CC’s art collection are usually on programs, performances, courses, and more.
view on campus. Through the unique power of the arts to connect
people on personal and emotional levels,
participants gain intimate understandings of
the integral roles that over 500,000 Asian and
AAPI residents play in the fabric of Maryland
life.
Community Programs
AA&CC partners with local artists, communities,
and organizations to promote intercultural Asia@Towson
sharing, support AAPI creatives, and celebrate On campus, AA&CC produces student-focused
local Asian American history. Asia North, co- festivals and events that both educate and
presented annually with Central Baltimore entertain. We also sponsor TU’s Cambodian
Partnership and multiple local partners, honors music ensemble, bring guest artists to classes,
the Charles North neighborhood’s diverse provide workshops, and more.
communities and history as a Koreatown. Our
Stories Virtual Festival pays tribute to our
common humanity and the unique beauty of Asia Online
diverse experiences with personal and cultural Objects from our art collection, past exhibitions,
stories shared through narrative, music, art, and other digital resources are available on
animation/video/short film, and more. the AA&CC website.
Image: Detail of “Kapre sa Baryo (Kapre in the Barrio)” by Lek Borja from
Graphics: Asia North by Mika J. Nakano. Asia in Maryland and Asia@Towson by Margot Vandenberghe. Anak (My Child) exhibition. Photo credit: Amelia Vercauteren.
4 5
REFLECT
Station North Shines: Asia North 2020 Special thank you for support from William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund,
Central Baltimore Partnership, Maryland State Arts Council, Citizens of Baltimore County,
June 5 and July 17, 2020 AA&CC Members, TU-BTU Presidential Priority, PNC Bank, WYPR, TD Bank,
Johns Hopkins University, Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore Kawasaki Sister Cities Committee,
Virtual Baltimore Changwon Sister Cities Committee, Mike Shecter, and Leandro Lagera.
Co-produced with Special thank you for research support from Ock Kyung Lee,
Michelle Lee, Paul Kim, and Dale Dusman.
Central Baltimore Partnership
and Station North Arts District
These virtual art walks celebrated the Baltimore region's art, culture and the Asian
heritage and introduced the history of Baltimore's first unofficial Koreatown. They
featured performers, community leaders, local chefs, and artists whose work appears in
the Asia North 2020 exhibition, Tradition-Memory-Transformation. The Asia North 2020
exhibit and Station North Shines videos are available at www.towson.edu/asianorth
Images from left to right: Ellen Zhang, (top) “Goddess Hilla’ by Nahid Navab, (bottom) Sebastian Wang, “Merak Kala Senja” by Nico
Gozal, Still from “Wi Ing Wi Ing” by Chung-Wei Huang, and “Not Fragile” by Monica Youn.
6 7
“Helped me to reconsider general and historic ideas about
Asian gardens and aesthetics as well as gardening practices
and placed them in dialogue with contemporary concerns.”
“Furthered my passion for the environment and its
maintenance and opened my eyes to how capitalism and
greed has ravaged many lands in Asia and the world over.”
Phaan Howng: A Bag of As of June 5, 732 virtual visitors and forty-six physical visitors have explored Phaan
Howng’s site-specific installation that engages East Asian gardens as a case study of
Rocks for a Bag of Rice the dynamics embedded within the inspired, meditative spaces of Chinese and Japanese
gardens. Howng’s imposing, lurid, and disorienting installation incites critical reflections
Online exhibition: on how these enchanted “natural” spaces camouflage the histories of empire, wealth,
privilege, exploitation, ecological extraction, and displacement behind their creation.
Sept 17, 2020-present. Seventy-three people attended Howng’s virtual artist talk and exhibition tour on
https://bit.ly/3dWwOFE September 17. Between March 10 and June 5, 2021, seventy-seven people have viewed a
video of the talk.
Physical exhibition: “It was a great event!
Sept 17, 2020-July 31, 2021. One of the best Zoom events I've been to.”
Asian Arts Gallery.
These programs were made possible by the generous support of
(Fall 2020 open to TU students, The E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council,
faculty and staff by appointment. William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Central Baltimore Partnership, AA&CC Members,
Open to all by appointment from TU College of Fine Arts & Communication, Citizens of Baltimore County,
May 3-July 31, 2021.) Ro & Marius P. Johnson Legacy Charitable Fund, Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota,
Harold J. Kaplan Foundation, TU COFAC Diversity Committee,
TU Marketing & Communications, Robert Mintz & Beth Arman, TU-BTU Presidential Priority,
Virtual Artist Talk. Thursday, Anthony & Bonnie Montcalmo, Alexander Nagel, and Connie Rosemont & Jon Greenberg.
September 17, 2020.
https://youtu.be/7WHm1vGpk7E
8 9
Virtual Workshop
Forest Bathing: “I am much more at peace and calm. I felt much
Nature’s Therapy more connected to my neighborhood and my Towson
Saturday, September 26, community members. This is exactly what I needed
2020 during the pandemic. The cooler weather and light rain
Eight people joined Naturalist and Forest was lovely and refreshing.”
Therapy Guide, Ana Ka’ahanui, for shinrin-
yoku (“forest bathing”), a Japanese practice
invented in the 1980s and based on Shinto
and Buddhist reverence for nature. “Slowing down and noticing is important.”
“I found a deep sense of calm and peace. I have new
ideas and tools for how to experience future walks
and hikes.”
“This event has given me more tools to use on my
walks and connect with nature.”
Photo credit: Ana Ka’ahanui
10 11
Virtual Workshop
Pollinator Gardening:
Designing
Sustainable Habitats
Saturday,
November 14, 2020
Fifty-three people joined Blue Water Baltimore and
artist, Phaan Howng, to learn about pollinator gardens,
their connection to watershed health, how to design
them, and how to help restore habitats for struggling
pollinators.
“Provided a very clear model for
the creation or improvement of
Panel Discussion “Terrific roundtable talk-- a native garden.”
Gardening for the Future really interesting people.”
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 “Eye opening and inspirational”
Fifty-six people joined artist, Phaan
Howng; scholar, Natasha Myers; botanical “Excellent panel
garden planner, Nicole DeFeo; and discussion - one of the “I very much appreciate the
Herring Run Nursery assistant manager,
Mary Lewis; as they deconstructed how best I have attended.” blend of the cultural and
ideal aestheticized gardens reflect power
relations between humans and nature ecological aspects of gardening-
and shared ideas about how gardening
practices can be mobilized to create “Thank you for this, I represented by TU Asian Arts
more environmentally sustainable futures.
was left with a great and Culture and BWB.”
The video of this program will become
available on AA&CC’s website for
deal to consider and
future viewing. wrestle with!”
12 13
Virtual Art & Music This livestream event featured art talks
and performances by multidisciplinary artist
Exchange Marlo De Lara (a.k.a. marlo egglant), hip-
hop duo S.N.R.G. (Some Never Really Get),
Asia North 2020 and visual artists Andersen Woof and Vidya
Vijayasekharan. It was part of Asia North
Special thanks to Central Baltimore Partnership, Maryland State Arts Council,
William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Citizens of Baltimore County, AA&CC Members,
Friday, October 16, 2021 2020, which was adapted as a result of the
coronavirus pandemic.
TU Creative Services, TU Digital Strategy, TU Marketing & Communications,
Heather Sorensen, PNC Bank, WYPR, North Ave. Market-Mike Shecter,
Co-presented with Central Asia North is a collaborative community
Stillpointe Theatre, Gong-yu Yesul Gallery, TU-BTU Presidential Priority, TD Bank,
Asian Pasifika Arts Collective, Charm City Night Market, Ock Kyung Lee,
Baltimore Partnership celebration that recognizes, showcases,
and honors the art, culture and the Asian
Michelle Lee, Paul Kim, Dale Dusman, Matthew Park, Station North Arts District,
Midtown Baltimore and Charles North Community Association.
heritage of Greater Baltimore, especially the
Korean history of Baltimore’s Charles North
community. Asia North 2020 features an
online art exhibition, Tradition - Memory -
Transformation, which showcases the works
of 25 regional Asian and Asian American
artists, and a brief history of Koreatown.
Explore Asia North at
www.towson.edu/asianorth
The video of this program will become
available on AA&CC’s website for future
viewing.
Images: P.14-Marlo De Lara. P.15-Upper left: S.N.R.G. Bottom left: Marlo De Lara, Dangerous Days by Andersen Woof. Right: Girl in Blue
by Vidya Vijayasekharan
14 15
Virtual Community Festival
Our Stories
Thursdays, October 1 –
November 5, 2021 “I appreciate the “It really opened my mind to some of the struggles that
212 people tuned into a virtual celebration
our common humanity and the unique international perspective other people had as well as helped me connect with others
beauty of diverse experiences during this
six-week international community festival. and the work that AA&CC from around the world that I probably would not have
Twenty-seven individuals from Baltimore to has done to broaden our connected with had it not been for this experience.”
Bengaluru share their personal and cultural
stories about life in quarantine, racism, understanding.”
relationships, social justice, empowerment,
persistence, mortality, immigration, identity,
courage, loneliness, and sustainable living
through narrative, music, art, animation/
video/short film, and more.
AA&CC initially conceived Our Stories in
2014 as an in-person multi-cultural family
festival exploring local and global stories,
including performances, workshops, hands-
on activities, and more. However, due to
AA&CC’s limited capacity and inability to
find an appropriate partner, the project,
as originally conceived, never got off the Special thanks to AA&CC Advisory Board Member, Kanwal Rehman,
ground. for her assistance in coordinating, publicizing, and hosting this event.
Then, spring 2020 presented us with a The Our Stories virtual festival was made possible by the generous support of
new challenge: pandemic lockdown—and a The E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council,
new opportunity: bringing people together William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Central Baltimore Partnership, AA&CC Members,
virtually through stories. The response to TU College of Fine Arts & Communication, Citizens of Baltimore County,
an open-ended, inclusive call for storytellers Ro & Marius P. Johnson Legacy Charitable Fund, Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota,
with no constraints about who can tell Harold J. Kaplan Foundation, TU COFAC Diversity Committee,
stories, how they can tell them, or what they TU Marketing & Communications, Robert Mintz & Beth Arman,
should be about was overwhelming. AA&CC
received 30+ applications. We even had an
“I loved TU-BTU Presidential Priority, Anthony & Bonnie Montcalmo, Alexander Nagel,
and Connie Rosemont & Jon Greenberg.
enthusiastic response from storytellers in
India, so three sessions were dedicated to
hearing
their stories, while the other three sessions
consisted of a diverse presenter lineup in about the
terms of storyteller backgrounds.
different Images: Top from left to right- The Day of February 2018 by Sookkyung Park. Still from Relationships by Yuqi Wang. The Chen Family
ca. 1946. Kolam Collaboration by Shanthi Chandrasekar. Lopamudra Mohanty. Middle from left to right- Charley Jo Raine. Detail of
cultures.”
The program videos will become available on The Towers by Ikennah Umeh. Geethanjali Javed. Albela Sajan, My Charming by Sushmita Mazumdar. Left: Detail of Dual Citizenship by
AA&CC’s website for future viewing. Adrianna Morgan..
16 17
“Helped me
to realize that
Filipinos are
overlooked
members of the Online Exhibition
Asian diaspora and
that we should
Anak (My Child)
consider them Launched Thursday,
more, especially February 11, 2021
seeing as they Online exhibition:
were colonized by https://www.towson.edu/anak
the United States.”
Virtual Artist Talk.
Thursday, February 11,
2021.
As of June 5, 402 virtual visitors have
explored Lek Vercauteren Borja’s online
exhibition, Anak (My Child), featuring her
dynamic and ethereal mixed media works
which weave history with personal experience
to draw out broader contemporary Filipino These programs were made possible by the generous support of
American stories of identity, displacement, The E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council,
trauma, survival, resilience, and belonging. William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Central Baltimore Partnership, AA&CC Members,
Borja emigrated from the Philippines to the TU College of Fine Arts & Communication, Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota,
U.S. with her family at age 10 and has since Citizens of Baltimore County, Ro & Marius P. Johnson Legacy Charitable Fund,
moved through the world many times feeling Harold J. Kaplan Foundation, Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Towson University,
displaced. She uses art to return to those TU COFAC Diversity Committee, TU Marketing & Communications,
moments in order to better understand them Robert Mintz & Beth Arman, TU-BTU Presidential Priority, Anthony & Bonnie Montcalmo,
and their effect on shaping her as a person. Alexander Nagel, Connie Rosemont & Jon Greenberg, and TU Center for Student Diversity.
Fifty-one people attended Borja’s virtual artist
talk on February 11. The artist talk video will
become available on AA&CC’s website for
future viewing.
Images: p.18- Personalia 7 (‘Last Near Year ‘88 at Our Jeep’) by Lek Borja. P.19- Detail of Fractured Family by Lek Borja.
18 19Virtual 50th Anniversary
Fundraiser
Salu-Salo: A Filipino
American Cultural Feast “I realized how little I know about
Friday, February 26, 2021 the history and lasting trauma Virtual Panel Discussion
Co-produced with The caused by the colonization,
persecution, and cultural suppression
Filipino American
Hustling Creative of Filipino peoples. I am eager to Diaspora:
“Salu-Salo” is a Filipino word for gathering
and eating together. Sixty-four people joined
read more by the authors we met
at this event.” Self-Representations
AA&CC for a virtual salu-salo featuring a
cooking demonstrations with Sony Florendo,
Emerging from
Chef Mike Ledesma (Perch RVA), Chef Rey
Eugenio (Heritage Kitchen), and Pastry Chef
“Deepened my appreciation for my the Shadows
Audrey Valerio with their takes on favorite
Filipino recipes; music by Kulintronica and
heritage.”
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Diwa de Leon who have creatively electrified
traditional Filipino instruments; a virtual tour Seventy-five people joined poet, Luisa
with ANTHILL Fabric Gallery in the Philippines;
“Deepened my understanding of A. Igloria; artist, Lek Vercauteren Borja;
and an AA&CC 50th Anniversary cocktail. how others are using the arts as a authors E.J.R. David and Dwight Ong; and
The event was hosted by Sophia Florendo- way of self-expression, decolonizing scholar and artist, Marlo De Lara for a
Stevens. practice and healing.” lively discussion about the complicated
histories of Filipino Americans.
The event video will become available on
AA&CC’s website for future viewing. The program video will become available
“Hearing the common threads and on AA&CC’s website for future viewing.
themes in their work was really
Images: Top left- Chef Rey Eugenio. Right top- Kulintronica. powerful. Great event.” Images from left to right: Lek Borja, Luisa A. Igloria, Dwight Ong,
(top) E.J.R. David, (bottom) Marlo De Lara
Right bottom- Sony Florendo.
20 21Virtual Youth Workshops
with the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Metropolitan Baltimore
Wishes in the Wind:
Korean Kites
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Video Workshop Towson University Art Education Professor
Year of the Ox Chinese and AA&CC Advisory Board member,
Jinyoung Koh, introduced five children to
Paper-cut Art with Korean culture and guided them in creating
colorful, aerodynamic kites with positive
Cheng Cao Virtual Performance
messages.
Premiered Friday, and Interview
February 12, 2021 Shinobi feat. DJ AAROCK The Spirit of Bamboo Brush
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=MiSzLjhRiBw March 7, 2021 Painting Workshop
Created for the Walters Art Co-sponsored with Summer 2021
Museum's Virtual Lunar Crescendo Studios, Artist, Grace Sunsook Park introduces Korean
New Year Celebration KTN ENT and S.N.R.G.
brush painting and calligraphy, the Korean
phonetic system, the symbolism of bamboo,
and how concentration and energy contribute
As of June 5, 1,207 people have virtual https://www.youtube.com/ to making beautiful brush strokes.
visitors have learned to craft a paper-cut watch?v=OqaIwuuWmro
ox with artist Cheng Cao who introduces
Chinese paper-cutting, or jianzhi , a On March 7, sixty-six attendees supported
a livestream performance and interview by Special thanks to
folk art that originated in China around
Shinobi, a 12 year-old, self-taught rapper AA&CC Advisory Board Members,
the 6th century CE.
from Virginia Beach. The program part of Kenneth Tsui and Jinyoung Koh, for their
Crescendo Studio's new series, "Your Soul assistance in coordinating this partnership
Shall Network," a project that supports and leading this event.
artists with promotional video production
during the pandemic. As of June 5, 222
people have viewed this program on
YouTube.
22 23Virtual Forum
Our Home Too
Thursday, May 27,
2021
Co-presented with
Baltimore Sister Seventy-six people joined community leaders Linda
Yuriko Kato, Christina Wong Poy, Mark Chang, Dana
Cities and Baltimore Petersen Moore, AA&CC’s own Nerissa Paglinauan,
and Teresa Leslie to explore the diverse meanings of
City Mayor’s Office of AAPI heritage, to discuss their ambitions for the future
of AAPI communities in the region, and to honor the
Immigrant Affairs invaluable contributions of AAPI communities to culture,
the arts, activism, and public service in Baltimore and
Maryland.
STEAM@Home Kits Virtual Guest Artist
Wishes in the Wind: Korean Kites Dana Tai Soon Burgess
Kite kit order form:
Friday, April 30
bit.ly/aacc-koreankitekit-orderform Co-presented with
This hands-on community art activity was originally planned in spring 2020 as part of The Towson University
BIG Baltimore Kite Festival in Baltimore’s Patterson Park in collaboration with the Creative
Alliance, Friends of Patterson Park, and TU Department of Art Education. However due to Department of Dance
the coronavirus pandemic, it was cancelled.
As an alternative, AA&CC created kits for families and teachers to order make at home. Choreographer and dancer Dana Tai Soon
Participants learn about art, culture, and engineering while designing and making a colorful Burgess led two classes with a total of
Korean-inspired aerodynamic kite to fly and make their wishes come true. As of June 5, sixty-two participants introducing how his
forty-three kits have been distributed. work in “cultural confluence” and as a
“hyphenated person” led to his career as
a “Diplomat of Dance.”
This project was made possible through the
generosity of the Harold J. Kaplan Foundation.
Special thanks to Advisory Board members, Dr. Jinyoung Koh,
Dr. Kay Broadwater, and Mrs. Susan Behm for their
working on this project with us!
24 25EXHIBITION
and FESTIVAL
Asia North 2021: A Celebration of Art, Culture & Community
April 10-May 15, 2021
Virtual & socially distanced in Baltimore’s
Station North Arts District
Co-presented with the Central Baltimore Partnership Exhibition
www.towson.edu/asianorth Online exhibition launched The Asia North 2021 exhibition features the
work of twenty-four regional Asian and AAPI
Saturday, April 10, 2021: artists including Reed Bmore, Cheng Cao,
Molli Chang, Anu Das, Marlo DeLara, Gloria
bit.ly/AsiaNorth2021-Exhibit Tseng Fischer, Farhad Heidarian, Margaret
Huey, Linda Kato, Jinyoung Koh, Sunjin Lee,
“Very eye opening Socially distanced in Jing Ma, Hadrian Mendoza, Miki + Dolor +
Van Ngo + Hsiao-Chu Hsia, Sookkyung Park,
and wonderful!” locations in Station North: Grace Ren, Slothpotato, Nahid Tootoonchi,
Anjali Wells, and Andersen Woof, and Nikita
Motor House, Joe Squared, Yogaraj. Panels highlighting landmarks and
milestones in the history of Baltimore’s
SNF Parkway Theatre, unofficial Koreatown were also on view. This
information is also available online in the
North Avenue Market/ Asia North section of AA&CC’s website at
http://bit.ly/AsiaNorth-CommunityHistory
Secret Sauce, Impact Hub, As of June 5, 564 people have visited the
and Nancy by SNAC. online exhibit.
(April 10-May 15, 2021)
Images: pg.26 Dong Xi. P.27 Top- Asia North 2021 graphic by
Ameena Fareeda. Middle left- Still from Wake Up by Molli Chang.
Middle right- A Market Place by Jing Ma.
26 27“The exhibit was very nicely curated. And
it was great to learn about the rich Asian
history in our community.”
Virtual Kick-off Event
Saturday, April 10
Fifty people celebrated the kick-off of Asia
North 2021 by attending this virtual program
which included a video tour of the exhibit Virtual Workshop
in Station North and performances and
presentations by Korean Performing Arts Exploring Identity
Academy of America, Sae Young Jeong,
Derek Quevedo, Sughra Hussainy, Ambika through Culture
Ramsundar, Jorgelina Lopez and EN’B. The
program video will become available on Saturday, April 17
AA&CC’s website for future viewing.
Co-presented with Asian
Night Market Online with Pasifika Arts Collective
Brown Rice (APAC)
Saturday, April 10
Eighteen people joined artist, Lek Vercauteren
Borja, to explore the interconnections of
culture, identity and memory and create a
collages
Virtual Performance Virtual Workshop
The Way by Dong Xi Zinemaking 101
Presented by Charm City Night Market.
Wednesday, April 21 Friday, April 30
Fifty-seven people attended a virtual Eleven people join artist, Margaret Huey, to
performance by Dong Xi (Chao Tian and learn about the creativity, community, and
Tom Teasley) which brought together action that can be enacted with zines.
Chinese dulcimer and world percussion in
conversation in their new musical project,
“The Way.” Dong Xi’s musical dialogues
are based on the Taoist philosophy of Wu
Wei, meaning “action through inaction.” By “Gave me a better
creating beautiful music through respecting,
listening, and reacting, the duo offers a
understanding and
model for resolving conflict and organizing greater appreciation of
chaos mindfully and organically. The
musicians interspersed their performance with the wide scope of Asian
demonstrations of and commentary on their
music and creative processes. The program
art and culture.”
video will become available on AA&CC’s
website for future viewing.
28 Images: Top-Anu Das’ artwork in window of the Motor House. Photo credit: Joseph Hyde. Bottom from left to right: “Racial Image: Ume lamp by Jorgelina Lopez. 29
Ambiguity” by Derek Quevedo. Henna art by Ambika Ramsundar. “Punk Rock 2” by Hadrian Mendoza.Virtual Workshop Station North Shines Art
Making Stories with Walk-Asia North 2021 As a self-supporting department of
Where We're From Exhibition Tour Towson University, the Asian Arts &
Culture Center relies on generous
Friday, May 7 Friday, May 14 donations to accomplish its mission.
Thirteen people joined artist, Margaret Huey, Sixteen people participated in a guided tour To learn how you can help, visit
to learn how to build visual and written of the Asia North 2021 exhibition in Station www.towson.edu/campus/artsculture/
ASPIRE
storytelling skills and craft compelling North. centers/asianarts/support/
narratives! Or contact Joanna Pecore, AA&CC Director:
410-704-2718
“I'm grateful for events like this during the jpecore@towson.edu
challenges of the pandemic. Thank you.”
AA&CC continues a 50-year tradition The world is beginning to recognize Asian
of producing accessible, engaging struggles. People want to learn and show
and inclusive educational programs their solidarity. This is a unique moment
that foreground Asian stories, foster for AA&CC to strengthen our service
dialogue across diverse communities, to a broad range of audiences and
and illuminate the fact that Asian lives communities.
are a part of everyone’s lives in our
interconnected world. AA&CC is working to ensure a solid
foundation for the Center and programs
Asia North 2021 partners, sponsors, and supporters include Asian Arts & Culture Center, Disturbingly, since the coronavirus that are strong, consistent, and
Central Baltimore Partnership, Station North Arts District, Motor House, Joe Squared, SNF
outbreak, 58% of Asian adults say that responsive to the diverse communities of
Parkway Theatre, North Avenue Market, Impact Hub, Nancy by SNAC, Charm City Night
Market, Asian Pasifika Arts Collective, E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Maryland anti-Asian racism has gotten worse, our region by sustaining and expanding
State Arts Council, Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota, William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, and 31% of Asian Americans say that upon our 1) presentation of exhibits on
Citizens of Baltimore County, AA&CC Members, TD Bank, BB&T/Truist, PNC Bank, Towson they themselves have been on the and off campus, 2) community programs,
University, WYPR, Guppy Management Services, Community Housing Partners, Mike Shecter,
receiving end of verbal racist attacks. 3) Asia in Maryland (AIM) programming,
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee, Baltimore Changwon
Sister City Committee, Brown Rice, and Baltimore Jewelry Center. The situation has only escalated since 4) Asia@Towson extracurricular and
a deadly shooting at an Atlanta spa academic programming, 5) family, youth,
in March 2021. Our current cultural school, and teacher programs, and
climate of amplified prejudice, racism 6) online resources. With this in mind,
and xenophobia underscores the need we aspire to implement the following
to expand and strengthen programs like projects.
AA&CC that bring people closer together.
30 Image: Korean Performing Arts Academy of America. 31Proposed Exhibit
Exhibits & Gallery Experiences for Spring 2022
ASPIRATIONS: EXHIBIT
Assimilation/
AA&CC presents exhibitions •Offer at least one exhibit/ Acculturation:
experience in Asian Arts
on campus and in the
Gallery each semester
An Asian American
community, featuring Artist’s Journey
diverse arts, culture, and Nico Gozal is an Indonesian of
ideas from across the •Expand AA&CC’s ability to Chinese descent who is also an
community and around the offer offsite exhibits/gallery American citizen. In sharing his
experiences unique style of silk painting that
world. Exhibits regularly blends elements of Indonesian
feature and are co-curated traditions with contemporary
techniques, he shares the
with international, national, •Strengthen AA&CC’s ability culture of his homeland, his
and community artists and to digitally document childhood, his experiences as
specialists. exhibitions and re-package an immigrant in the United
States, and his experiences
them for online use balancing multiple cultures.
Images: Top to bottom- Night Birds. Parang Piligree. Hanuman.
Art by Nico Gozal.
32 33Proposed for
Community Programs Fall 2021
ASPIRATIONS: Our Stories Virtual Festival
AA&CC partners with local •Make Asia North an annual signature
Our Stories virtual festival offers a
event
artists, communities, and safe space for everyone to share,
listen, and connect with one another
organizations to promote •Expand Asia North beyond one weekend/ “There is so much
and celebrate our common humanity.
intercultural sharing, month-have a regular presence in Charles
The festival connects diverse
support AAPI creatives,
North
communities and generations together love, diversity, and
and celebrate local through the theme of stories. Anyone
•Add monthly pop-up programs and
can participate in this open-ended beauty behind the
Asian American history. a winter Fair Trade Holiday Market in
event, with no constraints about who
Asia North, co-presented Station North
can tell stories, how they can tell stories.”
annually with Central •Establish a satellite space in Station
them, or what they should be about.
It welcomes stories and the art of
Baltimore Partnership and North that welcomes the community and
storytelling from various cultures, near
multiple local partners, features community artists throughout the
year
and far, and encompasses stories on “Bringing the world
honors the Charles North various topics and in a wide range
neighborhood’s diverse •Make Our Stories festival an annual
of formats (such as narrative, music, together, by AA&CC.”
art, animation/video/short film)
communities and history as event
offering multiple points of access and
a Koreatown. Our Stories participation for people with diverse
•Expand Our Stories to include an annual
Virtual Festival pays tribute multi-cultural family event exploring local
learning styles. “I was beyond
to our common humanity and global stories through performances,
When Our Stories virtual festival honored to even be
and the unique beauty of workshops, and hands-on activities
launched in 2020, twenty-seven
diverse experiences with •Strengthen AA&CC’s ability to document,
individuals from Baltimore to part of something so
personal and cultural Bengaluru presented their stories over
share, and digitize cultural, artistic, and
stories shared through historical community stories
the span of six weeks for an audience impactful.”
of 212. The 2020 program videos will
narrative, music, art, become available on AA&CC’s website
•Create an “Illuminating Asian Baltimore”
animation/video/short film, digital community documentary project to
for future viewing.
and more. spotlight the roles that Asians and Asian
Americans play culturally, artistically, and
Image: Detail of “Aishwariya Kolam” by Shanthi Chandrasekar.
economically throughout Greater Baltimore
34 35Proposed for
Spring 2022
Exhibition and Festival We hope to have our fourth annual Asia North event, a celebration of
Baltimore’s Charles North neighborhood’s constantly evolving identities as a
Asia North 2022: Koreatown, arts district, and creative center. Asia North serves to strengthen
the community’s sense of cohesion and identity and recognize its rich
A Celebration of Art, history as a Koreatown. Area artists and organizations present an exhibit,
Culture & Community performances, films, a night market, neighborhood food tour, and more. AA&CC
co-presents Asia North with the Central Baltimore Partnership and multiple
community partners.
36 Images: Left-“Tanine Aeena (The Reflection of Meroe)” by Sughra Hussainy. Right- “The Silk Road” by Zan Wang. 37Proposed for “Opened my eyes to experiences and viewpoints”
“I saw different sides of Asia.”
Fall 2021
Aspirations:
•Dedicate a full semester to AIM Exhibition & Events In fall 2021, the AA&CC aspires
to present Asia in Maryland (AIM)
every three years with an exhibit and
programs Asia in Maryland programming, including a community
exhibition featuring work by Maryland
artists who are Asian and Asian
•Offer a minimum of six AIM
American Pacific Islander (AAPI),
programs/year all other years
as well as an opening reception,
panel discussion, family arts day
•Offer a minimum of four AIM
activities, and hands-on workshops.
Asia in Maryland (AIM) youth outreach activities every year
in schools, after school program,
AIM programs uplift and showcase
Programming
the voices and stories of Asian and
libraries, and community centers.
AAPI artists and communities. This
work is particularly urgent within the
Asia in Maryland (AIM) engages •Create online AIM resources by
context of the COVID-19 pandemic,
community and showcases the putting existing materials online and
which has led to a sharp rise in anti-
stories of Maryland-based Asian adding new materials as they are
Asian racism in the U.S., including in
and AAPI artists and creatives. created
Maryland.
The series, which was launched
in 2015, increases awareness and •Offer AIM student exhibitions
Because of AA&CC’s great success
understanding of Maryland’s diversity (students of community artists) in
dedicating fall 2018 to AIM
through exhibitions, workshops, AA&CC’s Asian Arts Gallery every
programming, we are eager to bring
family programs, performances, summer
artists and communities together
courses, and more. Through the around AIM programming in fall 2021
unique power of the arts to connect •Build a robust program of AIM
as well. In fall 2018, thirty-three artists
people on personal and emotional community artist classes
levels, participants gain intimate
“Made me stop to think displayed their work in the Asian
Arts Gallery, most of whom—including
understandings of the integral •Expand the AIM artist residency about the struggles that Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan—
program
roles that over 500,000 Asian and Asian Americans might shared their work personally with 142
AAPI residents play in the fabric of guests on opening day.
Maryland life. •Offer the Asia in Maryland Cultural experience.”
History Project course each year.
(An interdisciplinary studies course
combining ethnography and oral
history to explore, understand and
document Asian arts and culture in
Maryland.)
38 Images: Top- Success by Sul-Jee Scully. Bottom- Still from Immortal Game (2016-17) by Yuqi Wang. 39Family, Youth, School &
Teacher Programs
Youth and school groups frequently visit
AA&CC galleries. In addition, AA&CC
regularly offers programs to families,
youth, schools and teachers. Our family
arts day activities with Towson University’s
Community Arts Center engage families
Asia@Towson
in interactive activities connected to AA&CC supports on-campus Aspirations:
the exhibitions in our gallery. We also extracurricular and academic
organize interactive art activities for Lunar programming with diverse, •Co-produce one on-campus Asian-
New Year celebrations at the Walter’s Art interdisciplinary subject matter. related festival each semester with
Museum and bring guest artists to lead students/student groups
educational presentations at schools, Students from Towson University and
libraries, and after-school youth programs, area colleges and universities have •Expand behind-the-scenes mentoring
such as the Boys & Girls Club. We have loved to attend, create, host, produce opportunities
hosted teacher training sessions, and and volunteer for Asian-themed
our online resources are accessible for festivals and events such as Tattoo •Expand AIM artist residency program
students, educators and lifelong learners. Fest, K-Fest, and Tiger-oke Cabaret.
AA&CC also partners with, engages in,
Aspirations: and supports student groups and TU
student affairs departments such as
•Increase AA&CC’s ability to bring guest the International Student Association,
artists to schools and youth centers Asian Student Union, Alpha Sigma Rho
Sorority, South Asian Student Club,
•Establish an annual, in-person Our Center for Student Diversity, Student
Stories multi-cultural family event exploring Government Association, Campus
local and global stories, including Activities Board and more.
performances, workshops, and hands-on
activities TU students regularly visit the Asian
Arts Gallery for class assignments,
•Expand AA&CC’s online resources (see out of sheer curiosity, and with their
below) classes, clubs, fraternities/sororities.
AA&CC also mentors several students
•Create “Art Smart Baltimore” curricular every year who work as graduate
modules featuring Asian literature, dance, assistants, gallery attendants, and
music, drama, and art interns, offers the Cambodian Classical
Music Ensemble with TU’s Music
•Offer professional development Department, and has piloted Asia
opportunities for teachers in Maryland Cultural History Project
course.
40 41Online Resources:
AA&CC is working to make these exhibitions
available online: Sounding the Spirit of
Cambodia, Asia@Towson, Asian Symbolism,
The Korean Wave, Korean Highlights from
THANK YOU!
AA&CC’s Collection, Asia’s Healing Arts,
Asia in Maryland: Expressing Cross-cultural
AY 2020-21 Partners AY 2020-21 Sponsors
Experience, Asia’s Martial Arts, Asian Asian Pasifika Arts Collective Silver ($10,000-$19,999)
Ceramics, Bronzes across Asia, and Earth’s Baltimore Changwon Sister Cities Committee Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota
Treasures-Threatened. Baltimore Kawasaki Sister Cities Committee TU College of Fine Arts & Communication
Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
We are also preparing versions of these
past events for online access: Inspired Baltimore Sister Cities Cloisonné ($5,000-$9,999)
by Tradition teacher workshop, Baltimore Blue Water Baltimore Central Baltimore Partnership
Collects panel discussion, and Karaoke: Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore
Global Technology, Local Practice panel Brown Rice Porcelain ($1,000-$2,499)
discussion.
Central Baltimore Partnership COFAC Diversity & Inclusion Committee
In collaboration with TU’s Special Collections Charm City Night Market Towson University
& Archives, Albert S. Cook Library, AA&CC Crescendo Studios TU-BTU Presidential Priority
is digitizing, cataloguing, and posting our art The Crown TU Marketing & Communications
collection online. Herring Run Nursery
Impact Hub Bronze ($500-$999)
Joe Squared TU Center for Student Diversity
Johns Hopkins University Richard & Joanne Vatz
Motor House
Nancy by SNAC Under $500
North Avenue Market / Secret Sauce Charlie Achuff
OTS Productions Mary Anne Akers
SNF Parkway Theatre Lynda Anozie
S.N.R.G. James Anthony
Station North Arts District Frances Aubrey
Towson University Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee
TU Center for Student Diversity Baltimore Changwon Sister City Committee
TU College of Fine Arts and Communication Jesse Baxter
TU Creative Services Gina Beck
TU Dance Department Susan Behm
TU Digital Strategy Denise & E.J. Benskin
TU Marketing & Communications Elizabeth Benskin
Walters Arts Museum John Benskin
WYPR Marissa Berk-Smith
Katherine Broadwater
42 43AY 2020-21 Grantors
Nicholas Brown Marielle Kessler James Reaux William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund
Fumiko Campbell Tiffany Kieu Virginia Richard E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Rachel Carter Lily Kouo Maggie Robbins Citizens of Baltimore County
Mical Carton Gail Kropf Connie Rosemont & Jon Greenberg Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
Henry & Linda Chen Diane Kuthy Linda Rowand Harold J. Kaplan Foundation
Zhe Chen Kathleen Leatherwood Silverio Santiago Maryland State Arts Council
Diana Cheng Jung-Sook Lee Julie Sayo
David Clark Robbin Lee Elaine Scott
Tara Balfe-Clifford
Janie Crum
Jill Levin
Julie Lin
Joyce Scott
Amy Seto
Planned Gift
Nadia Shebaro Ro & Marius P. Johnson Charitable Legacy, Inc.
Diana D Gail Lipsitz
Cori Daniel Sandra Losemann Shannon Smith
Anu Das Megan Lovely Mary Stein-Cascio
Amado David
Brian & Heather DeFilippis
Bruce MacKenzie
Louie Martirez y McFarland
Ken & Yaeko Steir
Kem Stralka
AY 2020-21 Advisory Board
Kunthary de Gaiffier John McKusick Lisa Swayhoover Yoshinobu Shiota, President
Nelson De Lara Jessica Mendoza Nahid Tootoonchi & Farhad Heidarian Susan Behm, VP Public Relations & Community
Harriet Deutsch Louise Miller Kenneth Tsui Engagement
Daphne Domingo Margery Moranz TU Department of Dance Louise Miller, VP Development
Maura Dwyer Miead Nikfarjam Christina Valerio Kyohei Abe
Greg Faller Yana Nikol Tess Veloso James Anthony
Ryan Gan Cristina Packard Vidya Vijayasekharan Katherine Broadwater
Joyce Garczynski Teodulo Paglinauan John Walker Gina Caruso
Jay Gordon Cristina Paglinauan Xi Wang Kitty Chin
Julia Hammid Luisa Palting Niya Werts Suk Choi
Karen Heisse Patricia Papero Kira Wisniewski Ping Fu
Zoe Hruban Sookkyung Park Gavin Witt Stephanie Hsu
Aaron Jackson Patricia Mishoe David & Stephanie Yoo Jinyoung Koh
Steve Janes Victor Pecore Sara Zeiger Robert Mintz
Amanda Kane Marissa Pio Roda Aaron Ziegel Alexander Nagel
Linda Kato Trisha Louise Prieto Kanwal Rehman
Aran Keating Marisa Pucci David Riley
Catherine Hiebert Kerst Monette Punzalan Erik Ropers
44 45AY 2020-21 Staff
Connie Rosemont Tiger Society ($250-$499) Cristina Packard Joanna Pecore, Director
Rachana Saurabh James Albrecht David Riley Nerissa Paglinauan, Program Manager
Dami Soh Schlobohm Denise & E.J. Benskin Kanji & Joyce Takeno
Shodekeh Talifero James Blum Nahid Tootoonchi & Farhad Heidarian Student Staff, Interns & Office Volunteers
Nahid Tootoonchi Kay & Dan Broadwater Niya Werts Amy Bollt
Kenneth Tsui Regina Carlow & Staci Robbins Mahlet Gebretsadik
Niya Werts Ock Kyung Lee Individual ($40 - $74) Laura Latis
Louise Miller & Gabriel Purviance Bonnie Allan Sabrina Mughal
Ex-officio Dwight Ong Ruben Ballesteros Dorian Smith
Regina Carlow, TU COFAC Dean
Maria Luisa Barata
Crane Club ($100-$249) John Benskin
AY 2020-21 Brungardt
Dyan Brasington & Victor Obringer Theresa Cancro
Farewell and
Jose & Esperanza Corvera Barbara Gruver
Endowment Donors Oscar & Ely Custodio Edwin Hirschmann
Henry & Linda Chen
Kunthary & Edmund de Gaiffier
Nelson & Nora De Lara
Kimberly & Michael Hopkins
Linda Kato Thank you!
Daphne Domingo Jinyoung Koh Sabrina Mughal
Anthony & Bonnie Montcalmo
Scott Elson Virgil & Nilda Ledesma
Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota
Frederick Galloway Sedonia Martin
Richard & Joanne Vatz
Douglas & Tsognie Hamilton Tracy Miller & Paul Arnest
Hiroshi Kiyota Claro Pio Roda
AY 2020-21 Members Myung Lee Lee Dorothy Proctor
Daisy & James McTighe Alan Shapiro
Maggie & Frederick Reitz
Dragon Circle ($1000+)
Jay Shiba Idealist ($25-39)
Robert Mintz & Beth Arman
Iris Shiroma Regalado Dizon
Alexander Nagel
Kevin & Maria Webb Stephen & Lo-An Fine
Connie Rosemont & Jon Greenberg
Stephen Wilson & Norma Kriger Catherine Hiebert Kerst
Yoshinobu & Kathleen Shiota
Amy Skillman
Dual/Family ($75-$99)
Phoenix Circle ($500-$999)
Fontaine & Ellen Bell
James Anthony
Janet Felsten & Andrew Lemer
Susan & Carl Behm
Nico Gozal & Randy Georgemiller
Fumiko Campbell Back cover image: Detail of “Sapphire Mountain Range Fit for an Emperor” and “Amethyst Mountain Range Fit for an Emperor”
by Phaan Howng from A Bag of Rocks for a Bag of Rice exhibition. Photo credit: Joseph Hyde. Layout: Mika J. Nakano
46 4748
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