The art of ink is in the spotlight at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre.
The centre, at 6688 Southoaks Cres., is holding a preview exhibition leading up to its eighth annual BLOOM art auction on May 28.
This year’s fundraising auction, taking inspiration from the ink brush paintings of Takao Tanabe, is on the theme of ink. Traditional and contemporary artists and artisans have donated a host of work in diverse mediums, and visitors will be able to bid on more than 60 artists’ work.
The festivities on May 28 are set to run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tetsuro Shigematsu will MC the evening, which will include food, a DJ, a taiko performance and a live calligraphy performance, plus a sumie and calligraphy station – and, of course, a chance to bid on the art in question.
Artists taking part include Mariko Ando, Miki Dare, Lori Goldberg, Aya and Keith Ikeda-Barry, Cindy Mochizuki, Miyuki Sinkai, Sachi Yamabe, Teodora Zamfirescu and many, many more.
Tickets for the gala night are $25, or $20 for members.
You can find out more at centre.nikkeiplace.org/bloom2016 or call 604-777-7000 for more details.
HOPE CHESTS OPENING
Art lovers, if you haven’t checked out the new Hope Chests exhibition at Burnaby Art Gallery yet, this weekend would be a great chance to do so.
Artist Michiko Suzuki will be on hand at the gallery for a tour on Saturday, May 21 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Suzuki will walk guests through her solo exhibition – which features “hope chests” that represent the dreams of aspirations of eight young women from diverse cultures. She’ll talk about the stories and the influences behind her work.
And, don’t forget, the official opening reception is on Thursday, May 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Check out www.burnabyartgallery.ca for all the details.
STORYTELLERS GATHER
Celebrate the power of storytelling at the McGill branch of Burnaby Public Library.
The library hosts another storytelling circle on Sunday, May 29, running from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Community storytellers will share tales to celebrate Asian Heritage Month, and the event is open to everyone ages nine and up.
It’s free, but you have to register ahead at www.bpl.bc.ca/events or call 604-436-5400. If there’s space, walk-ins are welcome.
If you want to tell a story at a circle, be sure to email [email protected].
The McGill branch is at 4595 Albert St.
FIND SOME SUMMER READS
Get your bookshelves ready for summer at an upcoming Burnaby Public Library event.
The McGill branch (4595 Albert St.) is offering a Librarians’ Choice event on Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Librarians will share quick reviews of titles that you may want to pack for your next vacation, and you’ll also be able to enjoy tea and refreshments.
Sign up ahead at 604-299-8955 or www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
