ASIAN ARTS & CULTURE CENTER

Engage. Discover. Connect.

[asianartsblog]

SAVE THE DATE: Opening on September 9!

Exhibition

Encounter 해후(邂逅) by Myungsook Ryu Kim 류명수 (柳明秀)

September 9 – December 12 (closed October 23 and November 25-29)

Monday – Saturday 11 am – 4 pm

Asian Arts Gallery, Center for the Arts, Towson University. 1 Fine Arts Drive, Towson, MD 21204

Myungsook Ryu Kim reveals a world of harmonious connections across cultures, art, and life. She brilliantly merges classical East Asian art and philosophy with media techniques of the West. Through a profusion of colors, textures, and dimensions, the works explore change and impermanence, illuminate the interdependence of heaven and earth and humans and nature, interpret experience and spirituality, embrace the juxtaposition of poetry and painting, and celebrate Korean history.

Image: Forgotten Forest III by Myungsook Ryu Kim.

[asianartsblog]

Be Moved to Tears by Hirokazu Kore-eda's Multi-Award Winning Film

Like Father Like Son (そして父になる,Soshite Chichi ni Naru )

Saturday, July 18, 1pm

Towson University Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032

FREE Registration Required: https://www.bkscc.org/events/japan-film-program

A ten-minute standing ovation followed the premiere of Like Father Like Son at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Two couples—from different classes and with contrasting parenting styles—discover that their six-year-old sons were switched at birth and embark on journeys of soul-searching, impossible decisions, and coming to terms with the meaning of family. (color) Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. 120 minutes.

Hosted by and from the private collection of Reed Hessler, longtime host on WBJC.

Co-presented by the Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee,

TU College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean’s Office, and TU Asian Arts & Culture Center.

[asianartsblog]

Now on AA&CC's Greater Baltimore Asian Community History online resource: Updated Korean American Community History.

Watch/Hear/Read the Stories: https://www.towson.edu/.../baltimore.../korean-american/

Image: Tae Soon Lee talks to Der'eek Fields’ girlfriend, who is on speaker phone, as Fields checks out at Lee's Mini Market. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

[asianartsblog]

Now on AA&CC's Greater Baltimore Asian Community History online resource: Indian American Community History.

Watch/Hear/Read the Stories: https://www.towson.edu/.../baltimore.../indian-american.html

Image: Shaalini Desai of Laasya Academy. Photo by Siva Sottallu.

[asianartsblog]

Now on AA&CC's Greater Baltimore Asian Community History online resource: Updated Chinese American Community History.

Watch/Hear/Read the Stories: https://www.towson.edu/.../baltimor.../chinese-american.html

Image: Jerry Tsang, owner of Baltimore's Po Tung Oriental Grocery. Photo by Mike Morgan.

[asianartsblog]

The Asian Arts & Culture Center is pleased to share the Nepal America International Film Festival (NAIFF), taking place in Maryland from June 25–28, 2026.

Organized by the Nepal America Film Society, NAIFF showcases powerful and diverse films from Nepal, the United States, and around the world. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences for four days of cinema, conversation, and cultural exchange.

Supported by the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, Maryland State Arts Council, Maryland Humanities, Maryland Film Office, M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, and other community partners.

📍 Festival Venues: • AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Silver Spring • Greenbelt Cinema, Greenbelt • Brentwood Arts Exchange, Brentwood

🎟️ Learn more and purchase tickets: www.nafilmsociety.org

#NAIFF2026 #FilmFestival #MarylandArts #CulturalExchange #IndependentFilm

[asianartsblog]

Now on AA&CC's Greater Baltimore Asian Community History online resource: Afghan American Community History.

Watch/Hear/Read the Stories: https://www.towson.edu/.../baltimore.../afghan-american.html

Image: Nazifa, an Afghan refugee, spends time with her young grandchildren at her family's Baltimore apartment. (Mariam Alimi)

[asianartsblog]

K-Food Experience

The Art of Kimbap

Friday, May 29, 6:30 - 8pm

Motor House 

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989265344194?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for an engaging evening exploring the art and culture of kimbap with special guest chef and restaurateur Des So. Participants will hear stories about Korean cuisine, Des So’s journey building Korean food businesses in the DC area, enjoy a live kimbap-making demonstration, and take part in a delicious kimbap tasting experience. Small Korean souvenir giveaways will also be available for attendees! 

Kimbap is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, known for its balance of flavors, vibrant presentation, and versatility. Often enjoyed for picnics, travel, and family gatherings, kimbap reflects the creativity and warmth of Korean home-style cooking. Through this program, participants will learn more about Korean food culture, traditional ingredients, and the enduring popularity of this iconic dish.

Instructor, Des So (서대석), was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. in 1986. He studied Film/Video at Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) and has owned and operated more than thirty restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1992. So currently operates four restaurants in Washington, DC, including Soho Cafe & Market, Met Cafe the Venue, and Met Cafe Lite @ DOI. His restaurants feature breakfast and lunch cafeterias, catering, venues, events, and modern Asian + American cuisine.

Hosted by the Korean Cultural Center, Washington, DC.

[asianartsblog]

Closing Event

Asia North 2026

Wednesday, May 27. 5-9 pm

SNF Parkway Theatre

Celebrate the conclusion of Asia North 2026. Congratulate the artists featured in Shoes at the Door. Enjoy performances by Soul of Persia and the Sutradhar Dance Company. Conclude the evening with a selection of APIMEDA film shorts curated by filmmaker Zara Kahan. Performances curated by Kandi Wong. Hosted by Adrianna Morgan.

5:00 p.m.  Exhibit opens at the SNF Parkway Theatre and Currency Studio

PROGRAM AT THE SNF PARKWAY THEATRE

6:00p.m. Welcoming remarks 

6:15 p.m. Performance by Soul of Persia 

6:45 p.m. Performance by Sutradhar Dance Company  

7:30 p.m. Stay for Tea: An Asia North Short Film Showcase 

[asianartsblog]

Walk + Talkback

Queer Asian Artist Gallery Walk and Talkback

Thursday, May 21, 6 - 8pm

SNF Parkway Theatre 

Registration is encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asia-north-2026-queer-asian-gallery-walk-talkback-tickets-1986634089039

Join us for the Queer Asian Artist Gallery Walk and Talkback as part of the Asia North 2026 exhibition, Shoes at the Door.

This free event invites participants to reflect on how queerness and Asian identity intersect in our daily lives. Together, we will enjoy a gallery walk of the exhibition as shared experience, followed by a facilitated talkback and dialogue with several queer artists from the show: Riya Devi-Ashby, Anna Divinagracia, and AX Qin.

The gathering is open to all, with a special invitation to those who identify as queer, APIMEDA, and/or part of diasporic communities. Come as you are - no prior art experience needed - and be a part of a collective exploration! Refreshments will be provided.

[asianartsblog]

K-town Culture Day!

Sunday, May 17 (4-7:30pm)

FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://Baltimorekoreatown2026.eventbrite.com

4 - 4:30 pm: Walking Tour of Baltimore's Historic Koreatown. Meet at SNF Parkway Theatre entrance.

4:35 - 4:50 pm: Performances by Korean Culture & Art of Maryland

5 - 6:30 pm: Panel Discussion: The Past, Present, and Future of Baltimore Koreatown. SNF Parkway Theatre

6:30 - 7:30 pm: Reception with free Korean food and K-pop!

About the Panel Discussion:

Moderator: Jacqueline Shin, National Register Assistant at the Maryland Historical Trust

Panelists: Shauntee Daniels, Executive Director, Baltimore National Heritage Area; Phaan Howng, co-leader of Preserving Baltimore's Koreatown; Angela Ra, Communications and Strategic Policy Manager, Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; Matthew Lee, Founder/President & CEO, FASTech, Inc. & A-Tech Systems, Inc. and President, KoBE Government Contracting Alliance; Myung Hwa Shin, President, Korean Culture & Art of Maryland and Baltimore City business owner; Tae Wan Kim, 30-year Baltimore City business owner.

[asianartsblog]

Improv Comedy

A++ Improv Show

Friday, May 15. 9pm

Baltimore Improv Group

1727 N. Charles St

Baltimore, MD 21201

A++ is an independent improv comedy team based in Baltimore and comprised of all AAPI performers. Our improv shows explore cross-cultural traditions, finding a sense of belonging in diverse environments, and dealing with societal expectations. Our scenes are all made up on the spot based on your audience stories and our personal experiences.

[asianartsblog]

Social Hour

NAAAP Baltimore 2nd Thursdays AAPI Meet-Up

Thursday, May 14, 6-8 pm

SNF Parkway Theatre

$10 NAAAP Members, $15 Non-Members

Registration Required by May 11

Second Thursdays at Asia North: Strengthening Communities Together

Second Thursdays at Asia North: Strengthening Communities Together

In support of the theme for 2026's AAPI month, "Strengthening Communities Together," join us as we celebrate artists from the Baltimore area who are showcasing their work in the Asia North 2026 exhibit and strengthen our local community. Whether you are new to our community or already part of it, our event is welcome for all! Our Second Thursdays program brings together AAPI professionals and local leaders and provides further insights about upcoming events and opportunities. We look forward to having you join us!

[asianartsblog]

Generative Writing Workshop Minute Monologues Wednesday, May 20, 6 - 8pm SNF Parkway Theatre

Registration is Encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../minute-monologues-tickets... 

Limited to 20 participants.

Create and share 1-minute monologues inspired by the Shoes at the Door art exhibit at the SNF Parkway Theatre. In this workshop, participants will be invited to explore their imaginative responses to the artwork exhibited through a series of writing prompts to create original short monologues. Starting with a contemplation of the theme “hospitality” and its practice across cultural traditions, the workshop will culminate in a reading of the monologues generated over the course of the evening. Facilitated by Mohammad Rohaizad Suaidi, Adjunct Professor in Towson University’s Department of Theatre Arts.

[asianartsblog]

K-Movie Screening

Our Season 

Tuesday, May 19. 7-9 pm

SNF Parkway Theatre

REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/k-movie-screening-at-asia-notrh-our-season-tickets-1987700821665

A mother returns to the world for three days after her death to spend time with her daughter, sharing meals and heartfelt moments. Directed by Yook Sang-hyo, 2023. Hosted by the Korean Cultural Center, Washington, DC.

[asianartsblog]

Workshop

Born in Fire: Queer Asian Crafting 

Sunday, May 3, 3:30-5:30 pm

SNF Parkway Theatre

Hosted by: Hannah Shaw and Phyllis Zhu

Registration required at https://partiful.com/e/6JHRR1wTYAIsZ6OFapiE?c=8vXwCPLS

Limited to 15 spots.

The Year of the Fire Horse is here! What parts of you were shaped by passion or struggle and are ready to be expressed? Come collage, paint, and create with us in queer Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Desi American (APIMEDA) community. Make your own mini canvas and/or add to a collective piece - supplies included. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by Blueprint Cafe!

[asianartsblog]

Discover + Dine

Makan Pakai Tangan: The Art of Eating with Your Hands Monday, May 18. 6 - 8 p.m. Motor House

PURCHASE REQUIRED $20 TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/makan-pakai-tangan-the-art-of-eating-with-your-hands-tickets-1987842048077

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS

In this lecture-demonstration, participants will learn about the widespread tradition of eating with the hands, without the use of utensils, in maritime Southeast Asia. This geographical area, known since antiquity as Nusantara in the Javanese language, includes the modern nations of Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and the thousands of islands that make up Indonesia. Participants will get a “hands-on” opportunity to practice the art and etiquette of makan pakai tangan (eating with the hands) by sampling the Indonesian rice-based Nasi Tumpeng, a communal dish served and shared at special occasions.

Presented by Artharini (Artha Rini Indonesian Restaurant) and Mohammad Rohaizad Suaidi (Towson University).

Images: Artharini (left); Nasi Tumpeng photo by Bayu Syaits from Unsplash.com (right)