Japanese Gardens Symposium

Avid fans of Japanese gardens will have the opportunity to hear from experts from Japan and the United States at the International Association of Japanese Gardens Symposium Oct. 3-5 at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Ore.

The speakers and panelists will address topics ranging from the history and philosophy of Japanese gardens to maintenance and renovation.

Takenosuke Tatsui, director of the Garden Society of Japan, will give the keynote address.

Attendance is limited to 200 so advance registration is recommended; call (503) 464-8889, or e-mail pinewood@hevanet.com.

An ethnic seasonal celebration: Autumn festivals abound and if that’s your passion, put next Sunday on your calendar. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is staging a mid-autumn festival from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum in Seattle’s Volunteer Park.

Activities include crafts, music, Vietnamese storytelling and an exhibition of Vietnamese ceramics.

The event is among a full slate of fall activities at the museum. For a schedule and more information about the Autumn Festival, contact the Seattle Asian Art Museum, (206) 654-3100.

En pointe in Vancouver: Ballet British Columbia will stage an ambitious ‘96-‘97 season of programs of mixed repertoire; but the Vancouver dance troupe is also bringing in a couple of high-profile ballet companies for guest performances.

Cincinnati Ballet will perform, accompanied by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 11-15 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. The Ohio-based company will stage “The Nutcracker.”

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will perform “The Sleeping Beauty” March 4-8 in Vancouver.

Ballet Stars of the USA will perform mixed repertoire Jan. 23-25 and Les Grands Ballets Canadians performs mixed repertoire Oct. 4-5.

Ballet British Columbia performs Nov. 14-16 and will perform the world premiere of a full-length ballet “Boy Wonder” April 10-12.

Ticket information is available by calling (604) 732-5003.

, DataTimes