Seattle plays host to Buddhist works of art

When my brother was in the Peace Corps in Sri Lanka, he lived on the grounds of a Buddhist monastery. This perplexed our grandfather to no end, and he let it be known that Graham was not exactly setting the world on fire “playing hopscotch with the monks.” He thought young men ought to learn a trade.

Given that – plus his unwillingness to go much farther away from the farm than the day-old bread store in Hillyard – you probably couldn’t interest him in “Discovering Buddhist Art – Seeking the Sublime,” returning to the Seattle Asian Art Museum on Jan. 14.

Between you and me, though, I think it sounds fascinating.

The exhibit marks the reopening of the museum after shutting down in June to get a brand-spanking new roof. The 1933 art deco building was the original home of the Seattle Art Museum, which moves back in temporarily – like an underemployed college graduate – on Jan. 5.

SAM’s own construction project should come to an end in 2007, and let’s hope it picks up after itself and pitches in with groceries in the interim.

According to organizers, “Discovering Buddhist Art” is “designed to evoke new views and stimulate appreciation for the art and material culture of one of the world’s most widespread religions.”

Ninety pieces of sculpture, painting, ritual implements and textiles illustrate Buddhist artistic expression in India, China, Tibet, Korea, Thailand and Japan over 2,200 years.

Two standing Buddha sculptures, one from seventh-century China and another from 12th-century Japan, supervise the first gallery.

Another exhibit making its debut Jan. 14 welcomes Chinese painting back to the museum after 15 years.

“The Orchid Pavilion Gathering: Chinese Painting from the University of Michigan Museum of Art” runs through April 2. It features works from the Ming and Ch’ing dynasties.

For more information, call (206) 654-3100 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org.

Czech it out

While you’re still feeling artsy and international, head to Tacoma.

Really. I’m serious.

“Czech Glass, 1945-1980: Design in the Age of Adversity” takes up residence at the Museum of Glass from Jan. 18 to June 18.

Communists considered abstract art decadent, so after World War II many Czech painters and sculptors – disinclined to crank out “realistic” depictions of happy factory workers – turned to applied arts, especially glassmaking.

The government didn’t seem to mind or perhaps didn’t notice, and Czech artists became known for their appropriation of glass as a means of reclaiming their freedom of expression.

The Museum of Glass’ exhibit represents the largest assembly of postwar Czech glass in the United States. And another display reflects the ongoing influences of today’s Czech artists.

Karen LaMonte studied glass casting at the Czech Republic’s Pelechov studio on a Fulbright fellowship, and her life-sized glass dresses appear in “Absence Adorned,” through Sept. 4.

LaMonte’s sculptures require two molds, one for the human form and one for the garment draped upon it. The technique creates an inner cavity, allowing light to flow through the work.

And since you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss Dale Chihuly’s “Bridge of Glass,” a 500-foot pedestrian tunnel between the museum and downtown Tacoma.

Museum of Glass admission runs $10 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military personnel, students and children.

Find out more at www.museumofglass.org or (253) 284-4750.

Snow birds

The North Cascades Institute isn’t afraid of a little winter weather, and it’s giving you a bunch of opportunities to prove how rugged you are, too.

In its ongoing effort to inspire you to feel closer to nature, the Sedro Woolley-based organization will kick off the new year with a three-day survey of the area around LaConner, Wash., Jan. 14 to 16.

“Skagit Delta Naturalists Retreat: Lowlands, Rich Lands” sets you up with biologists and conservationists to study the delta’s water fowl, fish and farmland. Each morning, you’ll take a field trip to explore winter ecology, delta habitats, land use and successful conservation efforts.

The $295 tuition also covers dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights.

The institute wants you to get acquainted with a few more birds, too.

“Bald Eagles and Salmon of the Skagit River” on Jan. 7 sends you off with a naturalist to watch America’s favorite bird going about its business. And “Winter Birds of the Skagit and Samish Deltas” covers the life and times of a whole flock of species, including shorebirds, snow geese, hawks and falcons, on Jan. 21.

Each day trip costs $65.

There’s more in February: “Water Birds of Bellingham Bay,” “White Birds of Winter” and “Trumpeter Swans: Energy and Conservation.”

You can get the lowdown by calling (360) 856-5700, ext. 209 or visiting www.ncascades.org.

Regional events

“MAGIE MT Agricultural and Industrial Expo, Jan. 19-21, Great Falls. Exhibitors from the Pacific Northwest, Montana, the Dakotas and Canada bring their combines, tools and other stuff to Montana’s largest farm and ranch trade show. ( www.visitmt.com, 406-761-7600)

“Seeley Lake Area Winterfest, Jan. 20-29, Seeley Lake, Mont. The annual event gets under way with a parade and Christmas tree bonfire. There’s also snow sculptures, snowmobiles, dog sleds, cross-country skiing, snowshoe clinics, an arts and crafts fair, fireworks and (best of all) Dessertfest. ( www.visitmt.com, 406-677-2880)

“McCall Winter Carnival, Jan. 27-Feb. 5, McCall, Idaho. For more frolicking in the snow, check out McCall’s snow sculptures, Mardi Gras-themed parade, children’s activities and musical entertainment. ( www.visitidaho.org, 800-260-5130)