updates - Asian Counseling and Referral Service

CapitalCAMPAIGN
Bringing Art into ACRS’ New Home
Arts Committee Members (clockwise from left) Carina A. del Rosario, Sue Kunimatsu, Linda Suyama,
Jocelyn Lui, Cora Edmonds and Mayumi Tsutakawa. Missing are Sholpan Belbayev, Michelle Kumata,
Miye Moriguchi, Glenn Mitsui, Ken Matsudaira and Gary Tang.
As construction workers dig deep
into the ground at Asian Counseling
and Referral Service’s building site, a
group of art lovers and ACRS
supporters are already working on
making the inside of ACRS’ new home
a beautiful and welcoming place for
the community.
ACRS’ volunteer Arts Committee
plans to raise $150,000 in order to
procure or commission original art for
ACRS’ new building, which will open
to 20,000 clients in 2008. One way it
will achieve this goal is through Art
Take Out!, and arts reception and
lottery scheduled for April 7, 2007,
to be held jointly at Azuma Arts
Gallery and Art Xchange on Seattle’s
First Avenue.
The arts reception and lottery will
be the only event of its kind in the
Asian Pacific American community
and is expected to attract some 200
art patrons and collectors. Lottery
tickets will be sold at $250 and $500
levels, allowing the ticket holder a
chance to choose from a selection of
donated art pieces.
“The arts reception and lottery will
be a wonderful way for artists and art
lovers alike to show their support of
ACRS,” said committee member Cora
Edmonds, who owns Art Xchange.
“We expect to display a beautiful range
of original pieces donated by local
artists.”
ACRS Capital Campaign Director
Elisa Del Rosario said, “In addition to
expanded space and facilities, it’s
important to include artwork and other
aesthetic elements to create an
environment where clients feel
welcome, comfortable, and even
inspired. We are committed to having
a place that reflects the cultures and
experiences of immigrants, refugees
and native-born Asian Pacific
Americans.”
8
Artwork commissioned or
procured for public spaces within
ACRS’ new home will showcase
contemporary works by local Asian
Pacific American artists, traditional
Asian/Pacific arts, and portraits of and
by ACRS’ clients. Many community
members seeking ACRS’ help are
experiencing turmoil in their lives
because of mental illness, addiction,
deteriorating physical health, violence,
joblessness or acculturation. Art for
the “quiet lobby” where they would
wait for their case managers will be
chosen to evoke a sense of calm and
peace. Near the activity center and
gym, artwork will represent the
diversity of the pan-Asian Pacific
American community in bold,
contemporary ways.
As part of its treatment services
and program activities, ACRS provides
opportunities for clients to practice
their traditional crafts and engage in
creative activities. Clients attest to the
importance of these activities in lifting
their depression and self-esteem.
Client-created art will be framed and
featured throughout the different parts
of the new building.
“Bringing art into our new home
is about beautifying the building, but
it’s also about visually representing
ACRS’ values,” Elisa said. “We’re
striving to create a space that
incorporates clients’ creativity with
the work of local Asian Pacific
American artists. By doing so we wish
to honor our community’s diverse
experiences and immense talents.”
For more information, contact Alice
McLean Barnes at 206-774-2462 or
aliceb@acrs.org