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History and Highlights of KAAW


Since its inception in 1989, KAAW( the Korean-American Artists Association of Washington State) has been endeavoring for its professional development with activities seen in the highlights as follows:

  • 1989 KAAW was organized by the Korean immigrants with visual art background.
  • 1990 The first annual members' exhibition was held at the BJ Gallery, Federal Way, Washington.
  • 1991 The second annual members' exhibition was held at the Seattle Public Library in conjunction with the Library's Centennial celebration.
  • 1993 The third annual members' exhibition was held at the Korean Society in Seattle. Also by invitation of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, the members works were shown at Northgate Mall, Seattle.
  • 1994 The fourth annual members' exhibition was held at the Korean Society in Seattle with award winners works of the second annual student art competition which was organized by KAAW and sponsored by the Korea Times, Seattle. President was Hak Ki Han.
  • 1995 The fifth annual members' and the award winners' of third Student Art Competition exhibition was held at the Handforth Galley in Tacoma. The celebration of fiftieth Korean Independence Day took place at Meany Hall of University of Washington, KAAW was invited to exhibit their works. The third annual Student Art Competition was held at Gasworks Park in Seattle. President was Patsy In Suk Surh O'Connell.
  • 1996 The sixth annual members' and the award winners' of the fourth Student Art Competition exhibition was held at the Seafirst Gallery in downtown Seattle. The fourth Student Art Competition was held at Wright Park in Tacoma. The name of Student Art Competition was changed to Pacific NW Student Art Competition. President was Patsy In Suk Surh O'Connell
  • 1997 The seventh annual members' and the award winners' of the fifth Pacific NW Student Art Competition exhibition was held at Dimension Design Center in Bellevue. The fifth Pacific NW Student Art Competition was held at Volunteer Park, Seattle. President was Mr. In Sik Choi.
  • 1998 The eight annual members' and the award winners' of the sixth Pacific NW Student Art Competition exhibition was held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. The sixth Pacific NW Student Art Competition was held at Gasworks Park in Seattle. President was Hyun Sook Lee.
  • 1999 The ninth annual members' and the winners' of the seventh Pacific NW Student Art Competition exhibition was held at the American Art Company in Tacoma. The seventh Pacific NW Student Art Competition was held at the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma. President was Hyang Kim.
  • 2000 The tenth annual members' and the winners' of the eighth Pacific NW Student Art Competition exhibition was held at the Bank of America Gallery in Seattle from September 11 - October 20. The eighth Pacific NW Student Art Competition was held at the Seattle Center in Seattle, on June 10, 2000. President was Hyang Kim.
  • 2001 The eleventh annual members' and the winners' of ninth Pacific NW Student Art Competition exhibition was held at the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center in Seattle from October 1 – October 31. The ninth Pacific NW Student Art Competition was held at the Seattle Center in Seattle. President was Chung Youl Han.
  • 2002 The twelfth annual members' and the winners' of tenth Pacific NW Student Art Competition exhibition opening at the Friends Gallery in Lakewood Library, Lakewood from September 4 to September 28. The tenth Pacific NW Student Art Competition was held at Titlow Park in Tacoma. President was Kyung Lim Hong.
  • 2003 Due to change of the Officers were held late, we did not have the Annual Members' show. President elect was Esther Foerderer.
  • 2004 The Thirteenth members' show was held at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center during November 15 to December 29 at the former Tacoma Art Museum building.
    President was Mr. Sang Hoon Noh.
  • 2005 The First Pacific Northwest Art Competition and Fourteenth Members' show was held at the Seattle Artists Gallery from December 1 through 20, 2005.
    President was Jessica Kim.
  • 2006 The Fithteenth Members' show was held from November 18 through January 4, 2007 at the Handforth Gallery in Tacoma. President was Kyung Lim Hong.
  • 2007 Due to change of Officers were held late, we did not have the Annual Members' show. President elect was Patsy In Suk Surh O'Connell.
  • 2008 The Sixteenth Members' show was held from September 1 through 26 at the Daniel Smith Gallery in Seattle. President was Patsy In Suk Surh O'Connell.
  • 2009 The Seventeenth Members' show which include International Korean artists was held from October 1-31 at the New Dimensions Frame & Gallery in Bellevue.
    President was Patsy In Suk Surh O'Connell.
  • 2010 The 20th Anniversary Celebration / The Eighteenth Member's show / The 2nd Pacific Northwest Art Competition show was held from September 13 through October 22 at the Mercer View Gallery in Mercer Island Community Center.
    Korean Contemporary Art Invitation was held at Handforth Gallery of Tacoma.
    President was Jung Ho Kim.