Kawasaki Archives - Baltimore Sister Cities

Asia North 2023: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community

May 5 – June 5 | Asia North Exhibition+Festival

Celebrate Baltimore’s Charles North (Station North Arts District) neighborhood’s constantly evolving identities as a Koreatown, arts district, and creative hub. Co-produced by Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership.

Program includes:

May 5-June 3: TRANSition/TRANSformation/TRANScendence” Asia North Exhibition at The Parlor and Motor House
May 5: Asia North Opening event, 5-9pm at Motor House and The Parlor
May 6, 19, 20: Special improv events at Baltimore Improv Group
May 11: Social Hour NAAAP Baltimore Kong Pocha
May 12: Discover & Dine Kamayan Feast
May 13: Makers Market Asia North 2023
May 13: Short Film Screening + Discussion: Alex El Dahdah’s “Āh”
May 20-21: Three Patterns at the Bank (tickets required). Opening Party & After Party on May 20; Closing Event on May 21
June 1: LGBTQIA(sian): Staged Readings of Queer Asian Plays at The Parlor
June 2: Closing Event Asia North 2023
June 3: Walking Tour: Historic Koreatown Food & Landmarks (registration required), Presented with the Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee and Korean American Foundation – Greater Washington

See full program and details on Asian Arts & Culture Center events page.

Presented by Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership. With participation and support from Baltimore Sister Cities’ Asian committees (Changwon, South Korea; Kawasaki, Japan; Xiamen, China).

Towson University Asian Arts and Culture Center

May 20-21 / Three Patterns: Exhibition & Performances

Three Patterns’ is a noir-esque reflection on balance and nature. Told as three stories inspired by eastern mythology and traditions.

Three Patterns is divided into three stories: ”Possessed,“ “The Sacred Hex,” and “Hellbound” which includes themes of Suffering Ritual and Spirituality. The exhibition will feature 13 photo prints, 2 works of Japanese calligraphy also known as ”Shodo,“ and 3 performances on the opening night of May 20, 2023. The entire exhibition includes 11 artists from New York, Baltimore, Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and more. These artists from different cultures have collaborated with each other to present a diverse and innovative exhibition curated by OTS Productions. Through the use of photography, calligraphy, performance, art, music, Three Patterns serves as a prequel from last year’s Baltimore exhibition “Hellbound: Dancing With The Spirits“ and the completion to a story that is inspired by Chinese and Japanese mythology and Buddhism.

Exhibition location: The Bank, 1901 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218
Exhibition opening & performances: May 20, 6:30-10:30pm ET.
After Party: with DJ Fundad at The Crown, 1901 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218
Exhibition: May 21, 1-5pm ET Admission is free.
Closing Event: May 21, 1pm ET.

Admission is free but tickets are required.

More information, and to register: Eventbrite page

Part of the 2023 edition of the Asia North Arts Festival.

Curated by OTS Productions. Sponsored / Funded by: MSAC Creativity Grant, Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee, T. Rowe Price Foundation. In partnership with: Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center, Central Baltimore Partnership, Station North Arts District, Red Bull, the Crown.

Exhibition poster with list of artists in the exhibit, location and event dates, list of sponsors and partners with logos

Apr 1 / Hanami: Baltimore’s Cherry Blossom Picnic

Join us for the annual Hanami picnic hosted by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee

Hanami community picnic in Baltimore - girl with kites by trees with cherry blossoms, and people sitting on blankets under cherry blossokm trees enjoying their picnics.

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 2-4pm ET
Location: Fort McHenry Park, 2400 E. Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230
Admission: Free. Bring your own picnic.
More information & to register: Eventbr ite page

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms in full bloom with a picnic under the cherry trees. Fort McHenry park has two lovely groves of cherry trees for us to relax under. Bring your blanket, a picnic lunch, and cultural curiosity. Baltimore-Kawasaki committee members will be ready with some extra Japanese finger foods and tea.

You can park in the Fort McHenry parking lot and walk through the Visitor’s Center to reach the East Lawn Cherry Tree Grove. Beer and sake are allowed as per park rules. We anticipate good weather but, rain or shine, we will be present. And bring your camera for blossom selfies. The event is free but please register.

Organized by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC)

Ryokucha Japanese Tea Tasting Workshop, preceding Hanami

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 12-2pm ET
Location: McHenry Row Conference Center, 1215 E. Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230
More information & to purchase tickets: Eventbrite page

Nippon Motion hosts a Ryokucha Workshop with Japanese Green Tea. Learn about loose-leaf, matcha, and ready-to-drink tea. Sample over 10 authentic varieties. Receive a Japanese-made yunomi (ceramic tea cup). This is a great opportunity for both beginners and existing fans of Japanese tea to expand their knowledge and get first-hand experience with the world of Ryokucha!

The Ryokucha Workshop takes place near Fort McHenry Park, so attendees of the Ryokucha Workshop can come join the Hanami event in McHenry Park after the workshop.

Organized by Nippon Motion. Co-promoted by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC).

Go ahead and plan a great day of Japanese culture — start with a Ryokucha Workshop from 12-2pm and head over to the Hanami picnic from 2-4pm. Wonderful scents, sights, and tastes!